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Hollywood Meets the Internet and Economic Reality Oct 08, 2009

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Technology and economics are working big change on the business of entertainment. What are the opportunities for content with quality—and the risks of Hollywood dumbing down more than ever? Also, loan modifications are starting to slow foreclosures, and Republicans strike back on Congressional ethics.

Is a 'Jobless Recovery' Not a Recovery after All? Oct 07, 2009

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Almost 16 million Americans are unemployed, more than the populations of 46 of the 50 states. Should a second stimulus put checks in the mail? What about tax credits for employers who create new jobs? Will developing markets overseas lead to more or less employment in the US? Also, President Obama agonizes over Afghanistan, and a new wrinkle for the "public option" in healthcare reform.

Congress Lurches toward Healthcare Reform Oct 06, 2009

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Healthcare reform is finally headed toward the floors of the House and the Senate, presuming Democratic leaders can cobble together five different proposals. Can they do it by next week? What are the likely issues once debate finally gets under way? Also, NASA gets ready for its Moon crash mission. On Reporter's Notebook, a new solution for New Orleans: houses that float.

A New Justice and a New Term for a Court in Transition Oct 05, 2009

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor began her first full term on the US Supreme Court today. Will the conservative majority come out swinging this year or sit back to avoid confrontations with Congress? Also, the Senate finally begins debating healthcare reform, and vaccination is now available against swine flu. Will Americans want it?

Blame It on Rio: Chicago Loses 2016 Olympic Games Oct 02, 2009

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The International Olympic Committee today granted the 2016 Summer Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro, with Chicago eliminated in the first round of voting. The historic decision takes the games to the South American continent for the very first time. Also, unemployment continues to climb, and re-writing the book on evolution, based on a startling new discovery in the African desert. Conan Nolan guest hosts.

FBI Makes an Arrest in a Case of Domestic Terrorism Oct 01, 2009

Show notes

It is being called one of the most serious terrorist threats since 9/11. Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year¬old Afghan entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ this week to charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. His arrest came amidst a number of other terror related cases. How serious were these threats? Are they the result of improved law enforcement? What role did the Patriot Act play? Also, the US and its allies talk to Iran about its nuclear program. On Reporter's Notebook, could massive earthquakes thousands of miles apart impact other faults around the globe? Conan Nolan guest hosts.

US and Iran, Face-to-Face for the First Time in 30 Years Sep 30, 2009

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In Geneva tomorrow, the United States will sit down for direct negotiations with Iran for the first time in three decades. The US, France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany will push for greater transparency on Iran's nuclear program, and threaten sanctions if President Ahmadinejad refuses to cooperate. What can the West hope to achieve at the talks? Will Russia and China agree to stepping up the pressure on Iran? Also, earthquakes and tsunamis strike Samoa, and pitching the Olympics. The Obamas take Chicago's case to Copenhagen. Sara Terry guest hosts.

H1N1: What You Need to Know, What You Need to Do Sep 29, 2009

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As the US government prepares to hand out more than 250 million free doses of vaccine for the H1N1 virus, health officials are confronting fear and misinformation. What is the H1N1, or swine flu, as it's commonly known? Who should take a vaccine against it? By taking early precautions to combat the flu, has the government caused more anxiety than necessary? Also, Also, terror suspect, Najibullah Zazi, enters a plea, and startling news about the placebo effect. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Reassessing Afghanistan Sep 28, 2009

Show notes

As President Obama weighs his options on the war in Afghanistan, public support for his policies there is on the decline. What can a troop surge accomplish? How will politics in Afghanistan -- and in Washington – affect what the United States does? Does Obama face a new Vietnam in the making? Also, Iran's "preventative and defensive operations." On Reporter's Notebook will Roman Polanski be extradited to the US on a 32-year-old statutory rape charge? Sara Terry guest hosts.

The G-20 and the Future of the Global Economy Sep 25, 2009

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One year after the global recession hit its peak, the leaders of 20 nations are meeting in Pittsburgh to talk about preventing the same thing from happening again. But is the current "recovery" real for millions of people? Is the G-20 likely to make things better or worse? Also, covert evidence of an Iranian nuclear facility, and persuasive evidence of a real terrorist plot on American soil.

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