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In part two of our series on the Changing Face of America, NPR's Lynn Neary reports on religion and spirituality. The new spirituality is changing the way many people 'practice' their faith. Many are turning or returning to the contemplative and monastic practices of Eastern and Western traditions. To connect with spirit, seekers are making meditation, prayer, visualization, and monastic silence part of their daily lives- sometimes with the help of a 'spiritual director'.

The Northampton State Hospital in Western Massachusetts has been scheduled to be demolished after years of treating the mentally ill. Charlene Scott of WFCR reports that the institution won't go without some recognition. A German artist is using the abandoned building to feature her paintings and the works of former patients accompanied by the music of Bach. But some former patients think the project doesn't go far enough to address their experiences at the institution.

NPR's Ted Clark reports the State Department has recommended disciplinary action against six employees because of a missing laptop that contained highly classified information. In a related development, one of the nation's top diplomats, Ambassador Stapleton Roy, has decided to retire early. His deputy, Donald Keyser, is among the six employees targeted for disciplinary action designed to address concerns about security procedures at the State Department.

Whoever the new U.S. president is, the new administration will have to deal with Russia under Vladimir Putin. NPR's Tom Gjelten reports that an early challenge will be deciding whether or not to sanction Russian arms sales to Iran. Effective today, the Russians are withdrawing from the understanding former Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin reached with U.S. Vice President Gore regarding such sales.

Florida Circuit Court Judge N. Sanders Sauls began today promising a 12-hour hearing and a ruling before the night was out. As of late afternoon, it was clear the hearing would last at least that long, but far less clear that the judge would be ruling tonight. It took the court more than four hours just to deal with opening statements and the first witness for the campaign of Vice President Al Gore. NPR's Brian Naylor reports from Tallahassee.

The New Jersey Attorney General has released state documents, detailing the use of racial profiling by state troopers there. Robert talks with David Kocieniewski, a reporter for the New York Times Trenton, New Jersey Bureau. He says the documents show thirty to fifty percent of the people stopped were minorities, and eighty percent of those who had their cars searched by troopers were minorities.

PepsiCo will buy Quaker Oats for $13.4 billion in stock, giving PepsiCo a new array of food and beverage products, including Quaker's big seller -- Gatorade. The deal gives PepsiCo a boost in its battle with arch rival Coca-Cola over customers who drink non-carbonated beverages. Coke withdrew a pricier bid for Quaker Oats last month. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

Ross Reynolds of member station KUOW reports on the White House's plans to launch a new ad campaign targeting the drug ecstasy. The drug is often used at parties called raves, and its popularity is soaring. Ecstasy can be dangerous to those who use it, causing side affects ranging from mild nausea to panic attacks. But some "ravers" are coming up with their own safety strategies, and they aren't quite what the government had in mind.

California voters will be asked to decide whether non-violent drug offenders should be required to undergo treatment instead of going to jail. Proposition 36 would mandate probation and treatment instead of jail and would provide millions of dollars to fund drug treatment programs. Supporters say it would be more effective than jail, opponents believe the measure doesn't provide adequate monitoring. NPR's Ina Jaffe reports.

Jackie Northam of Chicago Public Radio reports one of the most influential theatres in the US is moving to a new location. Chicago's famed Goodman Theatre will soon pack up and relocate to a new 46-million dollar location in the city's north loop. The change of venue gives the Goodman a larger and more versatile space to use. City planners hope the move will help revitalize the historic area.