Traffic’s again normal at the exit ramp on the inner loop ramp of New Circle at Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. At least as normal as things can be in a construction zone.  “It’s still a construction zone so it's not going to look nice and pretty and all that,” said Bob Nunley who's with the Kentucky Transporation Cabinet.

The jazz pianist Dan Tepfer isn't yet 30, but he's quickly built a reputation for quality — versatility, too. Two years ago, he put out an album of improvised duets with iconic saxophonist Lee Konitz, who's about 55 years his elder. Last year, Tepfer issued Five Pedals Deep, an elegant and modern trio album. (It's his third trio record, actually.) Soon, he'll also release his readings of and improvisations on J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations, originally written for solo harpsichord.

Syria's embattled president said Monday that "saboteurs" are trying to exploit legitimate demands for reform, as the regime faces its most powerful challenge in more than four decades.

In his third televised address since the uprising started in March, President Bashar Assad's claims there is a conspiracy against the government involving outside forces and the media.

Renee Montagne has business news.

Six locations in Afghanistan are scheduled to be handed over to Afghan control next month. The most daring location is the capital of Helmand province. U.S. Marines are just now assessing the security gains they've made in Helmand. How ready are Afghan troops for the hand over, and, how much of the area will really be under Afghan control?

The Paris Air Show opened Monday with more than 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries taking part in the week-long event. Most of the attention will be focused on the annual battle between Airbus and Boeing over who will sell the most airliners.

Rory McIlroy, 22, of Northern Ireland is this year's U.S. Open champion. He won by eight shots and broke the tournament scoring record by a whopping four strokes. Renee Montagne talks to "USA Today" Sports Columnist Christine Brennan about the new U.S. Open Golf champion, and what drama unfolded over the weekend on one of the hardest courses of the majors.

NATO says one of its airstrikes in the Libyan capital of Tripoli went astray and may have killed civilians. The military alliance said the errant strike early Sunday may have been due to "a weapons system failure." Libyan officials say nine civilians were killed, including two children.

Renee Montagne has the Last Word in business.

Chris Weitz has directed a variety of movies from "About a Boy" and "American Pie" to "New Moon" of the "Twilight" series. Now he's out with a movie about an illegal immigrant from Mexico who's working as a gardener in Los Angeles, and is trying to keep his son out of gang life. Renee Montagne talks with Weitz about the film, "A Better Life."