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Is the Internet Making School Kids Experts or Idiots? Mar 25, 2010

Show notes

In the Age of the Internet, school districts are laying off librarians. Is that an appropriate way to save money, or will it deprive kids of the critical skills they need to assess and evaluate a welter of information? Also, threats and vandalism over the healthcare bill, and new guidelines for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Student Loans: Does Public Money Need Private Administration? Mar 24, 2010

Show notes

When the House passed the reconciliation bill Sunday, healthcare wasn’t the only subject. Also included was a massive overhaul of the student-loan program. Republicans call it a government takeover. What will saving more than $60 billion mean for struggling students? Also, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu tests President Obama’s White House diplomacy, and drugs and guns in the US and Mexico.

Sex Abuse, Celibacy and Politics in the Roman Catholic Church Mar 23, 2010

Show notes

In America, the healthcare debate caused a schism between Roman Catholic bishops and 59,000 nuns. In Europe, the sex-abuse scandal has reached into the Vatican. What's the role of priestly celibacy? Is there a crisis of confidence in all-male authority? Also, President Obama signs healthcare reform into law, and China strikes back at Google's move to Hong Kong.

Healthcare Reform: Will a Milestone Turn Into a Millstone? Mar 22, 2010

Show notes

Healthcare reform was an uphill battle for the President and Democrats in the Congress. Will the Senate go along? Will Republicans be the real winners, or will the bill turn out to be a lot more popular than expected? Also, Secretary of State Clinton reassures Israel, but stands firm on objections to new settlements. On Reporter's Notebook, will disputed election results mean a return to sectarian violence in Iraq?

The US Supreme Court: Free Speech and Money in Politics Mar 19, 2010

Show notes

From Tea Partiers on the Right to MoveOn.org on the Left, Americans are losing confidence in Washington. Is public policy for sale in Congress? Has the Supreme Court made things worse by taking the limits off campaign spending by special interests? Also, it's down to the wire on the healthcare bill, and the Pope and sex scandals in the Roman Catholic Church.

Is Obesity a Problem that's Too Big to Solve? Mar 18, 2010

Show notes

One billion adults are overweight worldwide and obesity is a major public health threat in the United States, especially to children. We hear about a growing problem, what's being done to deal with it now and what might be required in the future. Also, the healthcare bill gains new momentum, and Hillary Clinton's in Moscow. We hear about nuclear arms reduction and sanctions against Iran.

The US and Israel: How Deep Are the Differences? Mar 17, 2010

Show notes

The Obama Administration is making nice with Israel today -- at least in public, but tensions are still high over housing plans in East Jerusalem and American credibility in the Middle East. We hear from Jerusalem and Washington. Also, the Senate passes the jobs bill, and the number of inmates in state prisons is down for the first time in almost 40 years.

The Debate on Healthcare Goes Down to the Wire Mar 16, 2010

Show notes

The US has the world's most expensive system of healthcare. Is it also the best? Would proposed reforms being debated on Capitol Hill make sure the country gets what it's paying for? Also, the Democrats maneuver for votes on healthcare. On Reporter's Notebook, what did the Fed know about Wall Street—and when did it know?

Political Change on Climate Change Mar 15, 2010

Show notes

Americans were increasingly worried about climate change until last year, when there was a surge in skepticism that's still growing. Is it the economy? The news media? What are the consequences for public policy in the US and around the world? Also, settlement construction in Jerusalem will go on, and new violence in Mexico as Spring Break begins in the US.

Can Schools Aim High When Budgets Are Low? Mar 12, 2010

Show notes

Countries around the world are surpassing the US when it comes to education, and America could fall behind in the global economy. With schools beset by budget cuts and teacher layoffs, is this the moment to adopt national standards for English and Math? We look at proposals agreed to by the leaders of 48 states. Also, are the Democrats any closer to solving the healthcare crisis? Will Coffee Parties beat out the Tea-Party Patriots?

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