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Some experts worry that less homework could be a problem for math achievement, at a time when test scores nationwide are already at a dismal low.

Writer and reviewer Will Hermes shares his favorite albums of the past year. Hermes is a frequent contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and writes for 'Spin' magazine, 'The New York Times' and 'Entertainment Weekly.' He's also the co-editor of 'Spin: 20 Years of Alternative Music.'

As small attack drones become central to warfare, the Pentagon is making a major push to jumpstart manufacturing.

Accepting the Republican nomination for a second term, President Bush outlines proposals addressing education, health care and other domestic issues, while attacking Sen. John Kerry. But the post-Sept. 11 world and war on terrorism dominate Bush's speech. Hear NPR's Mara Liasson.

Songwriter Felice Bryant dies at age 77 at home in Gatlinburg, Tenn. She collaborated with her husband to pen some of the best-known tunes in country music and early rock 'n' roll. Her songs Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie were Everly Brothers standards, just as Rocky Top became a country standard. NPR's Melissa Block offers a remembrance.

Cincinnati-based WGUC plays classical music 24 hours a day, reaching out to the genre's newcomers and longtime aficionados alike. WGUC music director Kent Teeters compiled this list of the 10 best classical CD discoveries of 2006.

British forces capture an Iraqi general in the southern city of Basra. A spokesperson says the general is the highest-ranking Iraqi prisoner of war thus far. Meanwhile, U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities in Baghdad, including a presidential palace, a military intelligence complex and the barracks of a paramilitary training center. Hear NPR News.

item veto bill today. It will allow a president to eliminate specific items in spending legislation, as well as very narrow tax loopholes and new entitlements. The new law, which presidents have called for for decades, goes into effect next January and will expire in eight years unless Congress extends it. Proponents say it will help cut the deficit. But NPR's Mara Liasson reports that many analysts are skeptical about the line-item veto's effectiveness.

Investors dumped stock in United Air Lines after a mechanics union rejected a contract deal with the nation's second-largest air carrier. The mechanics are the only union group not to agree to givebacks to the struggling airline, which is trying to avoid bankruptcy protection. NPR's Brian Naylor reports. (3:30)

When it comes to wine, some consumers still equate quality with price. But at the 28th Annual International Eastern Wine Competition, a $1.99 bottle of California Wine, the 2002 Charles Shaw Shiraz, beat out 2,300 wines to win a prestigious double gold medal. Hear NPR's Steve Inkseep.

Residents in South Gate, Calif., vote to oust the mayor, treasurer and two council members, amid allegations that they conducted city business through backroom deals and gave city contracts to friends. Adolfo Guzman-Lopez of member station KPCC reports.

Michael Moore's documentary about President Bush's war on terror -- Fahrenheit 9/11 -- has won the Palme d'Or, top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The politically charged film explores the links between the Bush family and Saudi Arabia. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Los Angeles Times film critic Ken Turan.