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An organism similar to viruses that cause measles and mumps may be behind a global outbreak of a new form pneumonia, known as SARS. World health officials also report it looks like the disease is on its way to containment. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.

U.S. officials report an increase in underground tunnels discovered along the U.S.-Mexico border. Drug traffickers and immigrant smugglers are digging elaborate passageways in attempts to evade tighter border enforcement. One tunnel per year used to be the average, but since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 10 passageways have been discovered. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.

California is fighting a costly battle against an industrial chemical that has leaked into the state's groundwater. The state suggests even tiny amounts of perchlorate are worrisome, but other say there's little evidence of illness. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports in the first of a two-part series.

Mr. Stubbs (his tail was bitten off years ago) was taken in by the Phoenix Herpetological Society. There, The Arizona Republic reports, an orthopedic care specialist realized a silicone tail could be designed for him. Now, Mr. Stubbs sports a $6,000 prosthetic.

Workers are moving into a new circular building with a lot of glass doors. Some employees who walk while looking down at their phones have been ramming into the doors, according to reports.

David Hecht reports that an obscure civil war in the west African nation of Senegal has escalated in recent months. Rebels are fighting for independence in the southern province of Casamance; an upsurge in fighting since last summer has left hundreds dead. There is resentment in the Casamance that Senegal's central government is neglecting the region; the rebels also have a unique justification for their fight: they claim Senegal has no right to rule the Casamance because it still belongs to former colonial power France.

Who's got it better in life, kids or adults? A group of fourth-graders in New Jersey did some serious reporting on this topic and sent us their findings as a part of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge.

David Hecht reports that rebel forces in Sierra Leone moved into the capital, Freetown, today. It is unclear who is in control of the city, but so far a Nigerian-led regional force defending the government has offered almost no resistance. The rebels have been joined by virtually the entire Sierra Leonean army, which overthrew the elected president in 1997, only to be ousted by the Nigerians a year ago. Fighting has continued since then.

-- David Hecht reports that on Sunday, the West African nation of Senegal holds its parliamentary elections. During President Clinton's recent visit to the nation, a White House official described Senegal as a "brisk and vigorous" democracy. However, the ruling Socialist Party has won every election since its established independence from France in 1960, and this Sunday is expected to be no different. Critics say the Socialist Party's perpetual rule raises questions about the country's democracy.

The CDC says it's safe to dress your chickens up for Halloween. This comes after a news outlet reported a salmonella outbreak and said dressing a chicken in a costume could spread harmful bacteria.