Monday, August 18, 2008

AMERICA'S HOSTS: Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep; NEWSCASTS: Nora Raum, Barbara Klein
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA HOST: Donna Apidone; NEWSCASTS: Steve Shadley

Here are some highlights of today's show:

Russia said it would start withdrawing its troops from Georgia today. But so far there are few reports of that happening. Over the weekend the West warned Russia that it would pay a diplomatic price if it didn't abide by the cease-fire agreement signed by both countries last week. We'll hear more at 6:10 and 8:10.

Commentator Ben Tupper is back from his tour of duty as a National Guard officer in Afghanistan. He has been dealing with some post-traumatic stress issues. Recently he had a reunion with a friend whose PTSD is much worse -- and who has much less time to work on it, because he is about to deploy to Iraq.  That commentary at 6:45 and 8:45.

Speculation continues to grow on who will be the vice presidential nominees. Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have not made any official announcements or given any hints as to who they might chose as a running mate. More guesses at 5:15 and 7:15.

Commentator Leroy Sievers died over the weekend at his home outside Washington DC. He was 53. As a television journalist, he covered wars in Iraq, Central America, Somalia, and Kosovo. After he was diagnosed with cancer, Sievers began writing his daily blog, My Cancer at NPR dot org. Sievers will say goodbye in his owns words, through selections of past commentaries. That's at 5:45 and 7:45.

Thanks for listening.