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Volcanic Disruptions: Past, Present and Future Apr 22, 2010

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This week's volcanic eruption is a wake-up call for the airline industry and regulators unprepared to deal with the consequences. It's also a lesson in humanity's inability to control nature. How likely is a much bigger eruption? Is there any way to get ready? Also, President Obama is in New York pushing financial reform. On Reporter's Notebook, is Earth Day a great time to go shopping?

Iran, the Bomb and American Policy Apr 21, 2010

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the US does not have long-range plans in case Iran develops the capacity to build a nuclear bomb. Gates denies that it was a "wake-up call." So, what was he up to? What are the options? Also, Obama meets with senators on Supreme Court picks. On Reporter's Notebook, is Detroit making a comeback?

Goldman Sachs, Public Anger and a Possible Crackdown on Wall Street Apr 20, 2010

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Democrats and Republicans are trying to use public anger at Wall Street to boost their chances in this year's elections. We hear how Goldman Sachs has become the poster child for finance reform. ALso, flights resume but the European travel chaos continues, and the US Supreme Court and cruelty to animals.

Arizona Steps In Where Washington Fears to Tread Apr 19, 2010

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Like George W. Bush before him, Barack Obama wants immigration reform. But that's a third rail on the track to November's elections. Arizona's a border state where traffic in guns, drugs and people is increasingly violent — and Republicans are demanding a crackdown. We hear the pros and cons. Also, a rescue for travelers stranded in Europe, and trust in government hits a new low.

Celebrities, Prescription Drugs and the Candy Man Apr 16, 2010

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Prescription drug abuse is being called "epidemic," even in rural Ohio and West Virginia. How do we get the benefits of modern pharmaceuticals without giving in to the dangers? Also, the SEC sues Goldman Sachs for securities fraud, and the politics of gay rights and hospital visitation.

Will the Space Program Come Down to Earth? Apr 15, 2010

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President Obama is trying to promote his vision for human space flight today. Opponents claim he has no vision at all. Will cancelling a return to the Moon mean getting to Mars both cheaper and faster? Also, taxes: the protests and the realities.

After the Nuclear Summit, What Happens Now? Apr 14, 2010

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Russia's Medvedev calls Obama's nuclear summit a "complete success," but adds, "I hope we won't just go home feeling happy." What will it take to sustain agreements to "lock down" nuclear materials? Is the threat of nuclear terrorism overblown? Also, a major earthquake strikes the Dalai Lama's hometown, and climate change and a tax on gasoline.

Nuclear Terror and Finance Reform Apr 13, 2010

Show notes

The Senate is back in Washington, ready to take up finance reform. In this election year, will Democrats and Republicans re-play the debate over healthcare? We look at the similarities -- and the differences. We also get a progress report on the President’s summit on nuclear terrorism. Also, the former CEO of Washington Mutual testifies before Congress.

The Roman Catholic Future, in the US and Around the World Apr 12, 2010

Show notes

The Roman Catholic Church is an ancient institution in a fast-moving world. After the sex-scandal, what's next in America and Europe? Is the future in Africa, Asia and Latin America? Also, President Obama's nuclear summit, and Poland's democracy on trial.

Can the US Afford to Get Rid of Coal? Can It Afford Not to? Apr 09, 2010

Show notes

This week's disaster in West Virginia dramatizes the human cost of coal mining underground. Surface mining's already the subject of new environmental regulations. What's the future of coal in a country with a boundless appetite for energy? Also, Supreme Court Justice Stevens will step down, and modern politics and the Civil War.

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