For the first time in nearly three months, oil has stopped flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. BP's experimental cap shut down oil from its busted well yesterday. Now BP engineers are monitoring the pressure from the well. If the pressure is low, that means oil is likely seeping out of pipes and into the seabed, possibly causing a bigger environmental disaster. If pressure is high, the cap is working and BP will be able to either siphon the oil into ships or close down the well. Either way, the cap is a temporary measure. Even if it holds, BP needs to plug the gusher with cement and mud deep underground, where the seal will hold more permanently than any cap from above could.

In his debut novel, "The First Thing And The Last," sociologist Allan Johnson tells the story of Katherine Stuart, who kills her abusive husband one night after he attacks her and kills their only child. In the wake of the devastation, Katherine makes friends with Lucy Dudley, an elderly woman who's been in a similar situation, and helps Stuart recover.

Lawyers for the former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich will begin his defense Monday in the federal corruption trial. Blagojevich is expected to take the stand in his own defense next week.  The prosecution rested its case this week, they're trying to prove that Blagojevich attempted to shakedown a hospital executive, a racetrack owner, the Chicago Tribune and that he tried to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat held by Barack Obama before he became president. We speak with Jeff Coen, who is covering the trial for the Chicago Tribune.
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An Australian cyclist was kicked out of the Tour De France after head butting an opponent, the British Open continues with two young guys at the top and the New York Yankees pay tribute to longtime owner George Steinbrenner and legendary announcer Bob Sheppard. We speak with NPR's Only A Game host Bill Littlefield about the week in sports.

• Tito Puente, "Royal T"
• Fred Hersch, "Desafinado"
• The Ventures, "Green Onions"
• Ahmad Jamal, "Patterns"
• Sonny Rollins, "Get Happy"