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Egyptian Sayyid Qutb's writings were the foundation for al Qaeda and other radical Islamic movements. But the America he visited in 1949 -- the conservative town of Greeley, Colo. -- doesn't really seem like the soulless, materialistic place that would inspire such hatred of the West. NPR's Robert Siegel visits Greeley to talk about the town as it was and as it is today. Read excerpts from Qutb's book about Greeley, and view photos of the town.

The U.S. Senate releases thousands of pages of transcripts from closed-door hearings held by Sen. Joseph McCarthy. The committee McCarthy chaired in the mid-1950s interrogated political and cultural figures in an anti-Communist crusade. Hear Associate Senate Historian Donald Ritchie.

Fifty-five years ago, John Steinbeck's best friend died in a train accident near Monterey's Cannery Row. Ricketts, a marine biologist, was cast as the fictional "Doc" in Steinbeck's best-selling novel. In the second of two Morning Edition reports, NPR's Renee Montagne looks back at Ricketts and his lasting legacy.

The Bush administration sends Gen. John Abizaid and Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz to reassure Congress of progress in Iraq. Their appearance at Capitol Hill comes amidst increasing anxiety by lawmakers over the growing cost of the U.S. occupation in Iraq. NPR's David Welna reports.

In a speech to the nation, President Bush says Iraq is now "the central front" in the U.S. war on terrorism -- and that he "will spend what is necessary" to win the war. He says he will ask Congress for $87 billion to support the effort in the coming year. He urges U.S. allies to help with security in Iraq. Hear the speech, and coverage anchored by NPR's Steve Inskeep.

China's one-child policy often means that parents will abandon any child that is not physically perfect. An American aid worker is helping build a "children's village" that takes in unwanted babies and gives them a chance at adoption. NPR's Rob Gifford has the story, the latest in an occasional series on Americans living abroad.

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes this week's winner, Paul Bulot from Lenoir , North Carolina. He listens to Weekend Edition on member station WFAE in Charlotte. Will Shortz also gives next week's challenge for our listeners at home.

The nine Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico for their second debate. Hear NPR's Mara Liasson.

Film critic David Edelstein reviews Once Upon A Time In the Midlands, starring Robert Carlyle.

Police are searching for at least one armed suspect in connection with the killing of the owner of a gun range in Georgia and his wife and grandson after a robbery Friday evening.