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Some African-Americans say that a Florida law preventing convicted felons from voting has kept non-felons from voting, too. They say that in some cases, people who have never been arrested were turned away from the polls, and that others stayed away to avoid being falsely accused. NPR's Phillip Martin reports from Miami.

Earlier this week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that an employer's failure to provide insurance coverage for prescription contraceptives, when it covers other prescription drugs and devices, constitutes unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the ruling applies to the specific case, which was brought by two nurses, health advocates are seeking to make the ruling much broader. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

NPR's Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem reports a U.S. led commission of inquiry into the ten weeks of Israeli-Palestinian violence began its work today, holding separate meetings with Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The head of the commission, former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, says the group will seek ways to reduce the violence and bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.

NPR's David Welna reports from Tallahassee, where the Republican-controlled Florida House of Representatives has approved its own slate of presidential electors. Today was the nominal deadline for states to name its electors, who will vote on the 18th for president. Democrats in the Sunshine State argue that the GOP is attempting to "hijack" the election. But Republicans say that they are going forward to insure that Florida does not lose its say in the Electoral College.

Dmae Roberts reports on The 12th Avenue Street Sign Project, in Portland, Oregon, which consists of 52 signs that develop a written narrative about a young girl on a journey. The story references topography, landmarks and landscape as well as historical facts that have influenced and created the local neighborhoods. The first word of each sign can be seen from a car, but to get the full story people have to be on foot.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will have to postpone a major grant to Tanzania. The fund is uncertain about where the government intends to keep the money, and its use may be at odds with the organization's grant-giving policies. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports. (3:40)

Over the past five years, Maverick Construction founder Michael McNally has seen revenues grow tenfold and even in the current economic slump, sales are up about 20 percent over last year. Still, McNally is feeling cautious about the future -- and he's not alone. NPR's Chris Arnold reports.

Los Angeles' new police chief, William Bratton, faces his first major test as the city's murder rate hits a six-year high. The African-American community demands an end to the violence, yet urges the LAPD to exercise restraint as it increases neighborhood patrols. NPR's Andy Bowers reports.

Two groups are seeking to promote a better public understanding of who controls media outlets and how the media is regulated by the government. It's an exercise in "media literacy" carried out by The Action Coalition for Media Education and The Alliance for a Media Literate America. Paul Ingles reports.

Some of the nation's largest retailers demand that consumer Web sites stop posting confidential information about upcoming sales. The case is raising questions about freedom of speech and the Internet. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.