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In a 5-4 vote with vast repercussions for the U.S. criminal justice system, the Supreme Court invalidates the criminal sentencing system of Washington state. The court's ruling emphasizes the role of juries in determining sentences, and stirs speculation that the sentencing guidelines used by many states and the federal government won't be able to withstand a constitutional challenge. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.

The western Sudanese region of Darfur has been the scene of what many are calling an ethnic cleansing campaign by government-backed Arab militias against the local tribes. The Bush administration is now ratcheting up the rhetoric against the same government that the United States has praised for signing peace protocols to end a separate decades-old conflict. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Many politicians cite the late President Ronald Reagan as a major inspiration for their career choice. Rep. Dana Rohrbacher (R-CA) was a high school student when he volunteered for Reagan's first campaign for California governor in the 1960s. Paul Begala became active in Democratic Party politics after hearing Reagan speak at the University of Texas in the 1970s. They share their memories with NPR's Susan Stamberg.

General Motors reported a loss of $722 million for the last three months of 2007. Still, that was better than many analysts expected, and GM shares rose slightly as trading opened. GM also announced an expanded buyout program for UAW members. But what might happen to GM this year — as the U.S. economy slows?

President Bush visited Montana Thursday to help Sen. Conrad Burns' bid for a fourth term. Burns has been trailing his Democratic opponent, Jon Tester, mostly due to fallout from contributions Burns received from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But the race is tightening; many see it as going down to the wire.

Unless Hollywood writers and studios reach a deal over the weekend, the Writers Guild of America will strike just after midnight next Monday. That could mean many TV shows will have to revert to re-runs. The writers and studios are at odds over how much writers should make in royalties when shows are resold on DVD or the Internet.

A predictable yet wondrous event has begun around the country: the American dogwood is in bloom. For many, the ancient plant's flowers bring music to mind.

A Bush administration task force has raised serious doubts about whether drugs imported from abroad can be made safe. Even if Congress doesn't loosen restrictions on prescription drug imports, analysts point to many other ways consumers can reduce their spending on medicines. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

The next president may get to name several justices to the Supreme Court. With such an evenly split court, a change of even one justice could deeply impact many of the issues that come before the court. Analysts are watching Justices William Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens and Sandra Day O'Connor for signs that one or more will retire. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and NPR's Nina Totenberg.

With the growing costs of antidepressants and mental health care, many businesses are reluctant to provide health insurance coverage for mental illness. Yet others, like Delta, have found that paying for employee treatment saves money in the end. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports.