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U.S.-led special operations troops in Iraq free four Western hostages who had been kidnapped in April. Although few details were available about the operation, a security source said three Italians and a Pole were released in a raid 11 miles south of Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez said a number of men were captured during the raid. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Emily Harris.

Democrats say the leaked Supreme Court draft decision may erode more than abortion access. The leak also ups the attention on midterms. Moscow agrees to open a humanitarian corridor for civilians.

President Bush says George Tenet has resigned as CIA director for "personal reasons" and will leave the spy agency next month. Tenet has been under intense fire for intelligence failures in Iraq. His deputy will lead the agency temporarily until a successor is found. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

Authorities now say that all the missing from the collapse in Changsha had been accounted for, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Attorney General John Ashcroft says the United States is in danger of being "hit hard" by the al Qaeda terrorist organization, noting intelligence suggesting a looming attack. Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller drew new attention to photos of seven suspected al Qaeda operatives at a news conference prompted by what Ashcroft called "a clear and present danger." NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

Long-steeped in a Southern tradition of fried delights, the people of Arkansas are saying no more. The state, from its schoolrooms to the governor's mansion, is taking an honest look at its weight problem and coming up with innovative ways to cut the fat.

The U.S. military suspends offensive operations in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. The move is part of a deal, brokered by Shiite leaders, to have insurgent cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdraw his militia from the besieged city. Sadr's fighters have suffered heavy casualties in recent clashes with U.S. forces. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

A new study shows that women who regularly take aspirin may be less likely to get breast cancer. The findings confirm previous research, but goes further by pinpointing why this common painkiller -- but not other painkillers -- has a beneficial effect. The study's results are in the latest Journal of the American Medical Association. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

All Things Considered book reviewer Alan Cheuse offers his annual list for summer reading, with book suggestions from a mix of genres.

Urban legends about the origins of fast-food chicken, or what might be living in the New York City sewer system, have always fascinated kids -- and commentator Jake Halpern. But when his laptop burst into flames spontaneously, he realized that he had his own story that was too fantastic ever to be believed. Jake Halpern is the author of the book Braving Home.