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New Jersey Democrat Robert Torricelli was first elected to the Senate in 1996, a year when he set records for fundraising in his state. Since then, he has become chairman of the Senate Democrats' campaign committee and has set still more records for bringing in political cash. But along the way the sometimes abrasive Torricelli has brought controversy. And for several years he has faced questions about gifts he may have received from business associates and friends. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports from Capitol Hill.

Commentator Julia King gives her opinion on the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act."

NPR's Julie Rovner reports that horseback riders, roller-bladers, and other sports enthusiasts are perplexed about a new health care law. It's intended to prevent health insurance discrimination, but could also keep some sports injuries from being covered.

NPR's Steve Inskeep reports on a fundraiser hosted by Sen. Hillary Clinton at her new Washington, D.C., home last night. Attendees shelled out a thousand dollars per person to help Clinton's colleague, Sen. Maria Cantwell, pay debts she accrued while campaigning for office.

Simon Ingram of the BBC reports on the arrest of the former president of Philippines, Joseph Estrada.

Commentator Joel Achenbach laments the rising tide of linguistic inaccuracy-- what he calls the "thing" thing. (3:01) {STATIONS: The book What's What is currently out of print, but available from used-book sellers}

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports Israelis are marking the 53rd anniversary of the country's independence in a somber mood, amid ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. Israeli troops enforced strict security measures and tightened the closure of the occupied West Bank and Gaza to prevent Palestinian suicide attacks during the holiday.

NPR's Mandelit del Barco reports on the controversy surrounding the Hollywood Bowl, and outdoor concert shell in the Hollywood hills. Celebrities from Sinatra to the Beatles have performed there over its 72 year history. Now preservationists are arguing against what some performers say is a much-needed renovation.

Dorian Jones in Istanbul reports on a continuing hunger strike by left-wing political prisoners in Turkey. Nineteen of the hunger strikers have died and many others are in critical condition. They are protesting living conditions in newly-built facilities. Turkish officials say they will not bow to the demands of the hunger strikers.

Davenport Mayor Phil Yerington speaks with Robert Siegel about the flooding of the Mississippi River there, and why the city has resisted building a flood wall.

David Schaper of member station WBEZ in Chicago reports that gas prices are up sharply in the Midwest, rising $.20 or more in the past two weeks.

Host Bob Edwards speaks with Bishop John Ricard of The Catholic Conference, which is lobbying the Bush administration to work for peace in Sudan.

NPR's Jackie Northam reports from Davenport, Iowa as it braces against rising floodwaters of the Mississippi River. Residents of Davenport have chosen not to build a permanent floodwall and now federal officials say taxpayers shouldn't have to rescue their riverfront.

Robert Siegel talks with Mike Moore, attorney general for Mississippi, about the settlement of a lawsuit against the state of Mississippi. The lawsuit was brought by a group of African-Americans trying to improve the academic programs at Mississippi's black universities.

A New Zealand air force plane returned safely today to Christchurch after retrieving four ill Americans and seven other U.S. staffers from a frigid research station near Antarctica's coast. A second perilous rescue mission to the bottom of the world is now underway. An eight-seat Twin Otter plane has landed at the South Pole to evacuate a sick American doctor. Antarctica's harsh, dark winter conditions usually preclude flights in or out. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Sotheby's auction house has 151 items of Chinese propaganda art for sale from the era of Mao Tse-tung. (2:00) Sotheby's Web site.

NPR's Jim Zarroli reports consumer confidence slipped again in April. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index has fallen six of the last seven months and fell more in April than expected. The Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates in a bid to keep the economy from falling into recession. Today's report indicates that consumers are still worried about the economy.

NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports on the slow progress in the Senate over President Bush's education proposals.

Commentator Daniel Ferri on a teacher's nightmare -- he dreams he is unprepared for class -- unprepared and uncertain until he begins to draw a problem on the board. Long division helps ground him safely back in reality.

NPR's Nina Totenberg has the second of two reports on what to expect when the Senate begins considering President Bush's nominees to the federal bench. There are 100 vacancies to fill, largely because the Republican- controlled Senate refused to even consider many of President Clinton's nominations. Today's report focuses on the main players. White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales heads a team of young conservative lawyers who are compiling a list of nominees. Republican Sen. Orin Hatch, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the committee, are trying to work out a set of confirmation rules acceptable to senators from both parties.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission meets tomorrow to consider a plan to ease California's power crisis. The commission may back off from its opposition to electricity price caps by approving temporary caps during power emergencies. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

NPR's Debbie Elliott reports from Birmingham that testimony started today in the trial of Thomas Blanton Jr., who is charged with murder in the civil-rights-era bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Four girls died in the blast in 1963.

Linda Wertheimer talks with Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about his latest poll concerning the public's opinion of President Bush's job during his first 100 days. The data show that the president is doing as well as his predecessors.

In his first 100 days in office, President Bush has pursued the tax cut and education plans he campaigned for last year. He has generated controversy over the environment and come to grips with his first foreign crisis. He has also shown a strong devotion to the country beyond the confines of Congress and the national's capital city. NPR's Don Gonyea reports from the White House.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports that financial officials from around the world are gathering in Washington for meetings this weekend of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The semi-annual meetings will also draw hundreds of anti-globalization protesters. Many of these protesters want the Bank and the Fund to forgive the debts of the world's poorest nations, but the institutions say it would be unwise to speed up the debt relief they are providing.