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With economic growth grinding to a halt, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates again Wednesday, this time by half a percentage point. Just before it did, the Commerce Department reported some dismal growth figures for the end of last year. The Fed hopes its aggressive moves will help avoid a full blown recession.

The contentious issue of Iran dominates the Democratic presidential debate hosted by NPR and Iowa Public Radio. The candidates condemn President Bush's insistence that a new intelligence report showing Iran ceased its nuclear weapons program in 2003 made no difference.

Parts of the 11-story building survived an implosion. It took two weeks and many blows from a 5,600 pound wrecking ball, but the former tower is now a pile of debris.

As fighting continues in Najaf for the fifth day, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr vows to fight to the death. Authorities announced a curfew in part of eastern Baghdad, where Sadr supporters have been battling Iraqi and foreign troops. Meanwhile, five British soldiers were wounded in clashes in the southernmost city of Basra. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

For the first time, crude oil prices rise above $50 a barrel in world trading, despite efforts by OPEC to calm markets. The price is a response to the slow recovery of U.S. oil production following Hurricane Ivan in Florida and unrest in key producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Nigeria. Hear NPR's Jim Zarroli.

Culture coach Valorie Burton gives advice on what to say — and what not to say — to a friend who's recently lost his or her job.

Melissa Block talks with the co-chairs of the Iraq Study Group: James A. Baker III, former secretary of state; and Lee H. Hamilton, former congressman. Congress formed the Iraq Study Group to give an independent assessment of the current and prospective situation on the ground in Iraq, the surrounding region, and consequences for U.S. interests.

Phil Coyle, a former senior Defense Department official, talks about the difficulties of successfully deploying the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system. North Korea is said to be planning to test launch a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States.

The Bush administration's top housing official announced his resignation Monday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson says much has been accomplished during his tenure, but critics say they hope the change will bring about policies that will help solve the housing crisis.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, daughter of an executed president and prime minister, was killed in a gun attack and suicide bombing Thursday in Rawalpindi. The 54-year-old was a fixture in Pakistani politics and was the Muslim world's first female prime minister.