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N-P-R's Jennifer Ludden reports from Kinshasa that Zaire's six-month-old civil war is likely to continue. President Mobutu Sese Seko [moh-BOO-too seh-say SAY-koh] refuses to resign while rebels prepare to attack the capital. Despite the President's resolve, he has little real power, and the rebels may soon unseat him. They control almost half the country, and the remnants of Mobutu's army guarding Kinshasa will probably not offer much resistance.

NPR's David Welna reports how the Mexican ruling party shut down an official investigation of one of the country's most corrupt agencies--the commission which buys and distributes subsidized food. The ruling party apparently got nervous when the probe uncovered evidence that President Ernesto Zedillo approved a legally questionable payment when he served in the cabinet several years ago. Critics say the handling of the investigation proves that the ruling P-R-I party is not serious about fighting Mexico's rampant corruption.

Embattled Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott remains defiant about hanging on to his post after a GOP colleague declares he is willing to challenge Lott for the leadership job. Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) has the public support of several GOP senators. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Republicans digest a Friday apology from Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) over remarks that seemed to endorse America's segregated past. Lott has declined to step down from his post as Senate Republican leader. Republicans must decide if he can remain effective. Hear from NPR's Jacki Lyden and NPR's Juan Williams.

Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) seeks to hang on to his post as Republican leader in a Senate newly controlled by the GOP. A torrent of criticism has greeted recent remarks by Lott that appeared to endorse America's segregated past. He apologized again Friday, but resisted calls to resign his leadership post. NPR's David Welna reports.

Two senior U.S. senators -- George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) -- are asking the Congressional Budget Office to recalculate its 10-year budget projections. If last year's tax cuts are made permanent and spending continues to increase, they say the federal government faces a $900 billion deficit in 2012. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.

The drumbeat to remove Trent Lott as Senate Republican leader continues as Republicans publicly criticize Lott's recent remarks regarding segregation. Secretary of State Colin Powell "deplored the sentiments" of Lott's statements, and Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) says "It's time for a change." Hear NPR's Juan Williams.

The Sundance Institute -- parent organization of the renowned film festival -- has launched its first ONLINE Film Festival. Eighteen short films -- from two to eighteen minutes in length -- were selected from 300 submissions made exclusively for the Web. Robert talks to R.J. Millard, organizer of the online festival, about why Sundance chose to start it and how the Web has changed filmmaking and distribution. (4:30) The festival Web site is. The films will be on the site until February 28th.

President Bush plans to unveil an economic stimulus plan this week. Republicans say the plan will help revive a sluggish economy. Democrats say only the rich will benefit. The plan will be one of many issues on Congress' agenda as it convenes with new leadership. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA).

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) challenge their colleagues to support limits on gases contributing to climate change. The bill would affect power plants, manufacturers, petroleum refiners and other large-scale commercial sources. Stiff opposition is expected from many in Congress, the Bush administration and industry groups. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

The toy company Hasbro commemorates 1st Lt. John R. Fox as a new action figure in its GI Joe "medal-of-honor" series. Fox was part of the African-American 92nd infantry division, better known as the "Buffalo Soldiers" who fought American Indians in the U.S. West after the Civil War. NPR's Farai Chideya reports.

Varttina features three female singers, six male acoustic musicians and lyrics rooted in ancient poems from Finland's Karelia region. Mari Kaasinen and Janne Lappalainen tell Liane Hansen about their music and their tenth CD, Miero.

Rep. Jim Leach (R-IO) levels sharp criticism at Bush administration policies in Iraq. Leach, a member of the House International Relations Committee, says the U.S. occupation of Iraq is creating animosity toward the United States throughout the Muslim world, and urges elections in Iraq and a U.S. troop withdrawal as soon as possible. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and Leach.

The Duelfer Report on the search for WMD in Iraq has generated partisan reactions and debate on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are considering reforms of the intelligence services. On the Senate floor, Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) engaged in a spirited debate. Also today, the Senate is expected to vote on legislation to reform intelligence gathering as called for by the 9-11 Commission. NPR's David Welna reports.

Southern singer Lizz Wright crafts a distinct mixture of jazz, folk, gospel, and R&B, but she's been most widely celebrated as a rising star in the jazz world. Hear Wright perform a concert from WXPN and World Café Live in Philadelphia.

The R&B band Mint Condition has released their ninth album in 18 years — but this one was produced by wielding the power of the Web. Farai Chideya sits down with band members Stokley Williams, Homer O'Dell and Jeffrey Allen, who weigh in on their longevity in the music business and the new album, E-Life.

Some call them garage-rockers, but the Fleshtones, who actually got their start in a Queens basement, don't stop there. They add in overtones of R&B, rockabilly and even surf to create a sound they like to call "Super Rock." Fresh Air's rock critic takes a good look at their latest album, Take a Good Look.

Crockett leans into his R&B influences for a punchy, horn-driven track that feels like a step forward.

A flight from Las Vegas to Phoenix this week was delayed. Passengers were stuck on the tarmac for hours, without air conditioning or water in 108 degree heat. A YouTube post said some passengers got sick. But to "avoid a mutiny," others joined together in song: R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly."

Several Republican senators say they're opposed to the wholescale repeal of certain clean energy tax credits passed by the House. Their phones have been ringing off the hook from industry leaders and energy lobbyists who want to make sure the Senate makes changes to the bill.