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NPR's Larry Abramson reports on Dennis Tito, the world's first space tourist. Tito returns to earth this weekend after a week's stay at the international space station. NASA was opposed to Tito's trip, which he arranged with the Russian space agency. But NASA still claims the day will come when they too will be allowing tourists into space.

NPR's Wendy Kaufman examines how the first Japanese-born position player in Major League Baseball is becoming one of the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle. Fans from all over the world are flocking to see Ichiro Suzuki play for the Seattle Mariners. Merchandise featuring the rookie superstar regularly sells out, and the team has seen attendance figures soar.

Host Madeleine Brand talks with Asian fusion singer, Sheila Chandra, about her latest CD This Sentence is True. Chandra experiments with the voice as an instrument and blends vocal traditions from American gospel and English folk, among other styles.

NPR's Robert Smith has the second part of his report on a new survey by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government on Americans' attitudes towards poverty. Smith reports that, especially among the white middle class, old stereotypes of poverty die hard. (7:11) Check out the NPR/Kaiser/Kennedy School Poll.

After a late-night session and some frayed nerves, the House of Representatives failed to pass the federal budget, because of two pages missing from the document. The vote has been rescheduled for next Tuesday. NPR's David Welna reports.

Host Madeleine Brand talks with NPR's Sylvia Poggioli about the Pope's upcoming trip to Greece. The Pontiff's planned visit -- the first from a Roman Catholic leader in nearly 13 centuries -- has upset the country's Orthodox majority. Greece is the first stop on the Pope's pilgrimage to retrace the travels of the Apostle Paul.

NPR's Phillip Davis reports from Miami on the sweeping election reform bill that Florida legislators are expected to pass today. The legislation would replace the antiquated voting machines that were so problematic in the November presidential election with up-to-date equipment.

Roberto Carlos Lange, who performs under the moniker Helado Negro, shares his thoughts on his new album, astrology, and the beauty of nature.

Isaac stars in The Card Counter and Scenes from a Marriage. John Powers reviews a new documentary about the Velvet Underground. After years of trying to be likable, Katie Couric is letting that go.

Scott discusses the news of the week with NPR senior news analyst Daniel Schorr.