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Talks are under way between government lawyers and the lawyer for Yaser Esam Hamdi, a U.S. citizen held as an enemy combatant, for his release. Hamdi was captured on a battlefield in Afghanistan in 2001 and is currently being held in a Navy brig in Charleston, S.C. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

Julia Child, the celebrated chef, author and TV personality who brought French cooking to U.S. audiences, is dead at 91. Child taught millions how to cook and helped elevate the nation's culinary standards.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Beslan, where a hostage crisis ended in carnage Friday. At least 330 people died Friday as security forces battled Chechen rebels. Half were children. In the wake of the disaster, Putin eyes a new approach to counterterror efforts. NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

As violence continues to roil Iraq, many question whether planned January elections are even feasible. Some analysts say the U.S. and allied leaders have gradually compromised their commitment to building a secular democracy in Iraq in favor of better security. Hear NPR's Tom Gjelten.

Damage estimates of the four hurricanes that have hit Florida this season put the costs as high as $20 billion. Damages from Hurricane Jeanne, which struck over the weekend, are estimated at $5 billion to $8 billion. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and Greg Fields of The Miami Herald.

Briton Kenneth Bigley, one of three workers kidnapped in Iraq last week, pleads for his life in a video released over the Internet by his captors. Two hostages held with Bigley, Americans Eugene Armstrong and Jack Hensley, have been killed. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.

President Bush receives the Sept. 11 commission's final report during a ceremony in the Rose Garden. Bush says he looks forward to working with Congress to implement its recommendations, though the White House has been cool to proposals calling for a national intelligence czar. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and NPR's Don Gonyea.

Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, appears before a judge in Baghdad. The captured dictator was defiant in court, rejecting the accusations against him and refusing to sign a charge sheet acknowledging that he had been advised of his rights. His trial is not expected to begin until next year. NPR's Deborah Amos reports.

The Cassini probe's mission to Saturn yields more dazzling images and scientific information from the ringed planet. Among Saturday's highlights are photos of Saturn's moon Titan, a celestial body shrouded in mist. Hear NPR's Andrea Seabrook and Trina Ray, an astronomer on the Cassini mission.

The rebuilding of the World Trade Center officially begins, as a 20-ton piece of granite is lowered into place. The slab will serve as the cornerstone of the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower, which has design elements that echo the Statue of Liberty. Hear Dan Blumberg of member station WNYC.