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A special 11-part weekly series, airing Fridays on Morning Edition, highlights the creation of the American musical traditions that give this country its own unique sound. Part III examines the influential connections between gospel music and country and bluegrass.

Another U.S. soldier is shot and killed in Baghdad. More than 30 American troops have died since major combat actions ended in May. Opposition to the U.S. presence appears to be more organized than before, and is fueled by media images of "aggressive" American troops. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Guy Raz.

While morale has become a problem for some U.S. troops in Iraq, the men of Saber Platoon, of the first brigade of the Fourth Infantry Division, are going strong. They're on the lookout for supporters of the ousted regime in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown. NPR's Guy Raz reports.

In a joint press conference with President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he "stands by" intelligence on Iraq's weapons programs. Previously, Blair told a joint meeting of Congress that history would forgive the U.S.-led war in Iraq even if weapons of mass destruction are not found. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea and political commentators E.J. Dionne and David Brooks.

Alan Cheuse reviews The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman. It's a comic romance between a flat-footed female surgical intern and a street-wise candy salesman.

One hundred years ago, Horatio Nelson Jackson took up the challenge of a $50 bet and stood up for the latest trend in technology -- the automobile. Jackson won the bet, driving the car across the country. The story of this epic, months-long motor trip is the subject of a new book by Dayton Duncan. All Things Considered host Robert Siegel talks with Duncan, and see photos from the historic journey online.

At the Call Center de Solidaritate, volunteers answer calls as they come in. On the other end of the line is a Ukrainian refugee in search of assistance.

Robert Siegel talks with director Stephen Frears. His latest film is called Dirty Pretty Things. It's a murder mystery.

The Bush administration has asked dozens of countries to contribute troops to help stabilize Iraq. Some countries, such as France and India, say they will not send troops without a clearer U.N. mandate. The administration has run into similar problems asking wealthy European nations to contribute money to rebuild Iraq. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

A group of Iraqis fires rocket-propelled grenades at a U.S. military convoy in Baghdad, killing one U.S. soldier and wounding six others. The attack comes a day after Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld warned that the United States might need to deploy more troops to Iraq to counter a growing resistance movement. Hear NPR's Tom Gjelten.