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Russian Spies in American Suburbs: Shades of the Cold War? Jul 01, 2010

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An alleged network of Russians posing as ordinary Americans sounds like the parody of a spy novel or a Hollywood satire. We hear about invisible ink, buried money and something called "steganography." Also, President Obama's call for immigration reform, and the first day of free agency in the NBA.

Stimulus or Austerity?: That Is the Question Jun 30, 2010

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Federal stimulus spending has fueled economic recovery. Has the time come to worry about the deficit? Will spending reductions and increased taxes be needed for long-term stability? If they're imposed too soon, will austerity measures lead back to recession? Also, the season’s first hurricane creates problems for the Gulf oil clean-up. On Reporter's Notebook, can Google survive in China?

Finance Reform and Confirmation Hearings Jun 29, 2010

Show notes

Even veterans of election-year partisanship were surprised when a joint committee of the House and the Senate reached a compromise last week on finance reform. President Obama declared it the biggest restraint on Wall Street since the Great Depression, and said he wanted to sign it by the Fourth of July. We hear what's in the bill and assess its chances. Also, confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan and General David Petraeus as commander in Afghanistan.

Gun Control and Elena Kagan Jun 28, 2010

Show notes

Senate hearings on Elena Kagan's nomination to the US Supreme Court began today with lengthy statements by Democrats and Republicans. We get an update. Also, the Supreme Court upholds gun rights in cities and states, and West Virginia's Robert Byrd, the longest serving US Senator, who died last night at the age of 92.

The Oil Industry Rolls On... Jun 25, 2010

Show notes

The Gulf oil spill won't stop the oil industry from drilling in dangerous places or from making enough money to support almost everyone's pension plan, federal judges included. Also, Congress reaches agreement on financial reform, and Happy Meals and public health.

The Leadership Is Changing but the Strategy Is the Same Jun 24, 2010

Show notes

McChrystal is out and Petraeus is back in, but the strategy remains the same, along with questions about whether it’s a recipe for success or for failure. We look at the prospects. Also, today's Supreme Court ruling weakens the Honest Services Law. On Reporter's Notebook, with a final score of 70 games to 68, a record-setting Wimbledon tennis match is called "both gripping and deadly dull."

General McChrystal, General Petraeus and 'Obama's War' Jun 23, 2010

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President Obama has replaced General Stanley McChrystal with General David Petraeus as US commander in Afghanistan. The President said he admired McChrystal and that McChrystal was courteous to the Commander in Chief and faithfully carried out orders. The problem was that article in Rolling Stone magazine... Also, the President, the judge and the moratorium on deep-water exploration.

Another White House Challenge with No Good Options Jun 22, 2010

Show notes

Barack Obama's hand-picked commander of troops in Afghanistan has apologized for trashing the President in Rolling Stone magazine. Should the Commander in Chief fire General Stanley McChrystal for disrespect and insubordination or keep him on board as too important to let go? Also, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now fully owned and operated by the federal government, at a possible cost of $389 billion. Can US taxpayers afford to continue subsidizing home ownership, a federal policy since 1938?

Barack Obama and the Perils of Populism Jun 21, 2010

Show notes

BP is the latest corporation under attack by the White House, but polls show the public thinks BP is handling the oil spill about as well as the government is. What's the message about the President's brand of populism? Also, the Supreme Court upholds anti-terror law, and the Tea Party movement, the religious right and conservatism in America.

Wikipedia: The Wisdom and the Folly of Crowds Jun 18, 2010

Show notes

Wikipedia calls itself "the online encyclopedia that anyone can edit," but 15 million articles create the potential for a multitude of mistakes, dirty tricks and editorial bias. Can one of the Internet's most popular sites be open to all and maintain high standards of accuracy at the same time? Also, ethnic violence ebbs in Kyrgyzstan, and the NBA season is finally over and the US is still alive in the World Cup.

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