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NPR's Eric Weiner reports from Sydney on Australia, the Olympic medal powerhouse. Per capita, Australia wins more Olympic medals than any other country and one reason is its Institute of Sport, created after the country's dismal Olympic performance in 1976. The Institute's laboratories have the latest technology. Sports physiologists closely monitor athletes' immune systems, and the Institute administers aptitude tests to almost all high school students in the country. Critics say the system resembles the old East German program. Supporters say it's the only way Australia can compete against countries like China and the U.S.

Firestone underwent a similar tire recall in the late 1970s. NPR's Mary Ann Akers reports the recall brought proposals for stricter regulations -- but the proposals were dropped when the Reagan Administration took over in 1981, carrying the banner of deregulation. Some of those who supported more regulation then, are crying "I told you so" now. But not everyone agrees.

Linda talks with Max Nonnamaker, who has testified as an expert witness for and against Bridgestone/Firestone. Nonnamaker, who runs his own consulting company, and is investigating the current problem with Firestone tires addresses what could have gone wrong in the design and construction of the recalled tires. He also describes the problem of tread separation and how companies test tires to make them safe for consumers.

Tom Rogers of member station WILL reports that in Decatur, Illinois, news that some defective Firestone tires may have been produced at a local plant is another blow to a town swamped by negative news in recent months.

Meredith Ochs reviews The Best of Broadside a collection of five compact discs filled with 89 songs from folk music legends like Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian and Phil Ochs. The CD's are contained in a spiral-bound book based on the bi-weekly folk music journal of the 1960's, Broadside magazine. (8:00) The Best of Broadside five CD set is from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, catalog number SFW CD 40130.

Susan Chisholm reports on the ongoing strike at Maine's biggest shipyard, Bath Iron Works. The striking workers have little incentive to settle their dispute and are finding other work in the robust economy, a sharp contrast to past strikes in the region.

NPR's Julie McCarthy reports from London on protests over rising fuel costs. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a tour of northern England in order to attend urgent talks about the situation. Britain has the highest gas prices in Europe.

Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports on the efforts of domestic violence counselors to create an Internet site that would facilitate battered women in the United States.

Commentator Judy Muller's just gotten back from vacation, and says she's missed very little news wise.

Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush campaigned again today in Florida, but his appearances were dominated by questions about a television ad being run by his party. The ad includes the word "rats," which appears on screen for less than one second, while the ad is talks about government bureaucrats. Bush said today the ad was not an attempt to send a subliminal message, but he added that it would not air again. NPR's Steve Inskeep is traveling with the Bush campaign and filed this report.