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Human Rights, the Law and the Ongoing Threat of Terror Jul 02, 2009

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The transition from Bush to Obama has not eliminated the threat of terrorists who want to attack the country. Is Obama being forced to adopt some of the same counter-measures he criticized in last year's campaign? We hear about indefinite detention, rendition and what some refer to as "torture lite." Also, a new American military offensive in Afghanistan, and what Saddam Hussein told the FBI.

Will the Recession Force State Government Shutdowns? Jul 01, 2009

Show notes

Six states failed to pass spending plans last night in time for the new fiscal year, which started today. The biggest state in the union plans to pay its bills with IOU's. Others barely made the deadline by cutting services and raising taxes and fees. Are bloated expenditures being brought under control or are states balancing budgets on the backs of the poor? Also, Al Franken's win gives Senate Democrats a super-majority. On Reporter's Notebook later on, should the painkillers Vicodin and Percocet be banned?

Gay Rights and the Obama Administration Jun 30, 2009

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Gays and lesbians who supported Barack Obama are demanding action from the Obama White House. We hear how the President has addressed their growing impatience and what it could mean for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Act and other federal policies. Also, US troops pull out of Iraqi cities, and the ousted President of Honduras vows to go home.

The US Supreme Court and Reverse Discrimination Jun 29, 2009

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By a one-vote majority, the US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of white firefighters who claimed they were victims of reverse discrimination. Will the decision clarify the rules on race and employment or lead to future confusion? What will it mean for the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor? Also, Bernard Madoff is sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, and Latin America's first military coup in 16 years.

US Troop Withdrawal to Test Iraq's Stability Jun 26, 2009

Show notes

The new wave of bombings continued today in Iraq. With US troops leaving cities and towns next Tuesday, is the country faced with sectarian civil war? Also, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, and the world mourns Michael Jackson.

Healthcare Reform: Competition and the 'Public Option' Jun 25, 2009

Show notes

The debate over healthcare reform is coming down to the wire at the White House, in Congress and in the media. We look at the pros and cons of the so-called "public option" and at the influence of ideology and money. Also, the Supreme Court rules strip search of student is unreasonable. On Reporter's Notebook, the missing governor, the mistress and the GOP.

President Obama and the Effort to Find Common Ground Jun 24, 2009

Show notes

It's reported today that -- before Iran's disputed election — the Obama Administration sent a letter to the Supreme Leader proposing “cooperation in regional and bilateral relations.” Today, we talk about the President's pattern of seeing “common ground” with his adversaries. Also, more bloodshed on the streets of Tehran, and the Governor of South Carolina is no longer missing.

Obama Talks Tough on Iran; North Korea Vies for World's Attention Jun 23, 2009

Show notes

North Korea has escalated tensions with the US and the United Nations. We look at the provocations and possible options for the US and the UN. Also, at this morning's press conference, President strongly condemned the killing of election protesters in Iran. On Reporter's Notebook, what the President had to say about the economy and healthcare.

More Protests in the Streets of Iran Jun 22, 2009

Show notes

This weekend's deadly violence may have reduced the size of demonstrations on the streets of Tehran, but significant numbers did turn out today to face tear gas and police batons. We hear the latest and assess international relations in the Middle East and the West, including the US. Also, US air strikes in Afghanistan will be restricted.

Iran's Supreme Leader Just Says 'No' Jun 19, 2009

Show notes

Iran's Supreme Leader has dashed any hope of changing the official results of last week's disputed election. We look at the likely consequences from Tehran to Washington, including the possibility of violent confrontations if protests continue. On Reporter's Notebook, we get the reaction of Iranian expatriates and organizers here in the United States.

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