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A sea squirt's chief claim to fame is that of a pest. It grows on boat hulls and pilings, pumping water in one hole and out the other. But an international team of scientists has recently seized on the squirt as a way to study the evolutionary history of humans and other vertebrates. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

President Bush signs executive orders to help religious groups get federal money for charitable activities. The move advances the president's so-called "faith-based initiatives" while bypassing Congress. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

A melee breaks out in Caracas, Venezuela, after President Hugo Chavez fires four oil executives from the state oil monopoly. He's trying to break an 11-day strike paralyzing the economy. Venezuelans opposed to Chavez clamor for new elections, while oil and gas supplies run thin. Hear NPR's Gerry Hadden.

A 12-day-old general strike in Venezuela turns violent again as supporters and critics of President Hugo Chavez battle in Caracas. Detractors say Chavez has impoverished the country. The leftist leader fired four dissident oil executives Thursday, increasing tensions. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

The Global Relief Foundation continues to mount a strong defense against Justice Department charges the Islamic charity is corrupt. It was one of three charities whose assets were frozen last year in an effort to choke the funding of terrorists. NPR's John Burnett reports.

North Korean officials say they will reopen a nuclear power plant closed under a 1994 agreement with Washington. The move raises new concerns about North Korea's efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Hear NPR's Rob Gifford and Johns Hopkins professor Donald Oberdorfer.

President Bush criticizes remarks by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) that seemed to endorse the nation's segregated past. Lott praised retiring Sen. Strom Thurmond's segregationist campaign for president in 1948. Bush termed the comments "offensive" and "wrong." Hear from NPR's David Welna and David Hampton of the Jackson, Miss. Clarion-Ledger.

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.

Boston's Cardinal Law will comply with a subpoena to appear before a grand jury investigating the church-abuse scandal. The move comes on the heels of a legal settlement with New Hampshire church officials who admit they violated criminal laws. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez fires four dissident executives at the state oil monopoly as he tries to break an 11-day strike paralyzing the economy. Venezuelans opposed to Chavez clamor for new elections, while oil and gas supplies run thin. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.