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Iraq may be wracked by sectarian tensions, but many in the country still share one thing: a passion for soccer. Most Iraqi fans, however, are being shut out of the World Cup tournament that is driving the world wild. The cost for satellite coverage is about $200.

Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" is an anthem to American roots. It was written by a foreigner and required white classical musicians to respect Black spirituals and Native American music.

In 1977, two young women on a cross-country bike trip were brutally attacked in an Oregon state park. Strange Piece of Paradise by Terri Jentz, one of the victims, chronicles her search to find out why no one was ever charged in the crime — and to repair her fractured self.

Homeland Security's inspector general criticizes a database of places designated by states as being vulnerable to terrorist attack. The list includes such apparently frivolous entries as an insect zoo and a popcorn factory. Indiana is listed as having 50 percent more critical assets than New York.

The man who claimed responsibility for the bloody Beslan school siege is dead, according to the Russian government. Officials say Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev was killed as he was planning an attack to coincide with this week's G8 summit in St. Petersburg.

New projections for the federal deficit show that the amount of money the government will spend this fiscal year is about $300 billion more than it will take in. That's better than the $400 billion the White House predicted six months ago. President Bush immediately took credit for the improvement, but some Democrats question his math.

Mexico will choose a new President on Sunday. While the historic vote is important for Mexico, it will also have big implications for the United States. On the right, Felipe Calderon could be a close ally, and he's already promised to act as a counterweight to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez.

Calling North Korea's missile tests a provocative act, President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pledge that the United States will rely on six-party talks to deal with the issue. Over the past 24 hours, Pyongyang has gotten the world's attention, as North Korea launched up to seven missiles.

The Senate opens a new debate over stem-cell research, as three bills are under consideration. One would overturn President Bush's restrictions on research. The president is expected to use his veto power for the first time if that bill passes. The other two bills are expected to pass.

The U.S. offensive against Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah continues, as the insurgency launches attacks elsewhere in the country. U.S. commanders say they control 80 percent of the city, and troops are pushing southward through the city amid frequent firefights. NPR's Anne Garrels reports.