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Fewer jobs than expected were added to company payrolls in June. That's further evidence that the U.S. economy is slowing down a bit. The number of new jobs grew by a scant 11,000 during the month -- excluding the number of temporary government workers hired to help with the census. The news gave stock and bond prices a lift. Investors are hoping that the latest report will persuade the Federal Reserve that it no longer needs to raise interest rates. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

We hear a portion of a stump speech by Vice President Al Gore to the National Council of La Raza in San Diego, California earlier this week.

NPR's Mike Shuster reports the Pentagon will test a missile defense system over the Pacific Ocean tonight. A rocket -- armed with a dummy warhead -- will be launched from California. Another rocket will be launched from an island hundreds of miles away, carrying an "interceptor" that's intended to shoot down the first rocket. The operation is part of a series of tests that will ultimately be used in deciding whether to proceed with the deployment of such a defense system.

Robert talks to Defense Secretary William Cohen, about tonight's test, and the pros and cons of developing a missile defense system.

All Things Considered staff member Debra Schifrin talks about her recent 10 year high school reunion in the San Francisco Bay area. Having lived on the East Coast for six years, she was shocked at how the incredible wealth that has flooded Silicon Valley has affected her high school class. And she was surprised at her own reaction to all the talk about money.

The governing body of world soccer competition is investigating the circumstances surrounding yesterday's vote which awarded Germany the right to host the 2006 World Cup. A key delegate from New Zealand -- who had been expected to vote for South Africa to host the competition -- abstained, and Germany ended up winning by one vote. New Zealand delegate Charles Dempsey says he abstained because he came under intolerable pressure for his vote, receiving bribe attempts and letters of intimidation. Robert talks to Simon Greenberg, Sports Editor for the London Evening Standard about the story.

Ever wonder why ants manage to get to your food so quickly at a picnic? NPR science reporter John Nielsen has the answer, and more from the world of science.

The National Story Project with Paul Auster is entering its last few months. If you're planning to send us a story, the time is now! Send entries to nationalstoryproject@npr.org; or PMB 206, 123 Seventh Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Ten years ago, musician David Byrne followed a passion of his and started a world music label. The unassuming Luaka Bop Records was originally created to release a few Brazilian compilations, but it has grown to include music from Cuba, Africa, the Far East, and beyond. Host Jacki Lyden travels to the Luaka Bop offices in David Byrne's townhouse in Greenwich Village, and encourages him to dig out a few of the records that inspired him. (19:00) (Featured music appears on the CD's Tom Ze - Best of Tom Ze - Volume 4 [EMD/Luaka Bop Catalog # 49049]; Various Artists - Cuba Classics 3 - Diabla Al Infierno: New Directions in Cuban Music [EMD/Luaka Bop Catalog # 49028]; Various Artists - Cuba Classics 1 - Greatest Hits of Silvio Rodriguez: Canciones Urgentes [EMD/Luaka Bop Catalog # 49026]; Los Amigos Invisibiles - The New Sound of the Venezuelan Gozadera [EMD/Luaka Bop Catalog # 49042].

Karen Schaefer of member station WCPN (Cleveland) reports from Sandusky, Ohio that this summer many seasonal jobs in the nation's resorts and tourist attractions are being filled, not by U.S. students, but by students from other countries.