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Martin Kaste reports from Brazil that South American politicians are talking more and more these days about economic integration. At a recent summit, Latin American presidents pledged to work for creation of a continent-wide free-trade zone by the year 2002. Analysts say the drive toward integration is spurred, in part, by the growing US involvement in the drug war in Colombia. Many Brazilian politicians, in particular, say the new billion-dollar US aid package to Colombia smacks of imperialism, and they want to counter the US presence by banding together.

Linda talks to Sports Columnist Bud Collins about the US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing Meadows, New York, and how the men's and women's finals are shaping up. (3:45) Info on the Internet at http://www.usopen.org.

Linda talks with Andy Kohut, Director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about the polls indicating the standings in the Presidential race, and how the gender gap is playing a part in the race this year.

Republican candidate George W. Bush made good today on a promise to move his campaign closer to the voters. Although the themes were the same he has been stressing for months, Bush was careful to be seen delivering them at eye level. But there's still no news on negotiations for the candidate debates. Steve Inskeep reports for NPR News.

Authorities conducting a drug raid in Colombia, outside Bogota, found drug runners were constructing a submarine large enough to smuggle 200 tons of cocaine. Linda talks with Ruth Morris, who covered the story for the Los Angeles Times.

A group of energy experts met in Boston and have forecasted higher heating oil prices for the winter. Steve Tripoli of member station WBUR in Boston reports.

Edie Rabonowitz, of Chicago Public Radio, profiles Mass Ensemble. They're a troupe of musicians and dancers who convert rooms and buildings into musical instruments.

NPR's Julie McCarthy reports from London on protests over rising fuel costs. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a tour of northern England in order to attend urgent talks about the situation. Britain has the highest gas prices in Europe.

NPR'S Julie McCarthy reports from London on the continuing campaign of protests against high fuel prices in Britain. Protestors are blockading nine refineries, and panic buying is depleting gasoline supplies at the pump. Prime Minister Tony Blair said his government has told oil companies to get their tankers moving -- and ordered police to protect drivers from intimidation.

Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush campaigned again today in Florida, but his appearances were dominated by questions about a television ad being run by his party. The ad includes the word "rats," which appears on screen for less than one second, while the ad is talks about government bureaucrats. Bush said today the ad was not an attempt to send a subliminal message, but he added that it would not air again. NPR's Steve Inskeep is traveling with the Bush campaign and filed this report.