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Jan. 1, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Led by a young Fidel Castro, the revolution wrenched power from the American-backed Batista regime. Today, Cuba remains the only communist nation in the Western hemisphere, making Castro one of the most polarizing figures of modern times. NPR's Tom Gjelten, who spent decades reporting on Cuba, takes a look back.

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former State Atty. Gen. Ronald Burris yesterday as his pick to replace President-elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. Some see the move as a slap in the face to critics who want the governor to resign following allegations of corruption.

The deepening political scandal in Illinois continues to ignite strong debate among residents about the integrity of leadership in the state. Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell returns to the program, and joined by Chicago Tribune Reporter Mike Dorning to discuss their state's political crisis.

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 Democratic Republic of Congo has for years been fraught with devastating economic and political crises, often resulting in violent conflict. Among the countless victims of the violence are the women, many of whom have been raped and sexually abused. A new play, Ruined, tells their story on stage.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois House on Friday and will soon face trial. Also, this week Roland Burris continues his push to be seated as the embattled governor's successor to President-elect Barack Obama. Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell offers an update on the complicated political drama.

President Barack Obama issued an executive order today to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year. The decision represents a critical break from Bush administration policies. James Yee, a former Muslim chaplain at the facility, discusses the move and those who say Guantanamo is a necessary tool in the war against terror.

National homicide rates have remained relatively stable in recent years, with the exception of one group: black teenaged boys. A new report by Northeastern University shows that the number of homicides involving black male juveniles rose by 31 percent between 2002 to 2007. Criminology professor James Alan Fox authored the study and explains why the numbers are so high.

On a deadly day in Iraq, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says most British military personnel will leave the country by the end of June.

Below the Belt highlights patients' stories and the push for new research dollars for this poorly understood disease. Here are seven surprising facts from the film.