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It's Busy Inside the Beltway: Politics Are Sizzling in DC Jul 15, 2010

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Talk about the mid-term elections is stirring up some heat this summer in Washington. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is on the warpath – over the campaign trail. She wants the White House to step up support for Democratic congressmen, instead of suggesting that Republicans could win in November. Republicans have made a few big gaffes lately, but politicos say they’re likely to take back the House this fall. What role will Sarah Palin play? Also, financial reform is finally ready for the President's signature, and a first in Latin America as Argentina approves same-sex marriages. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Whatever Happened to Hope for Haiti? Jul 14, 2010

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On January 10, a massive 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti. Six months later, relief efforts are moving very slowly. Has Haiti's government been an obstacle in the flow of aid? Why are donors taking so long to actually provide the funds they promised? How are people on the ground being helped? Also, BP delays testing a new containment cap and drilling a relief well, and the strange tale of the Iranian nuclear scientist who either was – or wasn't – abducted by the CIA. Sara Terry sits in for vacationing Warren Olney.

DNA: Can a Family Member's Genetic Code Help Catch a Killer? Jul 13, 2010

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Police in Los Angeles made an arrest in the 25-year-old serial murder case of the "Grim Sleeper." The breakthrough came as the result of a search that's commonly called “familial” DNA, a controversial practice in tracking down criminals. What privacy issues does it raise, and how certain are the results? Also, the finance bill moves closer to passage as Obama’s poll numbers decline, and a look back at the life of one of baseball’s larger-than-life managers. Sara Terry sits in for vacationing Warren Olney.

More Vets to Get Help Healing the Mental Scars of War Jul 12, 2010

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The Veterans Administration has decided to make it easier for vets to file disability claims related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As many as 20 percent of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may be suffering from PSTD. The VA's change in policy means that vets will no longer have to document a specific traumatic event to be able to apply for help. Guest host Sara Terry looks at how are the VA and other organizations working with vets to heal what have been called the hidden wounds of war. Also, a terrorist attack in Uganda targets World Cup watchers, and the NAACP is holding its annual convention, but the nation's first black president won't be there this year.

South Africa after the Last World Cup Ball Is Kicked Jul 09, 2010

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Sunday's final match will be an historic one, but what history will the World Cup games leave behind in South Africa? The country's infrastructure has been upgraded and South Africans talk of a new pride. But after the vuvuzelas have gone silent, the country still faces massive challenges in schools, housing and unemployment. Also, Massachusetts' ruling on gay marriage, and from hero to villain. What went wrong on Lebron James' journey from Cleveland to Miami? Sara Terry sits in for vacationing Warren Olney.

New 'Safety Zone' in the Gulf: Who's It Protecting? Jul 08, 2010

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One of the latest developments in clean-up efforts in the Gulf is a controversial safety zone announced last week. The 65 square-foot area effectively blocks reporters and photographers from getting close enough to do their jobs. Off-duty police officers hired by BP to run security details have also been criticized for harassing journalists trying to cover the story. BP now says efforts to stop the spill may pay off in the next few weeks, but what’s happening to the flow of information about the disaster? Also, terror suspects with links to al Qaeda are arrested in Norway, and echoes of the Cold War. A spy swap is underway. Guest host Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.

Back on Track: Israel and the US Mend Their Ties Jul 07, 2010

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Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Obama in Washington yesterday, in what was described as an opportunity to highlight the strong ties between the US and Israel, after a difficult meeting in March. Netanyahu spoke out on Israeli concerns about Iran and about peace talks with the Palestinians. What will Israel do about mending relations with Turkey, which have been strained over the Gaza humanitarian flotilla? Also, the Justice Department challenges Arizona's immigration law, and the climate change research scandal. An independent investigation weighs in. Guest host Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.

The Great Recession: Counting Costs, Contemplating Change Jul 06, 2010

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More than half of all working adults have been directly affected by the recession. Who’s been hit the hardest and why? How are Americans changing their lifestyles in the face of the worst economic downturn since the great depression? What implications do those changes have for social relationships and institutions that may emerge in the future? Also, Obama and Netanyahu make nice, and officials seize a drug smuggling submarine in Ecuador. Guest host Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.

Happy Birthday at 100: Scientists Discover Who Will Get There Jul 05, 2010

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We look at a new study of one thousand centenarians and what scientists have learned about the roles of genes in predicting extreme longevity. We also talk about the politics of old age in a society where, as some say, seventy is the new fifty. Also, Mexico’s old-line ruling party shows renewed strength, and comfort from computers. Artificial intelligence is starting to look cute. Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.

Immigration and the Fourth of July Jul 02, 2010

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As the nation prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, President Obama has called for immigration reform. Did yesterday's speech contain anything new? Will it unify a polarized nation or further divide it? Also, weak job growth, and the President, Emma Lazarus and the Statue of Liberty.

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