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In Pretoria this week, court action resumes in a lawsuit that pits 39 major pharmaceutical companies against the South African government and AIDS activists. The drug companies hope to block a law that allows South Africa to import or manufacture cheaper generic medications. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports on what's at stake for each of the major players in the case.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports on Senator Jesse Helms' visit to Mexico. The North Carolina Republican has been known for his vocal criticism of corruption in the Mexican government. But with the election of conservative Catholic businessman Vicente Fox, Helms has become a big supporter of Mexico's Leadership.

Anthony Kuhn reports there was no progress in the first day of U.S./Chinese talks to resolve disputes left over from the April 1 collision of an American surveillance plane and Chinese jet fighter. Beijing wants U.S. surveillance flights in the area to end. Washington says they will not end. Meanwhile, the damaged U.S. plane is still in Chinese hands.

There are signs that the epidemic of foot and mouth disease in Britain may be leveling off. But that doesn't mean the threat to U.S. livestock will go away. NPR's Joe Palca reports that the possibility of foot and mouth disease entering America is a constant one - and that recent events give cause for some optimism that the disease can be kept out.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will choose a new leader, later this month. Whoever is selected will face a difficult task: trying to revive the Japanese economy. Japan is stuck in its worst economic downturn since World War II. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

NPR's Howard Berkes reports on the advertising campaign that's bringing Smokey Bear into the new millennium. The public service announcements alter the bear's famous warning about "forest fire" prevention, to one concerning "wildfires," in order to emphasize that deserts and grasslands are also prone to destructive fires.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports on the passage of an Indian rights and culture bill by the Mexico's Congress. But Zapatista Indian rebels have still taken to the streets in Mexico City, claiming the bill has been changed so drastically, that instead of strengthening their autonomy, it actually reduces their rights.

NPR's Julie Rovner reports that horseback riders, roller-bladers, and other sports enthusiasts are perplexed about a new health care law. It's intended to prevent health insurance discrimination, but could also keep some sports injuries from being covered.

NPR's Mandelit del Barco reports on the controversy surrounding the Hollywood Bowl, and outdoor concert shell in the Hollywood hills. Celebrities from Sinatra to the Beatles have performed there over its 72 year history. Now preservationists are arguing against what some performers say is a much-needed renovation.

NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on a fundraiser hosted by Sen. Hillary Clinton at her new Washington, D.C., home last night. Attendees shelled out a thousand dollars per person to help Clinton's colleague, Sen. Maria Cantwell, pay debts she accrued while campaigning for office.