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Financial markets around the world reacted favorably to the U.S. government's plan to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In the United States, the move sent interest rates down, raising hopes in the real estate industry that prospective buyers may be ready to enter the housing market.

Some 6,000 pages of documents released under the Freedom of Information Act provide new details about the mistreatment of detainees by U.S. soldiers and intelligence personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Jackie Northam.

As a librarian and a reader, Nancy Pearl scours the shelves in search of hidden treasures — titles you may have missed. Her findings include two chilling thrillers, one exquisite 1960s memoir, a lively biography of George Orwell, an example of historical fiction at its very best, and much more fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

Serbs in Kosovo rallied Monday to protest Kosovo's declaration of independence Sunday. President Bush, who is traveling this week in Africa, was first to recognize new independence, which is opposed by Russia. The move has prompted Serbia to recall its ambassador from Washington.

Israel confirmed Wednesday that a cease-fire with Hamas will begin Thursday. Hamas, a militant group, currently rules the Gaza Strip. The truce was brokered by Egyptian officials.

The Boston Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2 in Game 2 of the World Series, taking a 2-0 overall lead. Boston pitcher Curt Schilling helped lead his team to victory, despite a painful ankle injury that left him limping and threatened to end his season. Hear NPR's Tom Goldman.

Congress is expected to respond promptly to President Bush's request for an additional $52 billion in aid for Hurricane Katrina victims. While Democrats and Republicans agree on the need for more money, they continue to argue over responsibility for the slow federal response to the disaster.

The Florida Supreme Court ruled 6-1 Friday that maverick presidential candidate Ralph Nader can run as the Reform Party presidential candidate in the November election. Democrats fought to keep him off, but Republicans led the battle to keep him on. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and Bill Coterell, political editor for The Tallahassee Democrat.

The mine where three rescuers died trying to rescue six trapped miners will be closed, co-owner Bob Murray tells NPR. He also says that a sixth hole may be drilled in an attempt to find the trapped miners.

Tropical Storm Frances makes its second landfall in Florida, churning into the state's panhandle with an expected 10 inches of rain and 65 miles-an-hour wind. Over the weekend, the storm plowed into Florida's Atlantic coast as a category two hurricane. More than 6 million people lost electricity as powerful winds and rain knocked down trees and damaged homes and boats. NPR's Ari Shapiro reports.