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NPR's Jon Hamilton reports on a new study, which shows no differences along racial lines in the outcome of medical or surgical treatments among veterans. Other studies have shown wide disparities in health care between African-Americans and Caucasians, in particular. These studies often suggest that socioeconomic differences and access to health care are the main causes for higher disease and death rates among the black population as a whole. The new study suggests that when all things are equal, African-American men actually have a lower rate of disease and death, relative to whites.

He held the post during Clintons impeachment trial.

Southern California Edison, one of California's cash-strapped electric utilities, defaulted to some of its creditors today. It failed to repay, at least temporarily, a 596-million-dollar wholesale electricity bill. The move brings the company a step closer to bankruptcy. The utility said the action was necessary to allow it to continue operations while state and federal officials seek a regulatory solution to California's power crisis. The state, meanwhile, declared another top level power emergency today, citing a shortage of natural gas needed to generate electricity. Scott Horsley reports.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports the Clinton Administration has announced new measures aimed at combating child labor and sweatshops around the world. The administration made several new grants totaling 3-point-9-million dollars to five non-governmental and international organizations. The new grants are small compared to overall federal spending to combat child labor.

Former Senator John Ashcroft received big campaign donations from some companies that will have big cases pending before the Justice Department in the months to come. But if that bothers some people, it probably won't be an issue in Ashcroft's confirmation hearings. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

Commentator Ellen Charry says spirituality is "in" and religion seems to be "out" these days. But spirituality can fall short without the ritual, history and discipline religion provides.

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on day one of the Senate confirmation hearings for Attorney General nominee John Ashcroft. The former US Senator underwent tough questioning from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee over his views on civil rights, abortion, and school desegregation.

Last week's kidnapping of "Doctors Without Borders" aid worker Kenny Gluck highlights the lawlessness that persists in Chechnya, even though Russian troops claim to have retaken the republic. There is evidence that both pro- and anti-Russian forces are active in the kidnapping business. Natasha Yefimova reports.

Linda talks with Mike Lanchin, a freelance reporter in El Salvador, about recovery efforts after Saturday's earthquake. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured.

Maura Farrelly of Georgia Public Reports that the U.S. Army is opening a new school tomorrow at Ft. Benning, Georgia to train Latin American soldiers. The new school, called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation is replacing the School of Americas, which has been subject of controversy for over a decade. The School of Americas existed for over 50 years but has been the target of protestors since the late 1980's because over many of its graduates have been linked to human rights abuses in Latin America.