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NPR's Linda Gradstein reports from Israel where Prime Minister Ehud Barak bowed to pressure from world leaders and postponed his threat of full military engagement in the on-going conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The riots that began 12 days ago and escalated in gun-battles and mob violence that have left at least 88 dead and thousands wounded. (

(Update) Weeks of violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have sparked a resurgence by the Israeli right. Ariel Sharon, the right-wing leader whose visit to a contested holy site set off the current conflict, may even be invited to join the government. NPR's Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem.

NPR's Robert Smith reports from Seattle on the decision by principals at several suburban schools to restrict the delivery of flowers, balloons, and other gifts to students during the school day. At homecoming, Valentine's Day, prom, and graduation, the large volume of deliveries has become a nuisance to school employees and a distraction to students.

The major party candidates for president returned to campaigning in swing states today after holding their third and final debate last night in St. Louis. Both camps treated today's events as victory rallies, claiming their man had the upper hand last night. NPR's Anthony Brooks has the latest on the Gore camp, and NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on the Bush campaign.

Iran's foreign minister is in Baghdad for a seriesof meetings with Iraqi officials. Iran and Iraq are hoping to resolve anumber of issues resulting and left over from their eight-year war and willalso tackle more recent disagreements. Scott speaks with New YorkTimes reporter Elaine Sciolino. She is author of the book, Persian Mirrors, The Elusive Face of Iran.

The major party candidates have spent the fall competing for the votes of the political center. That means concentrating on issues with broad appeal rather than on the more controversial positions of their respective parties. But it leaves activists on both the left and right feeling uninspired by the Democratic and Republican nominees, longing to hear more about their favorite subjects. NPR's Anthony Brooks reports.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports on the AARP's new identity. The American Association of Retired Persons is trying to realign its image with that of the aging baby boomers. Suddenly, post 50 is looking more active and more engaged with the world. But some members worry that the AARP is ignoring older retirees whose lifestyles and attitudes don't necessarily fit with those of the boomers. (

The USS Cole was crippled by a terrorist attack half a world away, but the emotional damage is being felt hardest in its port of origin. NPR's Mary Ann Akers reports from Norfolk Virginia where families of the servicemen on the destroyer converged on the Navy base to receive news of their loved ones.

N-P-R's Andy Bowers reports from St. Louis, Missouri where presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush met last night for their final debate before next month's election. The two candidates are nearly even in the polls, but it doesn't look like last night's debate will tip the scales.

Theresa Schiavone of Colorado Public Radio reports on the play "Tantalus." The marathon-length Greek drama begins in Denver this weekend and is scheduled to travel to London in January. While 3 days of metered verse might be too much for some people, the producers of "Tantalus" say the drama's themes are still contemporary. They hope a more modern script will hold the audience's attention.