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Defenders of the nation's leading entertainment corporations came to Capitol Hill today to say they do not market adult programming to minors. They were responding to the Senate Commerce Committee's hearing on a Federal Trade Commission report. The report indicates mature films, CD's and video games are routinely advertised in places where young children and teens will see them. Many members of Congress were eager to attack the industry's tactics. But they were just as careful to point out that they do not want to violate the First Amendment. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

NPR's Jim Zarroli reports that two of the biggest names in banking are merging. Chase Manhattan will acquire J.P. Morgan in a deal valued at more than $35 billion. It is the latest such transaction in the rapidly consolidating financial services industry, and is expected to put additional pressure on smaller firms to get bigger fast.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports that anti-globalization demonstrators in Melbourne, Australia have declared their three-day effort a success, even though they failed to shut down a conference of the World Economic Forum, a gathering of international business leaders. Organizers of the protests say globalization, as exemplified by the World Economic Forum, benefits only a few of the wealthiest corporations, while harming the environment, destroying local cultures and increasing poverty. The protesters in Melbourne were well-prepared and well-equipped. They used walkie-talkies to monitor police movements, loudspeakers to direct protesters and they'd even set up first aid and legal aid stations.

NPR's Howard Berkes reports the International Olympic Committee has said it would like to broaden its base and add more women to the organization. As the IOC concluded three days of meetings in Sydney, Australia today, it added fourteen new members, all of them male. The nominees were put forth by National Olympic Committees and international sports federations, which are not under IOC control. Some women complain that having few females on the IOC results in inattention to their issues of concern; notably refusal by some nations to allow women to join Olympic teams.

Guest film critic Henry Sheehan reviews the new film Almost Famous.

On the banks of the Skykomish River in Monroe, Washington today, Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush announced a $5 billion environmental initiative. Bush said the program was needed to improve maintenance and resource protection in the National Park System. Aides hope the event will get the campaign back on message after days of distraction. Andy Bowers, of NPR News, is with the Bush campaign.

Janet Heimlich reports that Austin, Texas utility officials are trying out a new program that allows their customers to buy power generated from renewable energy sources such as solar, or wind power. It means slightly higher power bills for customers who choose the program. But the city has long been home to a strong environmental community that supports such initiatives. Also, the rising price of fossil fuels -- oil and natural gas -- has closed the price gap, making the program more attractive to residents.

The Senate has been trying for several weeks to complete action on a bill granting permanent normal trade status to China. But several senators have resisted the bill, trying to attach amendments that would require various changes in Chinese policy. One such effort was directed at China's foreign arms sales, which have furthered efforts by other countries to develop weapons of mass destruction. But today, the Senate voted not to attach any weapons sales provisions to the trade bill. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr notes that, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that it is dangerous and addictive, the US House of Representatives voted today to aid the export of tobacco.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recordings by two countertenors: a collection of religious music for solo voice by Vivaldi performed by German born Andreas Scholl (on Decca) and Serenade (Virgin Classics) by American David Daniels.

NPR's Anthony Brooks reports that Vice President Al Gore is spending the week campaigning in middle America. Yesterday the Vice President spoke at a high school in Middletown, Ohio, where he and Senator Joe Lieberman talked about their plans to improve education.

NPR's Rob Gifford reports China has mounted a massive cleanup and construction campaign in Beijing in an effort NOT to lose out again on a bid to host the Olympics. Beijing was bitterly disappointed when Sydney, Australia won the right to host the 2000 summer games, beating Beijing by only two votes. The people of Beijing now hope their city will be chosen to host the 2008 Olympics. They say it's a matter of national pride. But winning an Olympic bid also would force the government to address severe problems with noise, traffic and air pollution.