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The Southern Baptist Convention is expected to elect its first black president on Tuesday: Fred Luter, a former street preacher who turned a dying New Orleans church into a powerhouse. His election is a milestone for the 167-year-old denomination at a time when minorities make up a growing share of a shrinking membership.

The Israeli election was held the same day the Palestinian parliament overwhelmingly approved the new Hamas Cabinet, setting the stage for the new administration to take office later this week. Hamas has shown no interest in accepting Israel's right to exist. But its leader says he also has no interest in perpetuating the cycle of violence of the past five years. Renee Montagne talks to Linda Gradstein.

The crisis in Lebanon is a sign to many Arab leaders that the region's Shiite population is growing in strength. Several Arab governments, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, have openly condemned Hezbollah's actions in southern Lebanon. This position puts these leaders out of step with their populations, who admire Hezbollah's actions.

Israeli politicians and commentators, for the moment at least, clearly support the country's military operations in Lebanon. But the goals -- and the final result -- of that operation are less clear.

Western nations rush to evacuate thousands of citizens from Lebanon as Hezbollah militants and Israel continue to pound each other for a sixth day. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he will not stop a military barrage against Hezbollah until the militia group returns two kidnapped Israeli soldiers.

After an evacuation to Mississippi and Baton Rouge, commentator Chris Rose finally found his way back to New Orleans this week. He describes a bittersweet homecoming to a city that will forever be altered.

Mayor Ray Nagin says 60 percent of New Orleans remains under water, down from 80 percent. However, he cautions that the city remains unsafe, and the toxicity of the floodwaters has caused concern.

President Bush flies to Yuma, Ariz., to talk about his plans for slowing illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Tighter border enforcement elsewhere has increased illegal crossings in this area not previously known as a hotbed of smuggling.

The 51st Grammy Awards honored the biggest names in music last night. There were some surprise performances, and even more surprising absences. Danyel Smith, editor in chief of Vibe magazine, and Jordan Levin, a music critic for the Miami Herald, recap the evening.

Home ownership has long been considered a key part of the American Dream. The dream has taken a beating in recent years, but polls show the desire to own remains extremely high. NPR's Chris Arnold discusses the state of home ownership and reviews the latest housing news with host Rachel Martin.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is on a week-long trip to Asia, with stops in Singapore, Vietnam and India. As NPR's Larry Abramson tells host Rachel Martin, Panetta's trip highlights the Pentagon's new strategic focus on China and the Pacific.

Michele Norris and Robert Siegel read from listeners' letters and emails. Among the stories: a staircase at the World Trade Center site; a series on legal immigration; Medicare's drug program; and an effort to ban Hot Cheetos.