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Recent Republican conventions have given new visibility to religious conservatives, who were finding a home and a power base as never before in the GOP. The role of religious activists has been far less prominent in Philadelphia this week. But that does not mean the Christian right has disappeared. NPR's Lynn Neary reports.

Robert talks to Jacob Weisberg, Chief Political Correspondent for the on-line magazine Slate, about political advertising throughout the campaign, and the BIGGEST political ad of them all, the four-day convention. This year's GOP convention has been highlighted by music and video and packaged presentations. There's been a look and sound from the stage unlike any other GOP event before, with lots of minorities. And Weisberg notes the inclusion of performers like Brian McKnight, an R&B artist, whose song Monday night seem to baffle a lot of the audience who weren't used to hip-hop at a GOP event. There have also been video presentations of past Republican presidents. Another recurring theme: the live feed of the candidate, George W Bush from the campaign trail every night, making his way to Philadelphia.

Linda talks with Rick Ochoa, Staff Meteologist for the National Interagency Fire Center, about the wildfires in the western United States. The Center uses a team of "incident meteorologists" to help firefighters strategize against the flames. Ochoa talks about what the crews are telling him from around the country.

According to sources in Chile's Supreme Court, the court has stripped former dictator General Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution. The verdict still must be signed by all the judges, and formally announced. If he does, in fact, lose his immunity, Pinochet could then be tried for human rights abuses.

The "at" (@) sign -- the letter "A" encircled by a loop -- is everywhere these days -- thanks to the internet and E-mail addresses. But where did the sign originate and what is it actually called? According to Giorgio Stabile, a professor of history in Rome, the "at" symbol or "amphora symbol" is not a new sign at all -- and it predates the 18th century as historians previously believed. Professor Stabile has been hard at work for the past three months studying this ubiquitous symbol -- and has now traced it back to May 4, 1536 in a Roman mercantile document signed by Francesco Lapi. No doubt the race is on to find earlier recordings but for now -- the "at" symbol, drawn as we know it, dates back at least as far as the Italian Renaissance. We also went out to ask folks on the streets of Washington about @.

Robert Siegel is at the Republican convention in Philadelphia, where he talks with Marvin Olasky, an occasional informal advisor to George W. Bush. He also coined the phrase Compassionate Conservatism, a phrase that is also the title of Olasky's new book. Olasky is a University of Texas journalism professor, and also senior fellow of the Acton Institute for the study of Religion and Liberty. He talks with Robert about how Bush's Christianity could infuse his presidency and his policies.

Co-Host Madeleine Brand and NPR's political editor Ken Rudin talk about three political conventions from history where crucial and unpredictable decisions were made: the Democratic Convention of 1860, the Republican Convention of 1912, and the Democratic Convention of 1944. The two earlier conventions are brought to life through dramatic recreation.

NPR's Linda Gradstein reports on the defeat of former Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Yesterday Israel's parliament selected Moshe Katsav to become the next president. The victory of Iranian-born Katsav of the opposition Likud Party puts a humiliating end to Peres' half-century political career.

Commentator Kevin Phillips says this is the sixth time Philadelphia has hosted the Republicans since 1856. The city has been good to GOP incumbents, but three times an untested candidate has won the nomination, and all three lost in November.

Jackie Northam of Chicago Public Radio reports one of Chicago's oldest and most influential radio stations has gone off the air today. Once the home of such radio shows as "Amos and Andy" and "Fibber McGee and Molly," WMAQ will cease transmissions, and its frequency will now be used by an all sports station.