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Commentator Mark Hertsgaard says the Commission on Presidential Debates makes it nearly impossible for any candidate -- except those from the Democratic and Republican parties -- to participate. He says the debates are essential to any candidacy, and exclusionary rules help the two big parties retain their monopoly over the political system.

NPR's Linda Gradstein reports on the continuing unrest in Israel. A hastily arranged cease-fire collapsed into further violence yesterday, with 56 people killed and more than a thousand injured since the start of the conflict.

NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on what happened behind-the-scenes at last night's presidential debate in Boston, Massachusetts. Spin doctors from both Democratic and Republican camps converged on the media center, hoping to influence coverage of the debate. The spin control began even before the candidates made their final remarks.

NPR's Ina Jaffe reports from Los Angeles that jury selection is underway in the first case to come out of the L.A.P.D.'s Rampart corruption scandal. Four officers are accused by former officer Rafael Perez of planting evidence, shooting suspects, and perjuring themselves. But Perez's own lack of credibility may make the case hard to prove.

NPR's Jack Speer reports from Washington that federal regulators are proposing new restrictions for railway mergers. The Surface Transportation Board released the proposed guidelines yesterday. If approved early next year, they would make it harder for large rail lines to merge.

Host Bob Edwards speaks with reporter Richard Galpin in Jakarta about Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid's refusal to pardon the son of former president Suharto. Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra received an 18-month sentence for his involvement in a land-scam deal.

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports that the Supreme Court will consider its second case testing the limits of police searches this week. After tackling whether the police can set up automotive drug-search checkpoints yesterday, the court hears arguments today about whether hospitals have the right to test pregnant women for drugs and have police charge those who test positive.

NPR's Mandelit Del Barco reports from Los Angeles on a series of one-day strikes by County employees, who are demanding higher pay. They include clerical workers, social workers, road repair crews, librarians, and healthcare workers.

NPR reporters talk to likely voters in three different parts of the country following last night's presidential debate. Adam Hochberg reports from Garner, NC; Don Gonyea from Livonia, MI; and Bellamy Pailthorpe from Seattle, WA.

Bob Edwards talks with NPR's Ted Clark about the summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright underway in Paris. The talks aim to end the worst outbreak of violence in the region in four years.