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NPR's Michele Kelemen reports from the industrial city of Norilsk, Russia, on the so-called oligarchs, the men who own large companies in Russia. Norilsk Nickel, a massive empire, is an example of the kind of Soviet-era corporations that were sold off to private hands, often under shady circumstances. The new oligarchs are accused of taking advantage of post-Soviet instability, and of draining wealth out of Russia.

New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen kept a high profile at the Democratic National Convention, where she made a key speech and was considered as a running mate for Vice President Al Gore. But upon returning to the Granite State, Shaheen finds herself facing a strong challenge -- from her within her own party. Av Harris of New Hampshire Public Radio reports.

NPR's Eric Westervelt reports from New York state, which has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country. These laws were enacted by the late governor Nelson Rockefeller in the 1970s. A growing chorus of judges, activists and family members of those imprisoned under these laws are calling for reform. They say the penalty for murder can be less harsh than that for possession of drugs.

From member station WHYY Mhari Saito reports that the city of Philadelphia is trying to shut down a neighborhood once associated with the radical separatist group MOVE. Fifteen years ago, dozens of homes were unintentionally destroyed when police dropped an incendiary device on a neighborhood house in an attempt to end a stand-off. The city rebuilt the homes, but now says they are unsafe.

When Al Gore and George W. Bush talk about health care, they sound a lot alike. But as Julie Rovner reports, the presidential candidates' plans for health care in the U.S. are starkly different. Gore wants to expand existing government programs to bring health coverage to more people. Bush believes he can achieve the same thing through private-sector initiatives.

NPR's Joanne Silberner reports that public health officials in New Jersey are taking precautions to protect residents of the state against the spread of West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes. The disease is spread from birds, such as crows, to humans, who may or may not be aware they've been infected. Symptoms range from headaches to coma, and, in some cases the virus can be deadly.

David D'Arcy reports on Filmmaker John Waters and his new movie, Cecil B. Demented. The film's main character seems loosely based on Waters' own life; Cecil B. Demented is a director of shock cinema and has attracted a cult-like following. But unlike Waters, Demented is a terrorist who targets bad cinema for destruction.

NPR's Scott Horsley reports on a commercial database that keeps track of millions of Americans who have bounced checks. More than 85-thousand bank branches subscribe to the database, called Chexsystem, and use it to screen potential customers. But critics say a single bad check can place someone's name on the database, and once listed, it's unlikely they'll be able to open an account for up to five years.

Janet Babin of member station WCPN reports that scientists at a small company in Ohio have come up with what they see as a solution to a growing problem in many U.S. lakes. Eurasian water milfoil is a weed that grows so large and fast that it clogs the water and makes boating difficult. The company is using a tiny beetle which feeds on the weed to control it.

Noah reads letters from All Things Considered listeners. Subjects this week include Robert Trout's reports on Democratic conventions of the 1940's, political theater, and musical theater -- West Side Story. (3:15) Please Note: To contact All Things Considered, write to All Things Considered Letters, 635 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20001. The e-mail address is atc@npr.org.