He referred to a drop in attacks on U.S. troops, on Iraqi civilians, and a reduction in sectarian violence.

NPR: Petraeus, Crocker Brief Congress on 'Surge'

O'HARA: Referendum day wasn't totally free of violence, but the senior military official quoted previously says there was a significant drop in attacks that lasted for several days.

NPR: Command and Control of the Iraq Insurgency

Now, two large studies suggest that communities that pass laws to curb secondhand smoke get a big payoff -- a drop in heart attacks.

CNN: Big drop in heart attacks after smoking bans, studies say