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NPR's Michael Sullivan reports from Katmandu that an undeclared war in the south Asian mountain kingdom of Nepal has killed at least two-thousand people since it began four years ago. People there have become disillusioned by the country's transition to a constitutional monarchy, a change they had thought would result in a higher living standard in one of the world's poorest countries. Maoist rebels have found growing support among disgruntled civilians, although the government says civilians are coerced into helping the rebels. The government has earmarked millions of dollars for a paramilitary police force to take on the rebels. But analysts say what's really needed is good government and a serious plan to address economic problems.

At each Olympics, the winner of the 100 meters becomes known as the fastest man in the world. The race lasts a tad over 9 seconds, but it requires tremendous physical and mental preparation. It's not unusual for an elite sprinter to engage a scientist to analyze the biomechanics of his gait. But as NPR's Tom Goldman reports, at race time simplicity is best. Top runners say they are able to clear their minds of extraneous thoughts during their races.

NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports that with just two days before Yugoslavia's presidential election, there's growing anxiety in Belgrade and abroad about the possible aftermath of the vote. Polls show opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica leading Slobodan Milosevic. But many opposition leaders and analysts believe that Milosevic, an indicted war criminal, will resort to anything to stay in power.

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has been blamed for much of the bloodshed in the Balkans. Yet Commentator Iain Guest, a visiting fellow at the Overseas Development Council in Washington, D.C., says the elections this weekend are more about principle than personality. Demonizing Milosevic, Guest says, just strengthens his position.

President Clinton has authorized the release of thirty-million barrels of oil from the nation's emergency reserves. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson made the announcement this afternoon. He denied that the move was political -- but instead said it was aimed at ensuring enough supply heading into the winter heating season. Linda talks to NPR's Pam Fessler about the news.

NPR's John Ydstie reports the U.S. joined the central banks of Europe, Japan, England and Canada in a coordinated effort to stop the slide of the Euro. The intervention in the foreign exchange markets seemed to work, at least for now. The Euro climbed as high as 90 cents, but then fell back a bit later in the day.

NPR's Neal Conan has the season-ender in his Play-by-Play series: reflections on what's it's like to broadcast baseball games. Neal talks about how hard it is to muster enthusiasm for a losing team. The Aberdeen Arsenal concludes its first minor league season at home, Thomas Run Park in Bel Air, Maryland over the next four days.

NPR's Michael Sullivan reports that yesterday India announced that it would pull its contingent out of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone. India, with the second-largest contingent of troops is pulling out at a time when the United Nations is attempting to increase the number of peacekeepers in the embattled West African nation.

Commentator Craig Childs says there's a special place in the southern Utah desert that's transformed four times a year when the seasons change. It's an ancient calendar that's hand-carved into the cliffs.

NPR's Joanne Silberner watched the struggles of Tyler Handerson and his family as they waited for the restart of an experimental medical study. Tyler has a cancer that affects nerve cells and the brain. The study aims to use a new kind of "gene therapy" to cure the cancer. But the trial was one of many put on hold last year after the death of a Pennsylvania teenager.