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Also: Afghanistan's leader is reportedly seeking a letter from the U.S. on civilian casualties; Iranian nuclear talks open; San Diego's mayoral candidates advance to a runoff to replace Bob Filner; and a pilot who made an emergency landing on the Pennsylvania Turnpike got a $3,000 towing bill.

Each year on Memorial Day weekend, West Virginia's best storytellers compete for the prestigious title of "Biggest Liar," in a tall- tale contest that draws large crowds. Two contest judges, including a five-time champion, spin a couple of whoppers.

NPR's Melissa Block reflects on the results of an annual survey about what most scares Americans. The nation's health care system, pollution and another world war rank in the top 10.

When it comes to wine, some consumers still equate quality with price. But at the 28th Annual International Eastern Wine Competition, a $1.99 bottle of California Wine, the 2002 Charles Shaw Shiraz, beat out 2,300 wines to win a prestigious double gold medal. Hear NPR's Steve Inkseep.

Obama's supporter and former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle was nominated to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and director of the new White House Office of Health Reform.

The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards were held Sunday in Los Angeles. HBO, the cable television show Mad Men and NBC's 30 Rock were big winners.

For many, summer is a time of transition: weddings, graduations, job interviews. And that means it's also a season for thank-you notes. Despite the ubiquity of e-mail, experts tell Michele Norris that a handwritten note remains the best way to express your gratitude.

Tens of thousands of Muslims begin a three-day march to mourn Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, a revered Iraqi Shiite cleric killed by a car-bomb attack Friday. Al-Hakim, a long-time opponent of Saddam Hussein, was one of more than 100 people killed in the bombing of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

The venerable New York investment firm Goldman Sachs has a long track record for producing political bigwigs. Treasury Secretary-nominee Henry M. Paulson Jr. has served as both chairman and CEO since 1999. The company boasts a return on equity of upwards of 40 percent.

Accepting the Republican nomination for a second term, President Bush outlines proposals addressing education, health care and other domestic issues, while attacking Sen. John Kerry. But the post-Sept. 11 world and war on terrorism dominate Bush's speech. Hear NPR's Mara Liasson.