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NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports on the debate over mandatory testing of high school students. Tenth graders in California will be required to take achievement tests next year which could determine whether they graduate.

NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports that the Bush administration is reevaluating the 1994 U.S. agreement with North Korea, known as 'The Agreed Framework.' North Korea agreed to shut down and eventually dismantle its nuclear weapons program. In return, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea would provide the North with light-water nuclear reactors for generating electricity. But North Korea's electrical grid can't handle the light reactors, and that raises safety concerns. Light reactors also produce plutonium, which can be used in nuclear weapons. So, the U.S. hopes to persuade North Korea to accept conventional power generating plants instead.

Michigan Public Radio's Matt Shafer Powell reports from Detroit that many autoworkers are likely to make considerably less money in overtime earnings this year because of production cuts by the big three carmakers. Loss of overtime will mean $20,000 less for some workers, and that will hurt businesses that benefit from workers' non-essential spending.

This week, Morning Edition airs essays from high school seniors written for their college applications. We begin with Richard Van Ornum of the Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, about his dream of flight. (3:19) Read the essays.

Host Bob Edwards talks with NPR's Cokie Roberts. Congress starts debate this week on the federal budget.

Host Bob Edwards reads from listener letters.

NPR's Renee Montagne highlights moments from last night's Academy Awards ceremony. Gladiator won best picture, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won best foreign language film. (6:35) Check out the complete list of Oscar winners.

Thousands of livestock continue to be incinerated in Britain as agriculture officials confirm 18 new cases of the infectious disease. Host Lisa Simeone talks with NPR's Julie McCarthy in London about the political ramifications of the outbreak.

In Santa Monica, California, the Legal Grind Cafe serves up a mean law-tte -- that's coffee with a side of legal advice. From member station KCRW, Eric Roy reports on this unusual effort that's providing affordable legal service to Angelinos.

David D'Arcy profiles Irwin Young, this year's recipient of a George E. Sawyer Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Young, who has been a mentor to several independent and documentary filmmakers, runs the Du Art Lab which has processed many award-winning films.