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Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, announces he is resigning, becoming the eighth member of President Bush's cabinet to step down since the election. Thompson said more than a year ago that he didn't plan to stay past 2004. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.

A NASA research jet sets a new air-speed record for air-breathing engines by traveling nearly 7,000 mph, or 10 times the speed of sound. After its release from beneath the larger craft's wing, a booster rocket ignited, sending the X-43A on its way. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist issues a statement that he is not planning to announce his retirement, and he will stay on the Court as long as his health allows. The 80-year-old chief justice was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last October. He was released Thursday from a Virginia hospital after being treated for fever.

Through a procedural vote, the Senate rejects a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, 49-48. That was one vote more than they got last time the Senate voted on the matter, in 2004. But 67 votes, a two-thirds majority, are required to pass a constitutional amendment.

A court in London finds prominent British Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri guilty of 11 counts, including inciting murder. He is sentenced to seven years in jail. Al-Masri, who maintained his innocence, is still wanted by the United States on terrorism charges.

Protests against proposed changes to immigration law take place in Washington, D.C., and other cities. A march to the National Mall is among the largest. Michele Norris spoke with demonstrators as they boarded buses in Maryland, headed for Washington.

The most popular branch of the Smithsonian will be closing after Labor Day to undergo a planned two-year renovation. The American History Museum wants to update the building's infrastructure and create a better display for the Star Spangled Banner. A painstaking 8-year conservation project on the flag was completed Wednesday.

Washington-area developer Theodore Lerner will become the owner of the Washington Nationals baseball team, says Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Lerner will pay around $450 million for the team once known as the Montreal Expos.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and other officials lay out new evacuation plans for the city, nearly nine months after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The revamped strategy focuses on helping the evacuation of those without transportation. Nagin also reassures residents that looting will be prevented.

A national heat wave has Americans dripping in sweat from San Diego to Boston and the strain on the electrical grid is causing power outages. Record amounts of electricity are being used today, and air quality in some regions is reaching unhealthy levels.