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Shoppers across the country throng stores in search of bargains at the traditional start to the holiday shopping season, as retailers hope for a strong end to the year. Analysts predict shoppers will spend slightly more than last year between now and the end of next month. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.

U.S. and Iraqi government troops raid one of Baghdad's main Sunni Muslim mosques, killing several Iraqis. The Iraqi government has ordered the arrest of Muslim clerics accused of inciting violence and supporting the Iraqi insurgency. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

In Ukraine, the Christmas holiday is the final day before presidential elections that are being held after initial voting was pronounced unfair. Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych will again face the popular opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. Hear NPR's Lawrence Sheets.

Iraq's Shiite population seeks new political power after years of oppression. There are more Shia living in Iraq than Sunnis or Kurds. But there are fissures between Islamic and secular Shia, and it is unclear whether cleric Muqtada al-Sadr will participate in the elections. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

The National Guard has not met its recruitment goal for the fiscal year that ends Thursday, a failure it blames on current lengthy deployments. The Pentagon is seeking ways to reduce the strain on the National Guard and other forces. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

President Bush makes harsh attacks on his opponent, Sen. John Kerry, in a campaign speech, offering retorts related to last week's debate. Fresh from Tuesday night's vice-presidential debate, Sen. John Edwards responded. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

The Supreme Court announces it will hear arguments on posting the Ten Commandments on public property. Such cases have been making their way through courts in many states, and have resulted in conflicting rulings. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Nina Totenberg.

The Pentagon posts an absentee ballot online for Defense Department personnel working overseas. The move comes after concerns were aired that some state absentee ballots might miss the Nov. 2 election. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and Doug Chapin of electionline.org.

Hundreds of tons of explosives disappear in Iraq. NPR's Alex Chadwick speaks to Los Angeles Times correspondent Monty Morin in Baghdad about that development and insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's claim that his group is behind the assassination of nearly 50 Iraqi soldiers.

Congress is considering changes to the way the Food and Drug Administration handles drug safety. An FDA scientist testified that superiors pressed him to soften conclusions on the safety of profitable drugs... and that at least five drugs on the market have major problems. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.