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NPR's Richard Harris reports from Bangkok that Thailand is leading the world in testing AIDS vaccines. That's because the nation has a strong scientific tradition, a good medical infrastructure, a willing populace and the political backing to conduct studies involving thousands of volunteers. Many of these ingredients are missing elsewhere in the world, where AIDS vaccines are more desperately needed.

The infrastructure bill will set aside billions of dollars to update the electric grid. Experts weigh in on whether or not it will be enough as extreme weather events disrupt access to electricity.

In part two of our look at juvenile facilities in South Dakota, NPR's Madeleine Brand reports that after the death of 14 year old Gina Score, others came forward with charges of abuse. These allegations are the basis for half a dozen lawsuits and 2 federal investigations.

Host John Ydstie talks with Pamela Haag about spawning new interest in technology among women and girls. While the number of technology jobs is skyrocketing, the number of women interested in those jobs is on the decline.

NPR's David Welna reports on the 20th anniversary of the Mariel Boatlift, the massive wave of immigration from Cuba to Florida in 1980. Over a five-month period, 125-thousand Cuban refugees left Cuba from the port of Mariel, and traveled to the United States in small boats. Processing the huge influx overwhelmed the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The INS task was even harder because the refugees included convicted criminals who had been released from prison and mental patients freed from institutions.

NPR's Melissa Block reports on French chef Alain Ducasse and his new restaurant, where every detail counts. Ducasse is the only chef to earn a three-star rating at two different establishments, so New York gourmets have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Alain Ducasse at the Essex House. It's the city's most expensive restaurant where one meal averages about one hundred and sixty dollars. And it limits its number of customers with just two lunches per week, dinner Monday through Friday, and just one seating per meal.

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviews the movie X-Men, which opens nationally in theaters today. Based on the popular Marvel comic book series, the cast includes Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Francis Xavier and Anna Paquin as Rogue. The film is directed by Bryan Singer the man behind the 1995 movie The Usual Suspects.

WINNIFORD AND UBEL CONTINUED.Pop Music Critic KEN TUCKER reviews the newest CD by rapper Eminem. Its called The Marshall Mathers LP.12:58:30 NEXT SHOW PROMO (:29) PROMO COPY On the next fresh air we talk with two doctors about prescription medicines the high costs, the problems for the elderly who have no insurance coverage for their medicines, dealing with side effects when youre taking several medicines, drug advertising on TV, and more. Join us for the next fresh air.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports on the newly signed trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam, which will open the two countries' markets to each other and encourage bilateral trade. It's the first diplomatic agreement signed by the countries since the end of the Vietnam War. Congressional approval of the trade pact is expected.

NPR's Phillip Martin reports on this week's NAACP National convention in Baltimore. After years of sagging influence, the organization is now returning as a political player. Presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush addressed the convention, as did President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Throughout the meetings, members worked to set the organization's future agenda, which includes a moratorium on the death penalty and establishing coalitions with other civil rights groups.