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NPR's Eric Weiner reports that anti-globalization demonstrators in Melbourne, Australia have declared their three-day effort a success, even though they failed to shut down a conference of the World Economic Forum, a gathering of international business leaders. Organizers of the protests say globalization, as exemplified by the World Economic Forum, benefits only a few of the wealthiest corporations, while harming the environment, destroying local cultures and increasing poverty. The protesters in Melbourne were well-prepared and well-equipped. They used walkie-talkies to monitor police movements, loudspeakers to direct protesters and they'd even set up first aid and legal aid stations.

On the banks of the Skykomish River in Monroe, Washington today, Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush announced a $5 billion environmental initiative. Bush said the program was needed to improve maintenance and resource protection in the National Park System. Aides hope the event will get the campaign back on message after days of distraction. Andy Bowers, of NPR News, is with the Bush campaign.

The Senate has been trying for several weeks to complete action on a bill granting permanent normal trade status to China. But several senators have resisted the bill, trying to attach amendments that would require various changes in Chinese policy. One such effort was directed at China's foreign arms sales, which have furthered efforts by other countries to develop weapons of mass destruction. But today, the Senate voted not to attach any weapons sales provisions to the trade bill. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.

Commentator Russell Roberts talks about the recent use of subliminal advertising in a Republican National Committee commercial. He says the technique isn't usually successful, so why not just call the Democrats vermin to their faces?

NPR's Howard Berkes reports the International Olympic Committee has said it would like to broaden its base and add more women to the organization. As the IOC concluded three days of meetings in Sydney, Australia today, it added fourteen new members, all of them male. The nominees were put forth by National Olympic Committees and international sports federations, which are not under IOC control. Some women complain that having few females on the IOC results in inattention to their issues of concern; notably refusal by some nations to allow women to join Olympic teams.

NPR's Rob Gifford reports China has mounted a massive cleanup and construction campaign in Beijing in an effort NOT to lose out again on a bid to host the Olympics. Beijing was bitterly disappointed when Sydney, Australia won the right to host the 2000 summer games, beating Beijing by only two votes. The people of Beijing now hope their city will be chosen to host the 2008 Olympics. They say it's a matter of national pride. But winning an Olympic bid also would force the government to address severe problems with noise, traffic and air pollution.

NPR's Melissa Block reports that Hillary Clinton and Rick Lazio met in their first debate last night. The two candidates are vying to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by Daniel Patrick Moynihan's retirement. As expected, the debate turned ugly, with both Clinton and Lazio attacking each other's character.

NPR's Brian Naylor reports that the House has failed to override a presidential veto of a bill ending the marriage penalty. The President justified his veto by saying the bill did little to help middle income families.

NPR's Guy Raz reports from Albuquerque on the release of former Los Alamos Nuclear Scientist Wen Ho Lee after nine months of solitary confinement. Lee was released yesterday with an apology from a judge who said the government's actions "embarrassed our entire nation."

Host Bob Edwards talks to Christine Brennan sports columnist for USA Today, about U.S. women's soccer match against Norway. The American women beat Norway 2 to 0 in the their tournament opener at the Summer Games in Sydney.