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NPR's Ted Clark reports that Syria's new president, Bashar Assad, has released 30 political prisoners imprisoned by his father. The prisoner releases have sparked speculation that the new president might prove to be more liberal than his father. But experts say the late Hafez Assad initiated the liberalization and had begun releasing political prisoners before his death earlier this summer.

NPR's Adam Hochberg reports the longest running outdoor drama in the U.S. is undergoing major revisions to attract today's young people. Sex, violence and youth have replaced patriotism and history as major themes for the Lost Colony, which is performed every summer on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports that a traditional form of Cuban music and dance that is rarely heard on the island is thriving in one part of Mexico. In the streets of the port city of Veracruz, you can often find live danzon concerts, and dozens of couples dancing to the melody. Even young people have fallen in love with the danzon. A local danzon troupe has toured the US, Canada and Europe.

All Things Considered host Robert Siegel is at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. He spent time on the floor of the convention hall Tuesday night, with the Michigan delegation during John McCain's speech. McCain won Michigan's primary. And here in Philadelphia, the delegation from Michigan includes some people who backed McCain. Robert talks with two delegates after the speech about their reaction to McCain's speech, and whether they now support George W. Bush. This week has been a huge exercise in persuasion for those McCain supporters -- as they attempt to harness their enthusiasm for McCain to the Bush bandwagon.

According to sources in Chile's Supreme Court, the court has stripped former dictator General Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution. The verdict still must be signed by all the judges, and formally announced. If he does, in fact, lose his immunity, Pinochet could then be tried for human rights abuses.

It was forty years ago today that "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," sung by Brian Hyland, written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, topped the charts.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr says that, judging from the careful phrasing of Condoleeza Rice's GOP convention speech last night, the Bush campaign is very wary of making any grand gestures concerning foreign policy.

Claire Doole reports from Geneva that the World Health Organization has accused the tobacco industry of waging a dirty tricks campaign to undermine global efforts to curb smoking. A study released today concluded that tobacco companies paid WHO scientists for provide information and pose, falsely, as independent consultants.

NPR's Steve Inskeep takes a look at the speaking style of Texas Governor George W. Bush. Bush, the presidential nominee is due at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, where he will give one of his longest speeches to date.

Linda talks with Rick Ochoa, Staff Meteologist for the National Interagency Fire Center, about the wildfires in the western United States. The Center uses a team of "incident meteorologists" to help firefighters strategize against the flames. Ochoa talks about what the crews are telling him from around the country.