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Senate Democrats have blocked legislation that would have raised the minimum wage. Though the federal minimum wage hasn't been raised in a decade, Democrats would not support the bill because it also would have permanently cut estate taxes.

Cuban President Fidel Castro has been a mentor to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. And their relationship has become critically important, as Venezuela now provides the Caribbean island nation with oil. The relationship gives Chavez a degree of influence in Cuba.

Israel continues to pound Lebanon with bombs for a 10th day, primarily targeting Shiite areas in the south and east of the country. An Israeli general has warned that Israel could expand ground operations in southern Lebanon, where there have been fierce clashes between its troops and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, civilians in Lebanon continue to seek shelter from the fighting.

Melissa Block talks with Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the size and armament of the Lebanese Army. Analysts are now asking if the future might see a possible international peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

Every country has its token composer: Finland has Sibelius, Poland has Chopin, the U.S. has Copland, and Norway has Edvard Grieg. The Bergen Woodwind Quintet plays arrangements of five of Grieg's Folk Songs and Dances, Op. 17.

Biden said Thursday he was sending paperwork to Congress to ratify Finland and Sweden's application to join NATO. The ratification process is expected to pass with bipartisan support.

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana's visits Tehran, where he presents a package of incentives to the Iranian government intended to end the standoff over their nuclear program. Melissa Block talks with Karl Vick, foreign correspondent for The Washington Post.

Beethoven's Third Symphony is regarded as a turning point in musical history, and it marks the beginning of his career's second period. The "Eroica" was long, technically challenging and aimed at more than entertainment — components that initially confused critics.

Most of the 17 suspects arrested over the weekend for allegedly plotting terrorist acts in Canada appeared in an Ontario court Tuesday. But bail hearings were delayed when defense lawyers asked for more time to prepare. According to charges made public in court, at least one of the suspects plotted to storm Canada's parliament and behead officials.

Director Spike Lee examines the collision of race and politics in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in his provocative new HBO documentary, When the Levees Broke, which has a special showing on Aug. 16 at the New Orleans Arena.