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The German media giant Bertelsmann AG - also known as BMG - announced today that it has formed a "strategic alliance" with the internet company, Napster. BMG's new e-commerce arm and Napster will develop subscription-based service for file sharing. Once that happens, BMG will drop its part of the music industry lawsuit against Napster -- which charges Napster with copyright violations. NPR's Rick Karr reports.

Methamphetamine, also known as speed, crank or crystal meth -- is highly addictive and can do serious harm to the nervous system. In the last few years, meth has become a major epidemic in the farm belt, where's its manufacturers are also users. NPR's Robert Siegel reports from Shawnee County, Kansas, where meth has replaced crack and heroin as the drug of choice.

Critic Tom Moon reviews the new CD from the rock band P.J. Harvey, called Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. The band is led by British singer/songwriter Polly Jean Harvey, who has earned a certain reputation for intensity. Her songs move from feverish punk distortion to rich acoustic blues, always with a heavy gloomy atmosphere. There is a sense of lives unraveling and promises shattered for her songs' characters. (4:45) Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, is out today from Island Records, catalog # Islf 15162-2. See http://www.pjharvey.net or http://www.islandrecords.com for more information.

Tamara Keith of member station KQED reports on the contest in California's 20th district, which is 40 percent Latino. The district's Democratic incumbent, Cal Dooley, is running against Rich Rodriguez, a former broadcaster. Republicans are hoping that Rodriguez's heritage will help him connect with Latino voters...most of whom are registered as Democrats.

NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports on lifestyle options of those who've made a fortune in high-tech. With the resources to retire at very early ages, some former employees of AOL are finding ways to enjoy some of life simple pleasures while remaining productive.

NPR's Linda Gradstein reports on the latest developments in the Middle East. Israeli helicopter fired rockets at the command centers of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat last night in retaliation for the slayings of two Israelis, presumably by Palestinians.

Kate Seelye reports on how Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories are using the Internet to keep Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and elsewhere up-to-date on the intifada . The project is sponsored by the West Bank's Bir Zeit University. So far, three refugee camps are on-line, and plans are underway to include many more.

NPR's Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem reports the Israeli parliament reconvened today for the first time since the outbreak of the new Palestinian uprising. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak opened the story session by warning the Palestinians there will be no peace talks as long as the violence continues.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden profiles Marwan Barghouti, one of the chief organizers of the Palestinian uprising in the West Bank. Barghouti says he believes the violence will eventually create better conditions for peace talks with Israel.

The Democrats need only seven seats to recapture control of the House. But they have an uphill fight on their hands to retain the seat of Congressman Michael Forbes of New York. Forbes, who switched to the Democratic party last year, was upset in last month's Democratic primary by a 71-year old political unknown. Republicans, who had vowed revenge against Forbes for his party switch, appear poised to pick up the seat. Beth Fertig of member station WNYC reports from Long Island.