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NPR's Melissa Block talks with Fred Child, host of NPR's Performance Today, about the music of American composer Amy Beach. In her time, Beach was the most-performed American composer. Child shares the story of her musical life and selections from two of her longer works, the Piano Concerto and the Gaelic Symphony.

John McCormack was one of the greatest, most versatile singers of the last century. Not only did the Irish tenor sing famous folk songs like "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," he also was a much-admired opera singer. Commentator Miles Hoffman and NPR's Bob Edwards offer a special St. Patrick's Day retrospective of McCormack's career. Hear samples of Irish folk songs performed by McCormack.

Around 60 Illinois State University student-athletes have secured endorsement deals during the first year they could use their name, image or likeness for financial gain.

In his career as a Republican political consultant, commentator Jay Bryant had a lot of experience with going negative in a campaign - and he'd like to pass along some of what he learned. Jay Bryant writes online at theoptimate.com.

NPR's Matt Hackworth reports on an archaeologist in Chicago using volunteers and a Web site to help recover artifacts missing from Iraq's National Museum.

Health officials are concerned about the new popularity of using ultrasound technology for prenatal portraits. The Food and Drug Administration warns that this non-medical use is both inappropriate and potentially harmful to fetal development. NPR's Debbie Elliott reports.

Sen. John McCain reflects on the current situation in Iraq. McCain argues that the current situation in Iraq is, for most Americans, their first experience of the brutality of war. Despite the deaths of U.S. servicemen, though, it's vital that the U.S. stays the course In Iraq and makes their sacrifice worthwhile. McCain's new book is called Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life.

The CIA and other intelligence agencies were too slow to recognize and describe the threat posed by al Qaeda, and failed to warn other government agencies properly, according to findings by the Sept. 11 commission. But CIA Director George Tenet and FBI Director Robert Mueller warn some of the panel's proposed reforms might make things worse. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

Gun battles continue to mar the cease-fire between U.S. Marines and insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq. The sporadic violence has reportedly led some Marine commanders to becoming impatient with political efforts to defuse the situation. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and KPBS reporter Eric Niiler.

The Bush administration reiterates its intentions to follow the planned Iraq policy and public hearings on Sept. 11 focus on law enforcement and government structure. NPR's Robert Siegel talks to E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and David Brooks of The New York Times.