All Things Considered

Bill Clinton and Joe Biden are speaking Wednesday at the Democratic Convention. The party is also poised to nominate Barack Obama for president under a carefully negotiated plan that lets Hillary Clinton's supporters express their support for her.

The GOP is in Denver, too. Republicans are hosting parties for Hillary Clinton delegates and holding news conferences. They're highlighting Clinton's previous criticism of Obama: that he's not ready to be commander in chief.

George W. Bush is spending his final summer vacation as president at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Valerie Citrano, who runs The Coffee Shop Cafe in nearby McGregor with her husband, Donald, says she's feeling a little nostalgic.

Although roses are among the most commonly planted flowers, many people don't know the basics about their care and keeping. Local gardener Lisa Caprioglio says the way roses are watered affects their tendency to get black spot.

Although roses are among the most commonly planted flowers, many people don't know the basics about their care and keeping. Local gardener Lisa Caprioglio says the way roses are watered affects their tendency to get black spot.

President Bush has signed an executive order revising rules for intelligence agencies and expanding the national intelligence director's powers. Congressional Republicans are irked over what they say is disrespect for congressional oversight in the process.

President Bush has signed an executive order revising rules for intelligence agencies and expanding the national intelligence director's powers. Congressional Republicans are irked over what they say is disrespect for congressional oversight in the process.

The House Judiciary Committee has convened a session on "the Imperial Presidency." Democrats accuse the administration of overstepping its authority and the subject has repeatedly turned to whether it is guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

The House Judiciary Committee has convened a session on "the Imperial Presidency." Democrats accuse the administration of overstepping its authority and the subject has repeatedly turned to whether it is guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.