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Jan. 1, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Led by a young Fidel Castro, the revolution wrenched power from the American-backed Batista regime. Today, Cuba remains the only communist nation in the Western hemisphere, making Castro one of the most polarizing figures of modern times. NPR's Tom Gjelten, who spent decades reporting on Cuba, takes a look back.

President Obama is pushing hard for a consensus on health care legislation before Congress adjourns for the summer. That goal, however, has already hit a snag — a report issued Thursday by the Congressional Budget Office that says none of the health reform proposals floated so far will achieve his goal of curbing the skyrocketing rate of health care costs.

The big question tonight in Baghdad is whether Saddam Hussein is on his way to the gallows. There were reports today that U.S. forces had turned the former dictator over to Iraqi authorities. That was not supposed to happen until just before Saddam's execution.

A recent report on the rise of young black males being killed in the U.S. continues to raise concern among youth, parents and community leaders. Some say the findings reflect a much larger problem, the failure of society on many levels. A roundtable of people directly affected by violence, including two moms whose sons were killed, share their perspective on the crisis.

Five of the most prominent detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, say they want to plead guilty to plotting the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Carol Rosenberg, a reporter for the Miami Herald, who is covering the hearings, offers her insight into the case.

Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward talks about FBI Deputy Director W. Mark Felt, the secret source that helped him break the Watergate story.

The new interim Iraqi Prime Minister announces the formation of a new security force to try to curb ongoing insurgent violence. But he did so as Islamic militants began attacking non-Islamic businesses such as liquor stores in the capital, a sign the struggle has become one for the very soul of the city. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Iraq's interim government seeks to stem the rampant lawlessness that has plagued Baghdad since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than a year ago. A raid that began Monday night has netted more than 500 suspected criminals. But that may not be enough to stop the wave of kidnappings for ransom that have swept the capital. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Five women are accused of killing a man who they say had been terrorizing them in Nagpur, a central Indian city of 2 million. Akku Yadav, who reportedly committed rape, extortion, theft and murder, was bludgeoned to death in a courthouse while awaiting trial. More than 100 attorneys are offering free legal assistance to the women. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Despite their many differences, Indians and Pakistanis share a passion for cricket. Now the sport has become central to peace negotiations between the rival nuclear powers. This month, an Indian team is to begin its first full tour of Pakistan in 15 years. While diplomats hope cricket will help to mend relations, fans are only concerned with which side will win. Philip Reeves reports.