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Vermont Public Radio's Steve Young reports on Vermont's new groundbreaking state law which gives gay and lesbian couples almost all the rights and benefits of marriage. This morning, Young attended the civil union of two lesbians in Bennington, Vermont who were the first couple to take advantage of the law.

Today, Mexican voters go to the polls in what is expected to be the most hotly-contested presidential election in the country's history. Mexican voters in the U-S will be participating, as well. Eric Roy reports from member station KCRW in Santa Monica, Ca., that as many as 200-thousand are expected to cast ballots in the U-S.

Charlie Schlenker of member station WGLT in Normal, Illinois reports on how the descendants of a runaway slave who fought in the Civil War finally managed to get him the official recognition he deserves. Andrew Jackson Smith will be awarded the Congressional medal of honor later this year for bravery in battle.

Celeste Headlee of member station KNAU reports on a new classical work that incorporates Native American musicians, singers, and dancers. Guardians of the Grand Canyon, composed by Brent Michael Davis, honors the Havasupai tribe which owns a large part of the canyon.

NPR's Julie Rovner reports on the rising costs faced by HMOs participating in Medicare. Early indications from industry surveys suggest more companies than ever will pull out of the program for financial reasons, causing thousands of people to have to change their health care plans.

NPR's Michele Kelemen reports that Russian president Vladimir Putin finally flew to the Northern Fleet's base near Murmansk -- ten days after the submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea. With the rescue attempt called off, talk has now turned to bringing up the bodies of the 118 men on board.

Amy Tardif of member station WGCU in Fort Myers reports on changes in Florida's fire inspection laws. Schools are now required to be inspected by fire marshals, but there's not been enough time to get all schools up to code.

Host Renee Montagne talks to Irish Times Reporter Chris Anderson about the latest developments in Northern Ireland. British troops and police have stepped up patrols in Belfast after three killings this week. Authorities suspect that all three killings are the result of sectarian feuding.

Annie Cheney reports on one of the few urban therapeutic riding programs in the country. Once a week, several disabled New Yorkers meet at the Claremont Riding Stable for an hour of physical therapy on horseback. For some, it's a chance to move without wheelchairs...for others, it's a chance to re-connect physically with the world.

The annual meeting of the Southern Baptists today voted on a revision on their statement of faith. The new language reiterates the Southern Baptist Convention's opposition to homosexuality, abortion, racism and pornography and says that the office of pastor is reserved for men. NPR's Lynn Neary reports from the convention.