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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.

Poet Billy Collins shares memories of his father's puckish spirit as part of the StoryCorps national oral history project. Hear Collins' conversation with friend Nancy Cobb, recorded in a booth at New York City's Grand Central Terminal.

Through tips, maps, and satellite photos, Window Seat, a new "travel guide" for frequent flyers, helps decipher the North American landscape from 35,000 feet in the air - the perspective from your airplane seat. NPR's Andrea Seabrook speaks to author Gregory Dicum.

At least 17 Iraqis die and more than 40 are injured in a bombing in Hilla, 60 miles south of Baghdad. And three Turks are the latest victims of insurgent attacks on foreign civilians in Iraq. The Arab TV network Al-Jazeera reports that a suspected militant group is threatening to behead the captives within 72 hours unless Turkey ends support for U.S.-led operations in Iraq. NPR News reports.

She's starring in her one-woman show, Bridge and Tunnel. The play about the immigrant experience in America has been critically acclaimed. Margo Jefferson of The New York Times writes, "Humor, compassion and daring have more often found a place in solo performance. This free form frees gifted artists to change sex, race, age, body type and personality in an instant. It takes great craft and generosity. Sarah Jones has both."

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Dr. Elizabeth McNally talks about a study, published in today's New England Journal of Medicine, about a four-year-old boy born in Germany who was born with well-defined muscles. The child can lift seven-pound weights over his head.

Sixteen-year-old Russell Owens grew up without a father, and says he’s learned a lot about becoming a man from the legacy of his father’s mistakes. He narrates his own story for Youth Radio.

Pat Maginnis was out in front of the fight to legalize abortion in the 1960s, but few know her name and the lengths she went to.

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to NPR News Analyst Cokie Roberts about the political impact of Ronald Reagan's presidency and whether he could have the same influence today as he did two decades ago.

Why the steep decline in admissions at historically black colleges in California and elsewhere? And what's being done to turn the tide? NPR's Tavis Smiley discusses the issue with Linda Chavez, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, and Penda Hare, co-director of the Advancement Project.