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From Jerusalem, Laurie Neff reports on a new Israeli airstrike in Lebanon's Bekaa (beh-KAH) Valley, as a major debate on the wisdom of Israel's occupation of a "security zone" in southern Lebanon reaches a crescendo. The debate began in the wake of a helicopter crash in which 73 Israelies died. Some critics now say that the government should withdraw the troops it has maintained in Southern Lebanon since 1978. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to a withdrawal; many, including some from his own party, believe occupation of the Lebanese border area is no longer worth the cost in Israeli lives.

NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports from Moscow that Russian police are rounding up and harassing hundreds of ethnic Chechens in the Russian capital in the wake of last month's attack on a Moscow theater by Chechen gunmen. There have also been acts of violence against Chechen residents of the city. Some one hundred twenty Russians died in the theater siege, most when Russian special forces pumped incapacitating gas into the building to disable the hostage takers.

NPR's David Kestenbaum reports that another strong substance may have been mixed with the powerful narcotic gas pumped into a Moscow theater held by Chechen rebels last week. Russian health officials have detected traces of the anesthetic Halothane in the bodies of rescued hostages, but it's unclear whether pending test results will be made public. More than one hundred hostages died from the gas.

The Mississippi legislature has taken up legislation that would reform business liability law in the state. Lawmakers are reacting to accusations that Mississippi has become a magnet for liability litigation. Proponents of the legislation say reform would save businesses millions in court costs every year; opponents say it will only help rich corporations. NPR's David Molpus reports from Mississippi.

Vocational education programs such as shop and auto repair have disappeared from school offerings in recent years. But Ukiah High School north of San Francisco still has a wood shop, allowing students to experiment with hand tools and learn basic skills. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

The latest James Bond film, Die Another Day made a reported $47 million at the box office over the weekend. If your $8.50 was among those millions, you saw Pierce Brosnan in the starring role. And if you watched closely, you also might also have caught a glimpse Richard Cohen -- an experienced fencer brought in as an extra. Richard Cohen is the author of then new book BY THE SWORD: A History of Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai, Swashbucklers, and Olympic Champions. (Random House)

Archaeologists believe they may have identified the first people in the Western Hemisphere who knew how to write. The Olmec people, who lived in what is now southern Mexico, left behind the carving of a single bird that researchers say may be a clue to an entire language. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

Black Entertainment Television plans to cut two of its regular news programs by the end of December. Viewers and critics are concerned that the decision will further diminish BET's service to blacks. Network officials say BET is not getting out of the news business. NPR's Laura Sydell reports.

The head of the Boston Archdiocese meets with Vatican officials in Rome, while in Boston there are new calls for his resignation. Cardinal Bernard Law's trip follows revelations claiming he overlooked charges of priestly sexual misconduct longer than previously thought. NPR's Michele Norris talks with John Allen, Vatican correspondent with National Catholic Reporter.

Adding to a tense standoff centered on its nuclear ambitions, North Korea tells the United Nations it wants surveillance cameras removed from a nuclear plant it intends to reopen. China may be asked to play a diplomatic role in the evolving crisis. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.