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The National Academy of Sciences study also points to a growing need to identify and treat those children who are at risk for serious mental health issues problems -- in many cases those children that have been neglected or abused. NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports on what kind of children need early intervention, and what kind of programs there are available to help them.

Linda talks to Bill Rempel, National Correspondent and Investigative Reporter for the Los Angeles Times, about the concealed weapons law in Texas. Rempel's report in today's paper says hundreds of people with criminal backgrounds, many of them violent, have gotten the concealed carry licenses in Texas. That's despite a vow by Texas Governor George W. Bush for rigorous background checks.

Commentator Mark Hertsgaard says the Commission on Presidential Debates makes it nearly impossible for any candidate -- except those from the Democratic and Republican parties -- to participate. He says the debates are essential to any candidacy, and exclusionary rules help the two big parties retain their monopoly over the political system.

Satirist Harry Shearer imagines the line between Soft and Hard TV will fall, and future Presidential debates will be in line with more popular entertainment. He proposes a combination of professional wrestling and politics.

Commentator Joe Davidson says little has been said by George W. Bush or Al Gore about foreign assistance to Africa. He says African economic development is more important to the U.S. than most Americans believe.

From Athens, Georgia Steve Lickteig reports on the city's struggle to preserve an unusual monument — the railroad trestle pictured on the cover of native rock band REM's break-out album Murmur.

A blue ribbon panel of researchers issued a report today on the state of America's youngest children -- from infants to five-year-olds. The National Academy of Sciences report lists a number of far-reaching policy changes that it says should be implemented, including better childcare, better training and pay for providers, and more family leave. NPR's Claudio Sanchez examines the report, and how it contributes to the debate over education and public policy in this election year.

NPR's Steve Inskeep is traveling with the Bush campaign in West Virginia, the final campaign stop before the Texas governor heads up to Boston for tomorrow evening's presidential debate with Al Gore. Bush is running an extremely close race with the Vice President, and both camps know that the debates could be the deciding factor as to who becomes the 43rd president.

NPR's Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg reports the Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments today on the use of drug checkpoints. At issue is whether it is legal for police to randomly stop drivers and use dogs to check for illegal drugs. Opponents of the tactic say it amounts to illegal search and violates the 4th Amendment.

Today is the tenth anniversary of German reunification. The BBC's Horsley reports from the anniversary celebration. (2:52-3:01) More information about German reunification can be found on on www.germany-info.org