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Trial lawyers in Texas are fighting a different kind of legal battle, opposing legislative efforts to cap awards in medical malpractice cases. Though some research indicates otherwise, doctors insists limits on awards keep health insurance rates down. NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports.

The Federal Trade Commission offers consumers relief from annoying telemarketer calls. It's a new, national do-not-call list. The action follows an unprecedented number of consumer complaints about unwanted calls. But the telemarketing industry is complaining and threatening a lawsuit. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

State budget problems in Missouri signal drastic cuts in education, prisons and social services. Missouri eliminated some sales taxes in economic "boom years" of the 1990s. Now Democratic Gov. Bob Holden seeks to eliminate some corporate tax breaks. NPR's Greg Allen reports.

Federal agents search P-Tech, a data management firm in Quincy, Mass., seeking evidence of ties to terrorist organizations. P-Tech is a computer contractor for the U.S. military and various U.S. agencies with inside access to valuable data. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Wall Street Journal reporter Glenn Simpson.

Though the U.S. unemployment rate has climbed abruptly to 6 percent, plenty of jobs are going unfilled. Employers can't find enough trained workers to fill medical positions and many other skilled jobs. NPR's David Molpus reports.

The Justice Department investigates a deal between the country's two largest alternative newspaper chains, Village Voice Media and New Times Media. Some experts say the chains may have violated federal antitrust laws by dividing up the Los Angeles and Cleveland markets. NPR's Laura Sydell reports.

Can abortion clinics use federal anti-rackeering laws to sue opponents of abortion rights whose protests turn violent? The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a test case that could resolve the issue. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.

Former Vice President Al Gore announces he won't seek the White House in 2004. That leaves the race for the Democratic nomination for president wide open, and the focus shifts to other Democrats considering a presidential campaign. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.

Ten major brokerage firms will pay fines totaling $1.4 billion to settle government conflict-of-interest allegations related to investment advice. The firms also agree to alter investment advice policies. Critics are skeptical the remedies will work, and private lawsuits remain. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

This year's final Senate election takes place in Louisiana, where voters must decide whether to award Democrat Mary Landrieu another term, or elect Republican challenger Suzanne Terrell. It's a tight race and President Bush has campaigned heavily for Terrell. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.