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Commentator Sam Fulwood says Virginia Governor George Allen's decision to declare April Confederate History and Heritage month was done for short term political gains without any consideration for the long term damage it could have on race relations. Allen's move serves only to push people further into the color-coded camps at the extremes of the race debate. His decision to honor the Confederacy without any mention of slavery was dishonest.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of Charles Mingus. As an instrumentalist, he became known as "the Segovia of the bass" and championed the unwieldy instrument as a solo voice in jazz groups. He became one of the first bassists to lead his own group. But perhaps he made his greatest mark as a composer. He was inspired by Ellington and carried that great composer's ideas to new levels in the nearly 300 works Mingus left behind. Karen Michel (mih-SHELL) has this report on the life and music of one of America's true jazz innovators. (8:00) ((ST

a look at new Food and Drug Administration regulations regarding cigarette sales that went into effect today. The rules require retailers to ask for a photo I.D. for all customers buying cigarettes who look younger than 27. Failure to comply could cost store owners $250. President Clinton argues the new rules will actually help retailers, since they won't have to guess the age of those buying cigarettes.

-- Today, the Senate will continue debate over the Chemical Weapons Treaty. It's already been ratified by more than 70 countries aiming to ban the use and production of chemical warfare agents...now a two-thirds vote is needed for U-S ratification. The treaty will take effect worldwide next week with or without American participation.

-- N-P-R's Rick Karr reports from Fargo as the flood crest of the Red River heads north into Canada. With so many important urban centers of the Red River Valley rendered uninhabitable, previously unnoticed places have sprung into prominence.

Linda talks with Calvin Sims, a reporter for the New York Times. They discuss reports that some of the Tupac Amaru rebels who were holding 72 hostages in the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Peru attempted to surrender, but were killed in the military raid that freed the hostages anyway. Families of these rebels have been forbidden to hold funers...and the bodies will be buried in unmarked graves.

NPR's Mike Shuster reports on the opening of two days of debate in the Senate on the Chemical Weapons Convention. The vote for ratification...which requires a two thirds majority...looks as though it will be close. It takes place tomorrow. The treaty got some unexpected supported today from former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole.

NPR's Wendy Kaufman visits with some teenage smokers to gauge their reaction to new Federal rules aimed at curbing teenage smoking. Retailers are now required to inspect the I.D.'s of all those under 27 years of age.

Korva talks with Roger Bagnell of Columbia University, a scholar who has worked to reunite scattered fragments of papyrus in cyberspace...the results: ordinary people can get a window on the everyday lives of people in ancient times.

about the latest revelations about White House fund-raising.