Thursday, July 24, 2008

AMERICA'S HOSTS: Steve Inskeep and Deborah Amos; NEWSCASTS: Giles Snyder, Jean Cochran
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA HOST: Donna Apidone; NEWSCASTS: Steve Shadley

Here are some highlights of today's show:

A dark musical at Sacramento's Music Circus -- Jeff Hudson reviews "Sweeney Todd" this morning at 6:33 and 8:33.

The Bush administration is now talking to governments it once shunned. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with the North Korean foreign minister this week. Under Secretary William Burns participated in talks with Iran's nuclear negotiator last weekend. The new, softer approach has angered critics on the Right, but it doesn't extend to all "problem countries." This week, the State Department abruptly canceled a planned meeting with a delegation from Syria. That story airs at 6:10 and 8:10.

In today s health segment, NPR's Joanne Silberner reports on the medical care available to two patients with multiple sclerosis. One patient lives in a village in England, and the other lives in Pennsylvania. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service determines whether to pay for medical treatments. In the US, the availability of medical care depends on your health insurance status and the money in your checkbook. This is part of our series on health care in European countries.  That's at 6:40 and 8:40.

Congress has put the far-reaching housing bill on a fast track to the president. The House passed the measure yesterday and it goes to the Senate this week. It would help homeowners facing foreclosure, and put in place a rescue plan for troubled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. More at 5:10 and 7:10.

Thanks for listening!