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Michael Mukasey's confirmation hearings for attorney general turn testy as the nominee refuses to say whether he considers waterboarding, a harsh interrogation technique allowed by the Bush administration, to be torture.

NPR's Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem reports there were more clashes in Gaza and the West Bank today, but the level of violence appeared to taper off following U.S. led efforts to forge a durable truce.

As President Obama prepares to sign the stimulus package into law on Tuesday, governors in every state are dealing with demands for the stimulus money. Govs. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts talk to host Jacki Lyden about their plans.

NPR's Linda Gradstein in Bethlehem reports the ongoing violence in the West Bank and Gaza has had a devastating affect on the Palestinian economy. Israel has also suffered economic losses.

Scott Simon talks with Tammy Soong, temporary chair for a Democratic caucus venue in her home city of Reno, Nev., about how Nevada will choose delegates for the 2008 Democratic National Convention during Saturday's caucuses.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports there were more clashes in the West Bank and Gaza today, even as the Israeli and Palestinian leaders were meeting in Egypt in an attempt to end the violence of the past two-and-a-half weeks.

Women's rights advocates say they are nervous Iran's next president might continue or even add to the hard-line policies of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Several of them shared their thoughts as Iranians prepare to vote Friday.

Leda Hartman reports on the 32nd annual Hollerin'Contest that was held recently in Spivey's Corner, North Carolina. The contest started as a fund-raiser for the volunteer fire department but has taken on life of its own. Before beepers and cell phones, hollerin' was an important way for rural folks to stay in touch.

Requiring all Americans to have health insurance is one of the proposals now being considered in Washington, D.C. Massachusetts already requires its residents to be insured, but people aren't always able to afford a policy, even when the state helps out.

Kate Seelye in Beirut reports that the mounting Palestinian death toll in the West Bank and Gaza has sparked angry demonstrations in many parts of the Arab world. Arabs seem increasingly disillusioned with the peace process.

The Muslim world remains angry about remarks from Pope Benedict XVI. The pontiff quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who disparaged the prophet Muhammad. The Vatican says the pope is upset at the reaction.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen clashed in several parts of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank today. The escalating violence came amid signs Israel's Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon may succeed in efforts to form a national unity government made up of his Likud faction and the Labor Party.