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Robert Siegel talks with Philip Chatennay, an editor with the Political Weekly Marianne, about an unauthorized "sequel" to Victor Hugo's novel, Les Miserables. The book is Cosette, or the Time of Illusions, written by journalist Francois Ceresa. It is considered scandalous within French literary circles. It's due for publication next week. (3:00) Cosette, or the Time of Illusions will be published in France by Plon.

NPR's Religion Correspondent Duncan Moon reports on a summit held today by Republican Congressional leaders on the challenges and opportunities of the Bush administration's plan to provide federal funds for faith-based initiatives.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr takes a look at President Bush's self-evaluation of his first 100 days in office.

Linda Wertheimer talks with Doug Struck, Tokyo Bureau chief for the Washington Post about the election of Junichiro Koizumi, the new head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Japan. Koizumi is likely to be the country's next prime minister. Koizumi had a reputation as an eccentric -- but has become known as a reformer, and gained popular support to head a government which he had previously challenged.

NPR's Pam Fessler reports on the first congressional hearing into electoral reform since the contested Presidential election five months ago. The House Administration Committee heard from five secretaries of state, officials responsible for voting procedures. They testified that equipment needs to be modernized, voters should be better educated in voting procedures, poll-workers should be trained better, and higher standards should be set for conducting elections and recounts.

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.

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

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.

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}