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NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports that millions of kids in the US still receive "bilingual education" (instruction in their native languages and in English) despite widespread criticism that the practice keeps non-native English speakers at a disadvantage. Supporters of the program say kids with no English skills need help keeping up in their studies until they become proficient in English, and they want government funding for the program to continue. There's very little hard evidence on the effectiveness of bilingual ed, so the debate over the program tends to rest on ideological differences over the status of English vis a vis other languages spoken in this country.

NPR's Vicky Que reports that a new study is raising questions about whether certain hormone-based contraceptives may increase the risks of becoming infected with the AIDS virus. In the study, researchers found that monkeys that received the hormone progesterone were more likely to be infected with SIV, the monkey equivament of HIV, than monkeys that did not receive the hormone. The findings suggest that contraceptives like Norplant may not only NOT protect against HIV, but may actually enhance a woman's chances of becoming infected. Researchers cautioned, however, that more research is needed to determine whether the findings hold true for humans.

Bobby Hill reviews Casandra Wilson's current cd New Moon Daughter. It is a collection of songs by contemporary songwriters done with a hushed dirgeful voice. (6:30) THE CD IS CALLED NEW MOON DAUGHTER BY CASANDRA WILSON ON BLUENOTE RECORDS. (IN S

NPR's Sue Simpson reports on the anxiety in South Africa's mixed-race, or "colored," community, in the new era of black majority rule. Under apartheid, coloreds were treated better than blacks--they could own businesses and got preferential treatment in housing and jobs. Now many fear that they will become second-class citizens in the new South Africa, as Nelson Mandela's government tries to improve the lot of the black community.

Yesterday, members of the group, Colorado State Senator Charles Duke and representatives of the FBI met face-to-face for the first time... Though the groups were separated by a barbed-wire fence, the talks signaled a degree of optimism about the possibility of a peaceful settlement.

and security in Russia and other former republics of the Soviet Union. With the breakup of the USSR, thousands of nuclear warheads and tons of weapons-grade material were left stockpiled in numerous facilities without adequate security. There is growing fear that terrorists will obtain such material. On Friday in Moscow, President Yeltsin, President Clinton and the leaders of the other G-7 industrialized nations will gather to discuss ways to minimize the danger.

Spy-watcher and gadget collector, KEITH MELTON who's book, "The Ultimate Spy book" (DK Publishing) has been published recently.INT 3 : Documentary producer, GLENN HOLSTEN who's recent documentary, "Mothers who March" focuses on the lives and commitment of four mothers who've lost children to Aids. It debuts on PBS television nation-wide tonight (Tuesday May 7).

NPR's Cheryl Corley reports on the end of "Social Promotions" in the Chicago school system. Under this policy, students were graduated to high school even if they did not meet eighth grade graduation standards. Now students will only be able to graduate to high school if they meet academic requirements.

Liane Hansen speaks with Al Roker, meteorologist and NBC weatherman bout the weather and its importance in our lives. Roker narrates a four-part eries on the weather titled "Savage Skies," which begins this week on many PBS elevision stations.

Charles de Ledesma (duh-luh-DEZ-mah) looks into London's easy listening music scene. Deejays are combing thrift shops for old records from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and bands like the Mike Flowers Orchestra and the Gentle People are playing live easy listening music at nightclubs devoted to both easy listening and cheesey listening! At the Madame Jojo's, the fare is strictly easy, while at the club Cheese, cheesey listening rules.

Co-creator, executive producer and head writer of "NYPD Blue," DAVID MILCH, and Detective BILL CLARK who is a consultant to the show. CLARK is a former New York City homicide detective. Many of the story lines for the show, come from the cases he worked on. The two have collaborated on the book, "True Blue: The Real Stories Behind NYPD Blue" (William Morrow). (REBROADCAST FROM 11

In the second of two reports, NPR's Michael Skoler explores the issue of foreign intervention in Burundi's mounting internal crisis. The United Nations is discussing the idea of forming some sort of force that could stabilize the situation, but no country can figure out how a peacekeeping force could stop the killing. In addition, Burundi's government and the Tutsi minority--which still controls the army--don't want any foreign troops in the country.