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NASA scientists report today that they have discovered a new kind of black hole. These are much larger than black holes caused by collapsing stars, but much smaller than the ones in the centers of galaxies. Black holes are so dense, not even light can escape their gravity. The new discovery could help explain how these bizarre objects come into being. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Commentator Hallie Deaktor finds evidence on the subway that aliens are among us. Her suspicion is reconfirmed by another strange being on the street. She says she's ready to join them. After recent news of evidence there might once have been microbial life on Mars, she's not sure of anything anymore.

Linda talks with Rhonda Albom who survived a crash in a 1998 Ford Explorer this spring. Albom describes the harrowing experience when the tread on her tires separated while she was driving her vehicle on April 25th. Her Ford Explorer rolled three times, spun 180-degrees and took out a street sign leaving her 20-day-old baby bloody in the back seat. Linda rejoins the conversation with Rhonda Albom who, along with her 20-day old daughter, survived a crash in her 1998 Ford Explore in April. Albom tells of her surprise about what the companies knew and when. She is suing both Bridgestone/Firestone and the Ford motor Company. She has also begun distributing flyers alerting Firestone tire owners of what happened to her and to her family.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports from Sydney on Australia, the Olympic medal powerhouse. Per capita, Australia wins more Olympic medals than any other country and one reason is its Institute of Sport, created after the country's dismal Olympic performance in 1976. The Institute's laboratories have the latest technology. Sports physiologists closely monitor athletes' immune systems, and the Institute administers aptitude tests to almost all high school students in the country. Critics say the system resembles the old East German program. Supporters say it's the only way Australia can compete against countries like China and the U.S.

NPR's Julie McCarthy reports from London on protests over rising fuel costs. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a tour of northern England in order to attend urgent talks about the situation. Britain has the highest gas prices in Europe.

Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports on the efforts of domestic violence counselors to create an Internet site that would facilitate battered women in the United States.

NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on Senate hearings about the Firestone recall, in which Firestone admitted it doesn't use failure data for safety purposes, Ford said Firestone assured the automaker there were no defects, and Transportation Department officials asked for more regulatory authority.

Firestone underwent a similar tire recall in the late 1970s. NPR's Mary Ann Akers reports the recall brought proposals for stricter regulations -- but the proposals were dropped when the Reagan Administration took over in 1981, carrying the banner of deregulation. Some of those who supported more regulation then, are crying "I told you so" now. But not everyone agrees.

Linda talks with Max Nonnamaker, who has testified as an expert witness for and against Bridgestone/Firestone. Nonnamaker, who runs his own consulting company, and is investigating the current problem with Firestone tires addresses what could have gone wrong in the design and construction of the recalled tires. He also describes the problem of tread separation and how companies test tires to make them safe for consumers.

The House failed today to override President Clinton's veto of a bill which would repeal inheritance taxes. The vote was 14 short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. But the Republicans are hoping to use the vote as a wedge issue to run on in the fall. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.