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Glenn Mitchell of member station KERA in Dallas reports on one of the most under-appreciated jobs in journalism, writing obituaries. Writing obits can be challenging and rewarding, according to those who apply creativity. The work also can be informative and even amusing.

Republican George Bush may not have chosen a rock star for his runningmate, but with former defense secretary Richard Cheney, he's found a man with rock solid Washington credentials. While even Democrats praise for Cheney for his calm and competence, they say the choice presents Democrat Al Gore with many opportunities. NPR's Anthony Brooks reports.

NPR's John Ydstie visits a town in Ohio that suffered the loss of a big employer two years ago. Huffy Bicycles shut down operations and hundreds lost their jobs. Many suffered and are resentful, but surprisingly, some people are doing better and seeking new careers or enjoying a new lifestyle. A measure of how personal change results from economic change -- as the bicycle maker now imports bike parts from China. (12:30) Next, NPR's Rob Gifford goes to the town in China where Huffy Bicycles are now made. The U.S. National Labor Committee accuses this plant of horrific working conditions, but Gifford finds happy workers. Although the wages paid here vastly undercut those that were paid to Huffy workers in Celina, Ohio, the salaries are above average for China.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr takes a look at the failure of the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations at Camp David.

NPR's Ted Clark looks back on the Camp David summit, assessing how close the Israeli and Palestinian leaders came to reaching agreement on key issues.

NPR's Phillip Martin reports on the National Urban League's annual assessment of African American progress. The "State of Black America" report shows home ownership at record highs, unemployment at all-time lows and surging college enrollment, especially among black women. But a disproportionate number of African American children live in poverty, more black men are imprisoned, and more black people die of AIDS, cancer and other diseases. Conversely, the reports says the black middle class continues to grow and the educated young experience fewer barriers than earlier generations.

NPR's Rick Karr reports on the arguments anticipated today in the first round of the Napster legal dispute. Napster, an online service letting users exchange music files, argues that it's being unfairly targeted for something that isn't illegal. The Recording Industry of America says Napster must be shut down immediately to protect its copyright interests.

Commentator Carol Wasserman writes about a local delicacy near her home in Wareham, Massachusetts: white peaches, and the human interactions they can bring.

NPR's Andy Bowers reports from Idaho, where the civil trial of a white separatist leader begins today. Richard Butler of Aryan Nation is accused of provoking a physical assault; he claims he's an advocate of nonviolence and isn't responsible.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Electric Waco Chair, the new recording by the Chicago based group The Waco Brothers. One of the band's leaders is Jon Langford, formerly of the British group the Mekons.