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Bernard Madoff: Wall Street's One-Man Wrecking Crew Dec 17, 2008

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Sophisticated people and institutions worldwide fell victim to Bernard Madoff’s Wall Street Ponzi scheme, not to mention the Securities and Exchange Commission. How come they all got taken for $50 billion dollars when others so clearly saw fraud? Also, Governor Rod Blagojevich vows to break his silence as impeachment proceedings proceed, and 63 percent of Americans say the country's in the midst of long-term economic decline.

Will the Outgoing Administration Be Called to Account by the New One? Dec 16, 2008

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Last week a unanimous bipartisan Senate report accused high Bush Administration officials of approving abusive interrogations. Now Vice President Cheney confirms that he was on board. Will Barack Obama investigate or leave the recent past to future historians? Also, Obama's cabinet continues to take shape. On Reporter's Notebook, does the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate still matter?

Will Federal Money Mean Economic Recovery? Dec 15, 2008

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Barack Obama wants big federal spending to rebuild infrastructure, promote green technology and create or save 2.5 million jobs. We look at the benefits and the risks of what he calls a "jolt" to the flagging economy? Also, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is likely to face impeachment, and the shoes that shook the Arab world.

In American Politics, Is Corruption Business as Usual? Dec 12, 2008

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Is politics for public service or personal gain? That’s one of the many questions raised when a US Senate seat is put up for sale. We talk about what constitutes corruption in a political system based on trading favors. Also, the latest on the Big Three bailout, and Bush, Obama and closing Guantánamo Bay.

Will Washington Rescue Detroit's Big Three? Dec 11, 2008

Show notes

As debate began in the Senate today, Republicans still opposed the Big Three bailout passed last night in the House. Are Southerners unwilling to prevent an economic disaster in the Midwest? Is more "nationalization" really a bad idea? Also, Barack Obama picks Tom Daschle to head the Department of Health and Human Services, and the US wants the UN to track down Somali pirates on land as well as by sea.

The Price of Gasoline: Good News and Bad Dec 10, 2008

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Next week, OPEC will be meeting about the price of oil: down from $147 a barrel last July to $44 today. Meantime, the price of gasoline in the US just might go to a dollar a gallon. That's good news for consumers, but trouble for global warming and international stability. Also, the White House and Congressional Democrats make a deal on the auto bailout, and the latest on the political scandal in Barack Obama's home state.

Is Mexico Losing Its War on Drugs? Dec 09, 2008

Show notes

New official statistics reveal the cost of Mexico's drug wars: Five thousand have been killed this year, one thousand during last month alone. What's the risk of brutal violence crossing the border? Also, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been taken into federal custody, and Blackwater security guards are charged in a US court with manslaughter in Iraq.

Federal Bailouts and Double Standards Dec 08, 2008

Show notes

A bailout of the Big Three automakers now seems likely, but why is Detroit being asked for more concessions than Wall Street? We look at the double standard for federal bailouts and ask whether a real industrial policy would make things better or worse. Also, Pakistan has moved against the mastermind of the group that attacked Mumbai, and more bad news for the news business in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Higher Education and the Global Economy Dec 05, 2008

Show notes

Even when the recession is finally over, the US may have problems competing with the rest of the world. That's because of a growing education gap. Family incomes aren't keeping up with rising cost of higher education. We hear what that means for competition in the global economy. Also, unemployment climbs faster than expected, and OJ Simpson has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

Detroit Pleads for Survival...Again Dec 04, 2008

Show notes

The Big Three automakers have updated their plans and increased what they’re asking in federal help for survival. Instead of $25 billion, now they want $34. We hear how their latest appeals were received by a Senate Committee today. Also, Canada's newly elected, conservative Prime Minister has nearly been forced out of office, and US Senate candidates in Minnesota may have to draw lots to see who won.

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