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NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports on the newly signed trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam, which will open the two countries' markets to each other and encourage bilateral trade. It's the first diplomatic agreement signed by the countries since the end of the Vietnam War. Congressional approval of the trade pact is expected.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports that a U.S. government agency has promised one-billion-dollars a year in loans to help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa buy AIDS treatments from U.S. companies. But AIDS experts say the money represents only a small step toward addressing the huge problem of HIV infection in Africa.

NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on the death of Senator Paul Coverdell. The only Georgia Republican senator to ever win re-election, Coverdell is almost certain to be succeeded by a Democrat; Governor Roy Barnes (D) is expected to make his decision shortly. But many Republican House members may try to run in the November special election, which could result in major changes in the state's congressional delegation.

Negotiations in the strike between members of the Screen Actors' Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the advertisers who hire them for TV commercials resume tomorrow. Strikers claim they've disrupted the industry. Ad companies say everything is humming along fine with non-union actors, and commercial production has moved to Canada and abroad. NPR's Aaron Schachter reports.

NPR's John Ydstie reports Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave an upbeat assessment of the U.S. economy today. Greenspan told members of the Senate Banking Committee the economy shows signs of slowing to a more sustainable pace and that reduces the risk of accelerating inflation. Stock and bond markets both rallied on the suggestion that Fed might leave interest rates alone when it meets next in August.

Turkey has been waging its own war against the religious right for years, and now the long-running political battle is heating up again. But some Turkish politicians fear harsh moves against Islamist leaders now could jeopardize the country's bid to join the European Union. Chris Morris reports from Ankara.

Firestone underwent a similar tire recall in the late 1970s. NPR's Mary Ann Akers reports the recall brought proposals for stricter regulations -- but the proposals were dropped when the Reagan Administration took over in 1981, carrying the banner of deregulation. Some of those who supported more regulation then, are crying "I told you so" now. But not everyone agrees.

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.

One of the issues most often mentioned by voters this election year is education. The presidential candidates Al Gore andGeorge W. Bush are responding. Both men have made schools and education reform a top priority on the campaign trail. But as NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports, what can the president of the United States really do to improve the nation's schools?

NPR's Ted Clark reports the death of Pol Pot does not close the book on the Khmer Rouge's crimes against humanity. U.S. officials still seek to bring to justice many of Pol Pot's lieutenants who were eager and willing participants in the brutal genocide that their movement orchestrated.