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A Northeastern University study shows the United States is now more dependent on immigrant workers than at any time in the last century. Half of all new workers in the last decade came from other countries. NPR's Andy Bowers reports.

North Korea's announcement that it is disabling U.N. monitoring devices at a plutonium plant raises new fears about the nation's nuclear arms intentions. But South Korea's newly elected president vows to persist in efforts to improve relations with the North. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

It's a yearly ritual: Christmas tree vendors arrive from Canada to set up shop on the sidewalks of New York City. They're a bit dazzled by some aspects of the big city -- like the sky-high rent -- but they're also warmed by unusual acts of kindness from the locals. Jon Kalish reports.

Ten of the country's largest investment banks agreed this week to pay about $1.4 billion in fines to settle charges that their stock research was tainted by conflicts of interest. Their next move will be to hire independent analysts to perform the research function. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva takes over as president of Brazil, hosting a "people's party." The former union leader who goes by the name "Lula" is the first person from the working classes to head the government in the sprawling South American nation. Hear more NPR's Renee Montagne and reporter Amy Radill.

Two remote islands in the Solomons chain are struggling to recover from Cyclone Zoe, described as the most fierce tropical storm ever seen in the South Pacific. A rescue vessel is on the way with 12 tons of rice and other supplies. Hear more from NPR's Renee Montagne and reporter Phil Mercer in Sydney, Australia.

The tight race for a U.S. Senate seat from South Dakota -- won by Sen. Tim Johnson, the Democratic incumbent -- shows the growing power of Native American voters on both parties. Brian Bull of South Dakota Public Radio reports.

The creators of the offbeat comedy Being John Malkovich have a new film out: Adaptation. Nicolas Cage stars as a screenwriter who struggles to adapt a non-fiction book into a screenplay. Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper also play key roles. Pat Dowell reports.

The Bush administration presents a new defense strategy to Congress and warns the U.S. is prepared to use "overwhelming force" -- including nuclear arms -- if an enemy uses chemical or biological weapons. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

More than a year after letters containing anthrax spores were sent to Capitol Hill, the postal facility that processed those letters is still contaminated. But a cleanup is under way. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.