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John Ydstie of NPR News has a report on the differing budget proposals of Democratic Presidential Candidate Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush. Economic prosperity in America has brought a sharp debate over what to do with a projected budget surplus. Gore says his first priority is paying down the national debt. Bush says the surplus should mean tax cuts first.

NPR's Alex Chadwick reports that marine explorer Bob Ballard has found evidence of a 7000 year old human settlement under 300 feet of water in the Black Sea. Ballard believes the civilization was flooded after melting ice age glaciers caused the Mediterranean to surge over its banks and flow into what was then a shallower lake. The discovery could shed light on the biblical story of the great flood.

NASA scientists report today that they have discovered a new kind of black hole. These are much larger than black holes caused by collapsing stars, but much smaller than the ones in the centers of galaxies. Black holes are so dense, not even light can escape their gravity. The new discovery could help explain how these bizarre objects come into being. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Commentator Hallie Deaktor finds evidence on the subway that aliens are among us. Her suspicion is reconfirmed by another strange being on the street. She says she's ready to join them. After recent news of evidence there might once have been microbial life on Mars, she's not sure of anything anymore.

NPR's Madeleine Brand examines the controversy over the Republican ad that criticizes Vice President Gore's prescription drug plan and which critics charge contains a "subliminal" message. The split-second appearance on the screen of the word "RATS," in large capital letters, then becomes part of the word "bureaucrats." The ad lambastes bureaucracy. Brand looks at the effectiveness of so-called "subliminal" advertising -- in selling candidates as well as other products.

A new government review of the federal death penalty shows serious racial and geographical disparities among those on death row for federal offenses. Death penalty experts disagree on whether the review will influence the federal courts, which hear the appeals of those inmates. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.

NPR's Jack Speer reports the Federal Trade Commission has given the auto industry a green light on its plan to set up a massive online marketplace for buying auto parts. DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, and Nissan as well as more than a dozen parts suppliers are involved. The FTC had been concerned that such an alliance among competitors could lead to collusion and price signaling, but approved the plan in a unanimous vote.

NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on the status of permanent trade relations for China. Some Senators are wary of passing the bill, which they say would allow China to escape annual review of its human rights issues. Several lawmakers have proposed amendments to the bill, including Fred Thompson of Tennessee and Robert Torricelli of New Jersey.

The Monarch is arguably America's favorite insect. It's also in danger of losing its principle resting place. NPR's John Nielsen reports satellite photos reveal a recent and rapid disappearance of the mountainside forests in Mexico that serve as the roosting place for migrating Monarchs.

NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on the controversy surrounding a GOP commercial that subtly flashes the word "RATS" across the screen. Republican Presidential candidate George W. Bush noted that the word appears only fleetingly - for a tiny fraction of a second. Played at full speed, it's barely noticeable, particularly if the viewer isn't looking for the word.