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Politics, the Economy and Lifestyles: Predictions for 2009 Dec 31, 2008

Show notes

A black man won the White House, while a white woman from Alaska won the hearts of conservatives. The economy imploded as financial scandals rocked the headlines, and Americans began to rethink their consumer ways. 2008 was definitely one for the history books. Guest host Sara Terry looks at what's ahead in 2009. Also, the political pitfalls of filling four senate seats, and kicking off the new year on the gridiron.

Re-Regulating a Failed Financial Industry Dec 30, 2008

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In 2002, when Wall Street scandals like Enron and WorldCom rocked the business world, the government prosecuted 513 cases of securities fraud. In the first eleven months of 2008, there were just 133 prosecutions. Also, Israel continues its Gaza offensive, and Little Bill Clinton's American Life, a year-long story about a young refugee from Africa. Sara Terry Guest hosts.

Israel Continues to Pound the Gaza Strip Dec 29, 2008

Show notes

As Israeli jets continue to fire on the densely-populated Gaza Strip, guest host Sara Terry looks at the impact in Gaza, the region and around the world. What is Israel trying to accomplish? What pressures do the attacks place on Arab leaders and the US? Will Israel's actions fuel Islamic militancy around the world? Also, Barack Obama's rise to the presidency. A reporter looks back at her own coverage of the race.

Money: The Key to Happiness or the Root of All Evil? Dec 26, 2008

Show notes

Is money the key to happiness or the root of all evil? If growth and prosperity don't provide a sense of wellbeing, what will? With a fiscal crisis already under way, we take a new look at the way happiness is measured and how it's achieved in the US and other parts of the world. Also, the inventory glut on store shelves and at frozen ports, and overcoming the fear of numbers.

Meat and Milk from Cloned Animals in America's Food Supply? Dec 25, 2008

Show notes

Twelve years after scientists produced Dolly the Sheep from the cells of another animal, the FDA says milk and meat from cloned livestock is safe to eat. Is the world ready? Critics say cloning's expensive, inefficient and cruel. What about the quality of the food and the "yuck" factor? Also, a business editor on stimulating the economy, in early American history, Christmas was banned by Christians.

Will the 'Nanny State' Be Replaced by the 'Daddy State?' Dec 24, 2008

Show notes

Mexico has seen a dramatic reduction in poverty with a program that pays poor mothers to keep their families healthy and keep their children in school. Will it end what's called "the culture of poverty?" Would it work in the US? Also the winter weather turns worse on travelers, and despite new violence in Gaza, Bethlehem is crowded with tourists.

Barack Obama and 'Universal' Healthcare Reform Dec 23, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama says America's healthcare system is a contributor to the country's economic decline. There's a growing consensus that recovery can't happen without healthcare reform. If costs are cut, can quality be maintained? How much should government be involved in setting standards as well as paying the bills? Also, despite falling prices, the home sales dropped more than expected last month, and Europe warms up to Obama when it comes to Guantánamo Bay.

Preserving Wall Street, the Auto Industry and the Income Gap Dec 22, 2008

Show notes

Everybody understands the hourly wage contracts the United Auto Workers agreed to with GM and Chrysler. But only Wall Street knows how or why investment bankers get bonuses worth tens of millions of dollars. Are Washington's bailouts punishing transparency, rewarding stealth and preserving the income gap? Also, Toyota expects its first operating loss since 1941, and another White House tries to control the historical record.

Has Barack Obama Split the Difference on Education Reform? Dec 19, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo? Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and despite an international military crackdown, another band of Somali pirates is about to collect millions in ransom money.

Cyber-warfare and Weapons of Mass Annoyance Dec 18, 2008

Show notes

As many as 15 million infected computers may be sending spam and disrupting Internet networks around the world. Cyber-warfare is a real threat to national security and the economy. We talk about how it works, who should take charge of cyber-defense and how civil liberties can be protected. Also, Barack Obama picks a a securities-industry regulator to lead the SEC. On Reporter's Notebook, will the Kennedy dynasty rise again?

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