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NPR's Mandelit del Barco reports on the controversy surrounding the Hollywood Bowl, and outdoor concert shell in the Hollywood hills. Celebrities from Sinatra to the Beatles have performed there over its 72 year history. Now preservationists are arguing against what some performers say is a much-needed renovation.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports Israelis are marking the 53rd anniversary of the country's independence in a somber mood, amid ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. Israeli troops enforced strict security measures and tightened the closure of the occupied West Bank and Gaza to prevent Palestinian suicide attacks during the holiday.

Dorian Jones in Istanbul reports on a continuing hunger strike by left-wing political prisoners in Turkey. Nineteen of the hunger strikers have died and many others are in critical condition. They are protesting living conditions in newly-built facilities. Turkish officials say they will not bow to the demands of the hunger strikers.

Davenport Mayor Phil Yerington speaks with Robert Siegel about the flooding of the Mississippi River there, and why the city has resisted building a flood wall.

NPR's Debbie Elliott reports from Birmingham that testimony started today in the trial of Thomas Blanton Jr., who is charged with murder in the civil-rights-era bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Four girls died in the blast in 1963.

Scott Aiges reviews the new CD from The Blind Boys of Alabama, called Spirit of the Century. All of the band members are in their 70s, and got their name when they started singing together at the Talledega Institute for the Blind in 1939. They have always sung in the traditional jubilee style -- hymns, spirituals and other Christian music -- with tight harmonies and little if any accompaniment. The new CD puts a fresh new spin on old-time religious music. (5:00) Spirit of the Century by the Blind Boys of Alabama is on Realworld records, catalog # 70876-15319-2-3.

NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports on the slow progress in the Senate over President Bush's education proposals.

Commentator Daniel Ferri on a teacher's nightmare -- he dreams he is unprepared for class -- unprepared and uncertain until he begins to draw a problem on the board. Long division helps ground him safely back in reality.

NPR's Nina Totenberg has the second of two reports on what to expect when the Senate begins considering President Bush's nominees to the federal bench. There are 100 vacancies to fill, largely because the Republican- controlled Senate refused to even consider many of President Clinton's nominations. Today's report focuses on the main players. White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales heads a team of young conservative lawyers who are compiling a list of nominees. Republican Sen. Orin Hatch, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the committee, are trying to work out a set of confirmation rules acceptable to senators from both parties.

NPR's Jackie Northam reports from Davenport, Iowa as it braces against rising floodwaters of the Mississippi River. Residents of Davenport have chosen not to build a permanent floodwall and now federal officials say taxpayers shouldn't have to rescue their riverfront.