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Ford is announcing today that it will increase the average fuel economy of its sports utility vehicles by 25 percent over five years. As NPR's Jack Speer reports, the company said it was responding to environmentally-conscious consumers who want their vehicles to burn less gas. Ford, which pioneered the trend toward big, gas-guzzling SUVs, appears to be shifting course under the direction of chairman William Ford Jr., an avowed environmentalist. But Ford's move may be prompted by economics, too. SUVs are highly profitable and high gas prices could put that lucrative market at risk.

Robert talks with Paul Ferrara, Director of the Virginia Division of Forensic Science, about the practice of gathering DNA samples. Ferrara is attending the National Law Enforcement Summit on DNA Technology in Washington, DC.

Banning Eyre reports on the legacy of Nigerian bandleader and activist Fela Kuti. Kuti came from a talented and educated family. He was educated in England and spent time in America. In the 1970's, his jazz and funk-influenced music challenged the political and military leadership of Nigeria. His lifestyle reflected his sharp rejection of Western ideas. Kuti eventually died of complications from AIDS. But his life is attracting new attention here in the US as his son Femi tours with a band, and a new biography by Michael Veal details his life. (12:30) Please note, Fela: The Life & Times of an African Musical Icon, by Michael E. Veal is published by Temple University Press; ISBN# 1566397650, June 2000.

Catholic voters were traditionally thought of as a Democratic, but in recent decades they have become swing voters -- willing to support either party This year, they are a prize trophy in the presidential contest. NPR's Lynn Neary reports on the Republican strategy for attracting Catholic votes.

NPR's Aaron Schachter reports on a little known option for minor criminals in Southern California. If a judge approves, a prisoner may be allowed to leave the crowded and dangerous county jail for "nicer" accommodations in a small city lock up. The pay-to-stay program costs detainees anywhere from 40 to 145 dollars a night. Some lawyers who know about the program say it's a legitimate way to keep clients safe. Civil libertarians say it's inherently unfair, since it gives an advantage to those with money.

Sixty years ago today, Bugs Bunny debuted in A Wild Hare. Linda and Robert have a few notes about Bugs' creation and we hear clips from the cartoon.

Ten years ago this week, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. The law prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on their physical or mental disabilities. Stephen Smith of American Radio Works reports on how well the law has worked for people who faced discrimination at work because of their mental disorders.

Linda talks with Jere Longman about the U.S. Woman's Soccer Team, the challenges they faced and how the team's success influenced the way women in sports are viewed. Longman is a sports writer for The New York Times and author of Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women's Soccer Team and How it Changed the World. (5:00) Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women's Soccer Team and How it Changed the World, by Jere Longman is published by Harper Collins, July 2000.

Latino USA's Maria Martin reports on the results of a survey of political attitudes among Latinos across the country. 1,000 Latinos were polled on campaign issues such as the economy, immigration policy, and gun control, among other things.

Robert talks to Charlie Pacas, an aquatic specialist at Banff National Park, about a plan to remove non-native fish from Moraine Lake. The lake is within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The lake was stocked with non-native fish which are pushing out the indigenous bull trout.