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Raisin farmers in California's Central Valley are losing thousands of dollars this year as the industry faces overproduction and a glut of grapes on the market. They hope the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help by paying farmers to pull up their vines. From member station KQED, Tamara Keith reports.

A study raises questions about the effect of the heart medication Digoxin on women. Researchers say women who take the drug have a higher death rate than men who take it. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.

Director Steven Shainberg's second feature film is Secretary, a story of a young woman whose obsessive life is turned upside down when she enters a sadomasochistic relationship with her boss. The story is based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill. The film stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. Shainberg's first film was Hit Me, based on a novel by Jim Thompson.

The Susie Arioli Swing Band featuring Jordan Officer first gained notice at the 1998 Montreal International Jazz Festival. The band's albums include the recent Pennies from Heaven and the debut It's Wonderful.

As the El Nino weather phenomenon returns, scientists, farmers and business people brace for its possible effects. But meteorologists say El Nino will be mild this year. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

The SEC investigates William Webster's selection to head an accounting oversight board after reports suggest SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt failed to disclose problems in Webster's resume to other SEC commissioners. NPR's Jack Speer reports.

Allan Rutter, head of the Federal Railroad Administration, says railroads are paying more attention to security in light of a recent FBI warning about a possible terrorist threat to U.S. railways. Rutter speaks to NPR's Bob Edwards.

In Texas -- a state 52 percent white -- the Democratic nominees for Senate and governor are minority candidates running against white opponents -- and seeking white votes. NPR's Juan Williams reports.

Host Bob Edwards speaks with Curtis Gans of the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate about the upcoming elections. He says absentee ballots are supposed to enable people to vote, but they may actually discourage voting. Gans says it's a case of voting reforms that backfired. (3:40)

In Mexico, a former nightclub dancer has been accused of setting herself up as a plastic surgeon and injecting what she called collagen into breasts, buttocks and calves. In reality, officials say, the substance was a blend of industrial silicone and various oils. The case highlights the lack of medical oversight in Mexico. Hundreds have come forth alleging they were victimized. NPR's Gerry Hadden has more from Guadalajara, Mexico. (4:30)