Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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

Here are some highlights of today's show:

Co-host Steve Inskeep talks with Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd about the housing bill he has been shepherding through the Senate. Dodd explains why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are institutions that have gotten too big to fail. Dodd says that's not true of every financial institution ailing in today's economy.  That story airs at 6:10 and 8:10.

A grand jury in El Dorado, Texas, has indicted polygamist leader Warren Jeffs and a group of his followers on charges of sexual assault of a child. They re members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The group's ranch was raided earlier this year, and more than 400 children were taking from their families. This led to one of the largest child custody battles in American history. We'll hear more at 7:40.

A tiny French village hidden away in the foothills of the Alps has suddenly been thrust into the limelight this year. The cyclists and media circus of the Tour de France are coming though the town on their way up the mountains, and returning a few days later. An update at 7:51.

Thanks for listening.