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Preparations are underway for Medicare, the program for the elderly, to launch a new prescription drug benefit in 2006. Meanwhile, Medicaid -- the federal and state program for the poor -- takes center stage in what's expected to be a major budget fight. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.

Comic book legend Will Eisner died Monday at the age of 87. The artist was best known for his Sunday strip The Spirit, but most may recognize his style from the buxom ladies he painted on the nose of fighter planes in World War II. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne.

Overweight "couch potatoes" burn fewer calories a day because they sit more than their naturally lean counterparts, who tend to be more fidgety and restless, a new study shows. The findings suggest small changes in daily activity could have a major impact on weight loss.

When Americans think of race relations, they tend to think of the experiences and history of people of color. But what about the concept of "whiteness" in American society?

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reads from listeners' letters. Listeners commented on the Chrisitian beliefs of America's Founding Fathers, volunteering and digital photography's role in the current scrapbooking craze.

A new biography tells the story of Dare Wright, whose popular Lonely Doll children's books reflected her own troubled childhood. Jean Nathan discusses Dare's life with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Pérez died on Friday at age 67. In a career that spanned over four decades, Pérez's meticulous pencil was behind some of the biggest comic book heroes.

In an expected vote in the Senate Wednesday, 30 of the 45 Democrats plan to oppose the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales as the next attorney general. Democrats accuse Gonzales of having played a leading role in providing legal grounds for the torture of foreign detainees.

The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales' nomination as attorney general. Committee Democrats are expected to focus on Gonzales's role in drafting controversial memos that redefined torture. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.

A grounded freighter continues to spill heavy fuel oil into a pristine Alaskan wildlife area as poor weather conditions hurt cleanup efforts. Six people remain missing. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports.