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President Obama Wants New Rules for Wall Street Jun 18, 2009

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President Obama's proposed regulatory reforms are designed to avoid another financial meltdown, but they're already under fire for doing too much -- and for not doing enough. We hear how the debate is shaping up. Also, another massive turnout of anti-government protests in Iran, and a conversation with a veteran journalist who struggles to understand that country.

Global Warming and the Energy Bill Jun 17, 2009

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As Congress debates a new energy bill, the Obama White House releases dramatic new warnings about the increased impact of global warming. We hear about the latest report and the prospects for legislation. Also, the President proposes a financial regulatory overhaul, and continued defiance of the official crackdown today in Iran. We have the latest.

In Iran, the Struggle for Power Continues Jun 16, 2009

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Demonstrations for and against the government continued today in Iran. We hear about the most serious challenge to the central government since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Also, South Korea's President is in lockstep with President Obama on North Korea, and Western states are challenging federal authority on education, civil rights, land use and gun control.

President Obama, America's Doctors and Healthcare Reform Jun 15, 2009

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President Obama was interrupted many times by applause today in a speech asking the American Medical Association for help in enacting healthcare reform. He included a pitch for the so-called “public option” to compete with private insurance. We get a progress report and the prospects for reducing skyrocketing medical costs. On an extended Reporter's Notebook, the latest on political protest in Iran.

Honey, I Shrunk the City: Bold Ideas for Declining Urban Centers Jun 12, 2009

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For years, urban planning has been all about growth. But in recent years, with the decline of American manufacturing, a whole new school of thought has emerged. It's all about shrinking, not growing. As more and more metropolitan areas lose populations and healthy tax bases, guest host Sara Terry looks at how are cities coming up with new solutions to control the change, instead of simply trying to cope with it. Also, the UN approves tough sanctions for North Korea, and it's been a big week in sports, on the court, in the field and on the ice.

Taking It to the Streets: Election Rallies in Iran Jun 11, 2009

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In Iran, recent weeks have seen a surprisingly hard fought election campaign. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces a strong challenge from reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who's broken with convention by campaigning with his outspoken wife at his side. Will urban women and youth tip the scales towards Mousavi, or will hardliners and the rural poor help re-elect Ahmadinejad? How will the outcome affect politics in the region and relationships with the West? Also, President Obama calls Green Bay a model for healthcare reform, and evidence emerges about what went wrong for Air France Flight 447 over the Atlantic more than a week ago. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Stepping Up the Fight against the Taliban in Pakistan Jun 10, 2009

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The Taliban, which has moved within sixty miles of Islamabad, has alienated many Pakistanis recently, with videos of the public flogging of a young girl, as well as speeches challenging the democratic principles that are cherished by Pakistanis. Guest host Sara Terry considers whether the military offensive against the Taliban is diverting attention from the need for a new Pakistani-US relationship. Also, the White House appoints a "compensation czar" with authority over executives at companies that receive federal support, and why fighting among Britain's leftist Labor Party could leads to gains for the right.

Are US Journalists Being Used as Pawns by North Korea? Jun 09, 2009

Show notes

North Korea said today that it would use nuclear weapons in a "merciless offensive" if provoked, just two days after sentencing two American journalists to twelve years in a gulag-type prison labor camp. Guest host Sara Terry explores the motives behind North Korea's recent aggressive actions and whether the US should re-start negotiations or take a hard-line stance with the secretive communist power. Also, the first Guantanamo detainee is transferred to the US, and a victory for human rights activists in the Niger Delta.

Is This Finally the Moment for Healthcare Reform? Jun 08, 2009

Show notes

For the first time since Bill Clinton's first term as president, healthcare reform is at the top the White House agenda. We hear what Barack Obama is doing to seize the moment on universal coverage, cost control and the debate between private and public insurance. Also, Obama announces stimulus money for summer jobs, and Hezbollah defeated in Lebanon.

Obama Speaks Up about Women in the Muslim World Jun 05, 2009

Show notes

President Obama addressed women's rights during his speech in Cairo yesterday, but did he speak loudly enough? Muslim women still face brutal repression in many countries, but in others they are breaking new ground. Guest host Sara Terry looks at the view from the Muslim world, the role the US should play and the impact of Michelle Obama might have. Also, President Obama's historic visit to Buchenwald, and six-figure salaries for elementary school teachers.

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