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The case of the family found dead on a hiking trail in August had perplexed investigators and the public. On Thursday, Sheriff-Coroner Jeremy Briese confirmed the cause of death.

The Bush administration approves a policy that could make it more difficult for Medicaid patients to receive emergency care. Federal law had required managed-care plans covering Medicare and Medicaid to cover trips to emergency rooms for those patients. The new Bush policy permits some limits on Medicaid ER use. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

Michele Norris talks with Wall Street Journal sportswriter Stefan Fatsis about the basketball showdown between two seven-footers, Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets. The on-court confrontation has been heightened by off-court jousting -- in particular, Shaquille O'Neal's mimicking of Yao Ming's accent. Some have taken offense.

A Senate committee unanimously recommends Tom Ridge be confirmed as head of the new Department of Homeland Security. A final Senate vote is anticipated next week. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Absentee ballots in Louisiana aren't counted if they're cast by someone who then dies before election day. State Sen. Reggie Dupre, Jr. wants to reverse that law. The Republican from Houma says if someone takes the time to vote, it should count, even if the voter doesn't live to see election day. NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Dupre about the bill he's co-sponsored.

NPR's Michele Norris talks with Gen. James Helmly, the chief commander of the U.S. Army Reserve about the increased reliance the military places on reserve components. Currently 47 percent of the military is made up of these reserve members. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, there has been an increased perception that the reservists are being overused. Indeed these citizen soldiers are being deployed for more missions and for longer periods. They can be called to duty for up to two years, which makes it harder and harder for these folks to re-integrate into society. Gen. Helmly addresses some of these concerns.

Harvard scientists discover problems using stem cells to treat diseases such as diabetes. Two years ago, scientists said they successfully nudged stem cells into producing insulin. Now, the newest research suggests those cells weren't really making insulin. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Modern technology creates problems between book publishers and libraries. The Association of American Publishers worries about the onset of the "e-book." Meanwhile, libraries are committed to giving the public access to old-fashioned books and e-books alike. NPR's Rick Karr reports.

Pakistan demands exemption from a U.S. registration program for non-citizens, and Indonesia tells its citizens not to travel here. The program requires visiting males from 25 Middle Eastern and Asian countries to be fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed as an anti-terror measure. The Justice Department says the effort is starting to pay off. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports.

He reviews the new film The Hours.

Western states are at the top of the list for hunger. The loss of traditional jobs, high cost of living and remoteness of many rural communities all are part of the reason. NPR's Robert Smith reports.

The Peabody Hotel in Memphis needs a new bird herder to give its famous mini-flock the red carpet treatment.