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NPR's Debbie Elliott reports that a tobacco company, the Liggett Group Inc., has agreed to a settlmenment of a major class-action lawsuit. The settlement marks the first time a tobacco company has broken ranks with the industry to settle a major lawsuit individually. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to pay up to $50 million over 25 years for smoking-cessation efforts. The company also agreed to accept restrictions aimed at reducing smoking by young people. The company is also negotiating to settle lawsuits by states attempting to recover medical costs from smoking-related illnesses.

Linda talks with NPR's national political correspondent Elizabeth Arnold about the endorsement of Sen. Bob Dole's campaign today by Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Dole hopes to cement his hold on his party's presidential nomination by picking up the support of voters in states participating in next Tuesday's ``Super Tuesday'' primary. Dole planned to spend his day in Texas.

of China's record on human rights, contained in the Department's annual 194 nation review. In particular, the Beijing government is criticized for imprisoning people for long periods without trial, forcing confessions, and torturing prisoners. The Clinton administration argues that trade sanctions would make the problem worse, but Congress is expected to propose them anyway.

three American servicement for the rape of a local schoolgirl -- a crime that set off a firestorm of local discontent against the U.S. military presence there.

of the French abortion pill RU-486, and are hoping to test it on two thousand American women. Advocates say the strategy will speed up approval of the drug, which has long been use in Europe .

NPR's Elaine Korry reports that the Supreme Courts of California and New York are reviewing cases that could change the way courts handle so-called "move away" cases. In many courts, a divorced parent with custody of a child risks losing that custody if he or she moves out of the area where the non-custodial parent lives, even if the move is for important financial reasons. Non-custodial parents say its unfair for them to lose visitation rights just because the ex-spouse decided to move. Custodial parents, usually women, complain this makes it difficult for them to seek better schooling or a new job just when they need it most.

We remember the actor Vince Edwards, who died today at age 67 from pancreatic cancer. Edwards played Dr. Ben Casey in the 1960s TV series of that name.

the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, about the possible ramifications of a recent Counsel on Foreign Relations recommendation that the 1977 ban on using U.S. journalists as CIA cover be reconsidered.

NPR's Joe Palca reports that researchers think they have figured out the function of the "breast cancer gene." Scientists have found evidence that the gene produces a protein that controls cell growth. And in experiments in the laboratory and in mice, the protein appears to shrink breast cancer tumors, suggesting it may provide a new way to treat breast cancer.