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companies from the Northeast and Middle Atlantic, NYNEX and Bell Atlantic, has been given a green light by the Justice Deaprtment. The companies claim the deal will allow them to improve their services and move into new fields like video, but consumer groups think the merger will reduce competition and raise prices.

NPR's Adam Hochberg reports on another blow to the tobacco industry today. A federal judge in North Carolina ruled that the Food and Drug Administration has legal jurisdiction to regulate tobacco sales and distribution. However, the judge sided with the tobacco industry when he ruled that the FDA jurisdiction did not extend to cigarette advertising and promotion. Tobacco companies plan to appeal the ruling.

Pro Golfer CHARLIE SIFFORD. He was the first black admitted to the PGA in 1961. In 1992 he published his biography, "Just Let Me Play," written by SIFFORD with James Gullo (by British American Publishing, 19 British American Boulevard, Latham, New York, 12110). (REBROADCAST from 6

The trial of Oklahoma bombing suspect began this week with opening statements by the prosecution and the defense. Scott speaks with NPR's Wade Goodwin, who's covering the trial.

in Taiwan. Instead of relying on donations like American parties, the ruling Kuomintang party owns over a hundred companies, from a bank to a movie studio. Political opponents claim the income from these enterprises allow the Kuomintang to unfairly dominate Taiwanese politics.

Beth Fertig of member station WNYC reports that some members of the New York City press are having difficulty getting certian kinds of information out of the Mayor's office. New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is enjoying immense popularity in the city as a result of programs that have reduced crime and improved the overall quality of life...but there are concerns that his administration is making it difficult to get information that is less than positive about the programs that Giuliani has implemented.

in the trial of Oklahoma City bombing suspect Timothy McVeigh.

NPR's Eric Westervelt reports the long battle for Conrail, the northeast's dominant railroad, appears to be coming to an end. Conrail's Board of Directors has approved a $10.5 billion buyout offer from Richmond, Virginia based CSX. CSX will then sell significant parts of Conrail to its main competitor, Norfolk Southern. Analysts say the breakup of Conrail will bring some much-needed competition to the Northeast.

-- N-P-R's Kathleen Schalch (SHALK) reports on President Clinton's decision to add a statue to the Franklino Delano Roosevelt memorial, that would depict F-D-R in a wheel chair. The memorial is scheduled for dedication along the Washington Tidal Basin on May 2nd. Advocates for the disabled have been calling for the addition for more than two years.

Commentator Lenore Skenazy (skuh-NAY-zee) says that gift shops have become too upscale and too environmentally sensitive. Lenore laments the loss of stupid souvenir items of the past.