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NPR's Rick Karr reports that the first Latin Grammy will be held tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is hosting the event.

Defenders of the nation's leading entertainment corporations came to Capitol Hill today to say they do not market adult programming to minors. They were responding to the Senate Commerce Committee's hearing on a Federal Trade Commission report. The report indicates mature films, CD's and video games are routinely advertised in places where young children and teens will see them. Many members of Congress were eager to attack the industry's tactics. But they were just as careful to point out that they do not want to violate the First Amendment. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

NPR's Jim Zarroli reports that two of the biggest names in banking are merging. Chase Manhattan will acquire J.P. Morgan in a deal valued at more than $35 billion. It is the latest such transaction in the rapidly consolidating financial services industry, and is expected to put additional pressure on smaller firms to get bigger fast.

Robert talks to Larry Makinson, Executive Director of the Center for Responsive Politics, about political donations made by the media. He says the Republicans have been getting more money from the broadcast and cable industries, and Democrats have been getting more money from the movie and television production companies.

NPR's Guy Raz reports from Albuquerque on the release of former Los Alamos Nuclear Scientist Wen Ho Lee after nine months of solitary confinement. Lee was released yesterday with an apology from a judge who said the government's actions "embarrassed our entire nation."

On the banks of the Skykomish River in Monroe, Washington today, Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush announced a $5 billion environmental initiative. Bush said the program was needed to improve maintenance and resource protection in the National Park System. Aides hope the event will get the campaign back on message after days of distraction. Andy Bowers, of NPR News, is with the Bush campaign.

Janet Heimlich reports that Austin, Texas utility officials are trying out a new program that allows their customers to buy power generated from renewable energy sources such as solar, or wind power. It means slightly higher power bills for customers who choose the program. But the city has long been home to a strong environmental community that supports such initiatives. Also, the rising price of fossil fuels -- oil and natural gas -- has closed the price gap, making the program more attractive to residents.

The United Nation's High Commissioner for Human rights, Mary Robinson, and former president of Ireland. She'll discuss the murders last week of three UN human rights workers in West Timor.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recordings by two countertenors: a collection of religious music for solo voice by Vivaldi performed by German born Andreas Scholl (on Decca) and Serenade (Virgin Classics) by American David Daniels.

The Senate has been trying for several weeks to complete action on a bill granting permanent normal trade status to China. But several senators have resisted the bill, trying to attach amendments that would require various changes in Chinese policy. One such effort was directed at China's foreign arms sales, which have furthered efforts by other countries to develop weapons of mass destruction. But today, the Senate voted not to attach any weapons sales provisions to the trade bill. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.