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BP on the Capitol Hill Hot Seat Jun 17, 2010

Show notes

The CEO of BP, who once minimized the Gulf oil spill, apologized today at a congressional hearing. But Tony Hayward gave so few answers to a host of tough questions that one Democrat called him "irresponsible." Also, Israel agrees to ease restrictions on food and building material into Gaza, and California prepares the way for the electric car.

The Oil Spill and the Obama Presidency Jun 16, 2010

Show notes

In his first speech from the Oval Office last night, President Obama explained what he called his "battle plan" for the Gulf oil spill. Did he succeed in a broader goal: reassuring Americans that he has the disaster under control? Also, cell-phone radiation. scientists are still debating the health impacts of radiation from cell phones. San Francisco is demanding that customers get a chance to compare. Could that be misleading?

US Strategy in Afghanistan: Is Karzai a True Believer? Jun 15, 2010

Show notes

President Obama is publicly upbeat, but his strategy in Afghanistan is not working as planned. Has President Karzai lost faith in the US and NATO? Is Pakistan even closer to the Afghan Taliban than previously reported? Also, oil executives get grilled on Capitol Hill, and Wikipedia is losing its army of volunteer editors. Will easing restrictions make them want to stay on the job?

Cancer and the Business of Medicine Jun 14, 2010

Show notes

The federal budget for cancer research is $31 billion, but cancer victims and taxpayers are asking, where are those promised breakthroughs? We look at the expectations and the realities of a disease that's more complicated the more we know. Also, Obama makes his fourth trip to the Gulf since the spill, and an update on US chances in the World Cup.

The Internet and the Human Brain Jun 11, 2010

Show notes

The development of electronic media is the biggest thing since the printing press, and it's altering the way the human brain functions. While neuroscientists try to figure out how that's happening, we hear a debate about whether the outcome is good or bad. Also, oil slick estimates keep climbing, and the year of the woman in politics -- Carly Fiorina and Barbara Boxer’s hair.

The Oil Spill and the Oil Economy Jun 10, 2010

Show notes

The Gulf oil slick reached Alabama's inland waterways today as President Obama said it's time to update laws and regulations. Does his moratorium on deep-water exploration threaten the local economy as much as the spill? What are the trade-offs? Also, another long, hard slog, this time in Afghanistan, and the winning candidate who didn't campaign.

The World Cup and the Primary Elections Jun 09, 2010

Show notes

Starting on Friday, almost a billion soccer fans will be watching the World Cup for the next month. We look at South Africa's preparations for a sporting event with worldwide cultural impact. Also, the UN passes its fourth resolution against Iran's nuclear program, and the results of yesterday's primary elections in 11 states.

American Jews and the Future of Israel Jun 08, 2010

Show notes

American Jews are less attached to Israel than their elders, but Jewish establishment leaders don’t want to hear it. Has Israel changed? Is it also divided? We hear a debate that could be crucial to US support and to Israel's future. Also, President Obama expresses frustration over responsibility for Gulf oil slick. On Reporter's Notebook, can the watchdogs of journalism survive media cutbacks?

Predator Drones and America's License to Kill Jun 07, 2010

Show notes

A UN report says the CIA's use of drones in Pakistan makes the US the world's major practitioner of "targeted killings." Could agents be prosecuted under international law? Do the drones make America safer? Should they be controlled by the military instead of the CIA? Also, BP siphons more oil from its gushing well, and high stakes in 11 state primaries.

The Gulf Oil Spill and America's Standard of Living Jun 04, 2010

Show notes

Is the Gulf oil disaster a wake-up call for all of America, where oil is used at a greater rate than anyplace else in the world? Should some of the anger against BP and the rest of the oil industry be re-directed toward the oil-consumption economy? Also, BP finds some success in capping it leaking well, and the World Cup and the flight of the soccer ball.

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