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Jazz composer and bandleader Maria Schneider went hang gliding in Rio a couple of years ago. The experience was so vivid for her that she turned it into a composition. Schneider describes her trip to Rio, the hang gliding, and how she made them into music. She says that at certain points in the composition, the orchestra is the wind and the soloist is the hang glider, riding on the wind. "Hang Gliding" is on the CD "Allegresse," http://www.enjarecords.com

NPR's Howard Berkes reports on a training exercise in which National Guard troops responded to a mock chemical weapons attack by terrorists. Units with this type of training will be detached to big public events such as the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

Beijing is prosecuting some of China's high and mighty in a huge corruption scandal, based in Xiamen. Already there have been death sentences handed down in number of cases, and more are expected. NPR's Rob Gifford reports on the case of a Chinese man, arrested in Vancouver and held in a Canadian jail on immigration charges. Political leaders in Beijing say he is the most prolific smuggler in modern Chinese history. They have requested that he be extradited to China. Canada is worried about the case, because the man could be executed if returned to China. But Chinese officials are concerned because the suspect, who's name is Lai Changxing, has tales to tell about corruption at the highest levels of government.

NPR's Barbara Bradley reports that the ramifications of the United States Supreme Court's decision on the Bush-Gore case may continue into the future. While George W. Bush will become president the Supreme Court might have lost some credibility. Many people are still unsure whether the court did the right thing.

From member station WFCR in Springfield, Massachusetts, Karen Brown reports on one local musician's effort to help teens who deal drugs on the street to set their sights on a career in music producing.

From Peach State Public Radio Maura Farrelly reports on how Atlanta residents are coping with the three inches of snow that hit the city yesterday. Many of the city's snow-deprived are enjoying the chance to frolic the white stuff.

Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio reports on the financial hardship faced by many lower and fixed income people in the northeast due to high heating oil prices this winter. There's a limited amount of available fuel assistance, and many politicians are asking for additional federal funding to help out.

Robert talks with reporter Eric Pilgrim of the European Stars and Stripes about the trial of 2 American teenage boys. The boys will serve 7 to 8 years for the deaths of two German drivers. The drivers were killed after the boys dropped rocks from a pedestrian onto the windshields of the passing cars.

Commentator Desiree Cooper has the story of Nathaniel Abraham. When he was 11 year old, he shot dead an 18-year-old. Abraham was tried as an adult but sentenced as a juvenile. At a recent hearing, Abraham apologized the family of his victim.

NPR's Barbara Bradley reports on reaction to the appointment of former Missouri Senator John Ashcroft to be Attorney General. Conservatives say Ashcroft is the perfect nominee for the job. At least one liberal group, People for the American Way, say having Ashcroft as Attorney General is a setback for civil rights.