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NPR's Jon Hamilton looks at the scientific, legal and political history of RU486 in America.

NPR's Joanne Silberner looks at how the abortion drug RU486 works. She talks to American women who were involved in the studies submitted to the Food and Drug Administration that led to today's approval.

Noah talks to Cathie Carr, Chief Executive Officer of the Escapee RV Club about a fight by RV owners for their right to vote in Polk County, Texas. The RV owners residency is being challenged by Polk County Democrats, on grounds that members of the RV club are constantly traveling, and therefore can not lay claim to a "domicile" in Texas. Carr is furious about the challenge.

Jean Bethke Elshtain teaches social and political ethics at the University of Chicago. She greets today's decision on RU486 with caution. She worries that the fundamental questions about life and birth and relationships -- the questions that often most divide our society -- are being avoided. She suggests society's search for technological solutions to issues, like a pill to end a pregnancy, helps us avoid dealing with the underlying problems, such as the number of unwanted pregnancies.

Republicans now have a slim majority of just six votes in the House of Representatives -- and all 435 seats are on the ballot in November. Democrats are hoping to become the majority if they can sweep the close races on the West Coast. One of the most closely watched of these contests is in California's fabled Silicon Valley, ground zero for the micro-chip and personal computer revolution. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Noah and Robert read letters from All Things Considered listeners. This week's topics include the history of the screw (and screwdriver), visions of the Virgin Mary, and the squeezing of baked goods in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (3:30) You can send e-mail to atc@npr.org or via the post office: Letters, All Things Considered, National Public Radio, 635 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.

The Olympics bring out the most devoted collectors: scavengers who scoop up spent shotgun shells, lapel pin traders, and high rollers who shell out 100-thousand-dollars for a gold medal winner's swim trunks. At Sydney Olympic Park, just about anything with five rings or a connection to an Olympic athlete seems to be selling. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports Israeli police and Palestinian demonstrators clashed in Jerusalem today, just after a visit to the city's holiest spot by Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon.

Noah talks to Wendy Chavkin, MD, Editor of the Journal of the American Medical Women's Association in New York City, about the likely availability of RU486 and which doctors will prescribe it.

NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports on the approval today of the abortion drug RU486. The Food and Drug Administration says the drug is safe and effectively produces an abortion, when used with another commonly available drug. Opponents tried to keep the drug off the market, saying it is unsafe not only for fetuses but also for women. But the FDA said the scientific evidence overwhelmingly favored RU486's approval.