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At the Olympics in Sydney, the fabled American women's soccer team lost the gold medal game in overtime to Norway. Marion Jones easily won her second gold medal, in the 200 meter dash. Her win was widely anticipated. But as NPR's Howard Berkes reports, there was a major surprise in the men's 200 meters. Konstantinos Kenteris won the gold medal, becoming the first Greek ever win a sprint medal. It was the first time the US didn't take a medal in the event since 1928.

The Olympics bring out the most devoted collectors: scavengers who scoop up spent shotgun shells, lapel pin traders, and high rollers who shell out 100-thousand-dollars for a gold medal winner's swim trunks. At Sydney Olympic Park, just about anything with five rings or a connection to an Olympic athlete seems to be selling. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

Debbie Elliott reports that a federal judge dismissed half of the federal government's 1999 lawsuit against major cigarette makers, handing the tobacco industry a partial victory. The judge ruled that the government could not use two health laws to recover billions of dollars in Medicare expenses used to treat ill smokers. U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler said the government could proceed with two other claims under federal racketeering laws.

A new study by an advocacy group says putting more people in prison doesn't necessarily result in dropping crime rates. But as NPR's Tovia Smith reports, the study has drawn lots of spirited criticism and debate.

NPR's Anthony Brooks reports that both Vice President Al Gore and George W. Bush are pushing their plan on adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare in an effort to attract elderly voters.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Dogmental (GM label), the new CD by the Andy Biskin Quintet.

Noah and Robert read letters from All Things Considered listeners. This week's topics include the history of the screw (and screwdriver), visions of the Virgin Mary, and the squeezing of baked goods in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (3:30) You can send e-mail to atc@npr.org or via the post office: Letters, All Things Considered, National Public Radio, 635 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Host Bob Edwards talks to Christine Brennan, columnist for USA Today, about the U.S versus Norway women's soccer match. Today, Norway beat the United States 3-to-2 to win the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

Washington Post reporter Peter Baker is a journalist who co-wrote the story breaking the news about Monica Lewinsky. He's just written a book about that episode of the Clinton presidency, called The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton. He writes that for all the titillation about thongs and cigars, the story was not so much about sex as it was about power.

NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports on the approval today of the abortion drug RU486. The Food and Drug Administration says the drug is safe and effectively produces an abortion, when used with another commonly available drug. Opponents tried to keep the drug off the market, saying it is unsafe not only for fetuses but also for women. But the FDA said the scientific evidence overwhelmingly favored RU486's approval.