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New York University professor Neil Postman dies at the age of 72. Postman, author of Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, is known for his criticism of the news media. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards.

Molly Ivins has often poked fun at President Bush for his manner of speaking, or "Bushisms." In her new book, Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bush's America, the syndicated columnist, fellow Texan and long-time Bush critic takes on his dealings and policies, and what she says are their underreported effects on average Americans. Hear Bob Edwards' extended interview with Ivins.

In Lucky Girls, a debut collection of short stories by Nell Freudenberger, readers follow young women from India to Vietnam and beyond. In long, complex stories, Freudenberger's characters negotiate confusion, ignorance and loss as they come of age in exotic locales. Alan Cheuse critiques the latest effort from a writer whose career began just two years ago.

Writer and editor George Plimpton dies in Manhattan. He was 76. Plimpton was best known for his self-deprecating "participatory" sports writing, in which he boxed with Archie Moore and played pre-season quarterback for the Detroit Lions. As editor of the The Paris Review, Plimpton helped promote some of the world's most important authors. Hear a remembrance from Paris Review co-founder Peter Mattiessen.

Remembering Gregory Hines Tony-winning entertainer Gregory Hines dies of cancer at 57, leaving a legacy as one of the great dancers of his generation. The multi-talented Hines starred on Broadway, and made a significant mark on film and television. NPR's Renee Montagne reports.

Starting next month, the cost of CDs may drop by $4. The world's largest music company, Universal Music Group, plans to cut its wholesale cost to retailers by 24 percent, and will suggest a CD retail price of $12.98. That's down from the current suggested price of $16.98 to $18.98. NPR's Melissa Block talks with music store owner Mike Dreese.

Barbara Freese, former attorney general of Minnesota, has written a book that chronicles the rise and fall of coal. She says coal fueled the creation of the British Empire -- and the spread of English -- by stoking the British navy. Her book is Coal: A Human History. Freese speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Fiet's Vase, a new book by Alison Leslie Gold, documents harrowing and inspiring survival stories from the Holocaust. The book is a compilation of personal accounts from people who have struggled to understand why they survived, when so many others perished. NPR's Susan Stamberg talks to Gold.

Filmmaker Ric Burns' new documentary is a history of the World Trade Center. The Center of the World airs Monday, Sept. 8, as part of the American Experience series on PBS. It's the final episode in Burns' New York: A Documentary Film. Burns speaks with NPR's Scott Simon.

Joe Albany was an acclaimed bebop pianist, a band mate of legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker -- and a heroin junkie. In her new memoir, Lowdown: Jazz, Junk, And Other Fairytales From Childhood, author A.J. Albany recalls her turbulent life with her troubled, talented father. Tom Vitale reports.