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Biden was asked whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan militarily if China invades. Epidemiologists investigate suspected U.S. cases of monkeypox. Long lines form as refugees try to return to Ukraine.

Renee Montagne talks with Michael Gerhardt about how Samuel Alito may shape decisions on states' rights if his nomination to the Supreme Court is confirmed. Gerhardt teaches constitutional law at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Demonstrations against the war in Iraq were held in many cities around the nation and the world Saturday. One of the largest was in Washington, D.C., where tens of thousands of people turned out.

The U.S. promised to slash its emissions and send tens of billions of dollars to low-lying and less well-off nations. The war in Ukraine is delaying that even as the toll from climate change rises.

Geologists and other scientists warn that unless the wetlands that buffer New Orleans are rebuilt soon, the new New Orleans will get flooded again. At the same time, confusion surrounds exactly what should be done or how long it will take or cost.

Nigeria produces so much oil that just the possibility of trouble there affects world markets. Prices first approached $60 a barrel after this summer's threat to the U.S. consulate. Oil first hit $50 last fall after another news item from Nigeria. A Niger Delta rebel ordered all oil companies out of the country.

Five years ago, the Supreme Court blocked the federal government from regulating small, isolated wetlands and streams and returned those powers to the states. In some areas, such as the Houston suburbs, there is no effective regulation and thousands of acres are being filled in with dirt.

El Salvador gets nearly six feet of rainfall each year, but clean water is in short supply. Contaminated water kills thousands there every year. But simple projects that build deep wells are beginning to succeed where expensive, modern water systems have failed.

Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, discusses concerns that recent natural disasters will affect long-term fundraising efforts. Many charities not involved in the relief operations can expect a dip in contributions, but Palmer says it's not known if the number of disasters will push the national economy into a slide, causing a long-term reduction in donations.

The National Academies releases its report on whether the Environmental Protection Agency is allowing unsafe levels of fluoride in America's drinking water.