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The Voting Wars: Who's Winning? Who's Losing? Oct 14, 2014

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Republicans say it’s often too easy to cast a ballot, and they’ve enacted requirements to control “voter fraud.” Democrats say voting’s not easy enough, and that GOP rules are designed to keep poor and minority citizens away from the polls. We’ll hear what’s at stake for tight races in several key states.

Fear of Ebola Spreads Faster Than the Virus Oct 13, 2014

Show notes

The first person to contract Ebola in the United States is a nurse who treated Thomas Duncan, the man who died of Ebola in Dallas after catching it in Liberia. Other healthcare workers who treated Duncan might be at risk.We'll hear about the risks in this country, and how Ebola spread in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Big Soda: Obesity and Diabetes Oct 10, 2014

Show notes

In San Francisco and Berkeley, California, Big Soda has been lumped with Big Tobacco as a target of health-conscious reformers. Next month, voters may tax sugary soft drinks by a few cents per can. To defeat them, Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper will spend more than 15 dollars a vote.

Should Big Oil Pay to Keep the Bayou State Above Water? Oct 09, 2014

Show notes

Louisiana is losing chunks of its coast at a remarkable rate. The erosion threatens to destroy most of the US offshore oil and gas production, much of its seafood industry and millions of homes. Should the fossil fuel industry foot the bill for restoring the coast? Or should taxpayers pony up the full amount?

Will Tax Cuts Backfire on Republican Governors? Oct 08, 2014

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While Washington is obsessed with Democratic control of the Senate, Republican Governors are fighting for re-election in some crucial states. It’s all about budget deficits, education cuts and slow job growth. What are the possible consequences for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016?

Small Cases, Big Silence at the Supreme Court Oct 07, 2014

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The US Supreme Court began its latest session with a thunderous silence: not even explaining why it refused to consider same-sex marriage. The court may be off to a quiet start, but it’s famously divided, and legal thinkers aren’t ruling out the prospect of big noise before the term is all over.

A Shaky Start to the Latest War on Terror Oct 06, 2014

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As high-tech aerial weaponry rains down on Syria and Iraq, the medieval Islamic State, or ISIS, is not just holding on but threatening to take new territory. We’ll look at the early days of America’s latest offensive in the Middle East. Is there a coherent strategy? What would constitute “victory” or “defeat?”

Is the Secret Service Protecting the President? Oct 03, 2014

Show notes

When a fence jumper gets to the East Room and gunfire breaks windows, the White House is clearly not be the safest place in the world. Both Republicans and Democrats agree there’s a world-class problem. What needs to be done?

Does Marketing Interfere with Medicine? Oct 02, 2014

Show notes

American doctors and teaching hospitals got more than $3.5 billion from drug companies and medical device makers in just five months of last year. Do doctors always prescribe what’s best for their patients—or for their own pocket books? Do they even recognize their own conflicts of interest?

The "Umbrella Revolution" Marches On Oct 01, 2014

Show notes

Protesters were back on the streets of Hong Kong today in larger numbers than ever—on the first day of a 2-week Chinese national holiday. We’ll hear about the protesters’ demands, their chance of forcing change and what’s at stake for China, the rest of Asia and for the West.

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