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Wildfires: Big Threats and Big Business Jul 30, 2008

Show notes

The US is losing the fight against wildfires, which are bigger, more numerous and more costly than ever before. We hear how firefighting has become an industry, which sometimes makes matters worse. Can we learn to live more successfully with a growing menace that's not going away? Also, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step down, and a massive sheet of ice breaks off from Ellesmere Island in Canada.

Illegal Drugs, Politics and the War in Afghanistan Jul 29, 2008

Show notes

The opium poppy is financing the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan, but President Hamid Karzai is protecting opium traffic in order to stay in office. We hear dramatic claims by a high-level US official who can tell his story now that's resigned. Also, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens indicted, and gas means gold in rural Louisiana.

A Bailout the President Couldn't Refuse Jul 28, 2008

Show notes

Democrats say the new housing bill will help the housing market and the economy as a whole, but President Bush will sign reluctantly and against the wishes of many Republicans. Will lenders agree to restructure loans on homes facing foreclosure? Will backing Freddie and Fannie put taxpayers at risk? Also, a female suicide bomber kills dozens in Iraq, and Denver has second thoughts about the Democrats.

The Presidential Campaign Goes Global Jul 25, 2008

Show notes

This year's presidential campaign is the first when both candidates have campaigned overseas. But Barack Obama's foreign excursion has gotten a lot more attention than John McCain's. Also, frightening moments for Qantas travelers at 29,000 feet, and Iraqi politics and the Olympic Games.

Economic Decline in a Culture of Credit Jul 24, 2008

Show notes

Americans are carrying $2.5 trillion in consumer debt. The average household owes credit card companies $8,500. Will that be the next bubble to burst? Also, Barack Obama speaks in Berlin, and another disaster in the river off New Orleans.

Obama Visits the Middle East and a Tough Political Challenge Jul 23, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama confronted one of his toughest political challenges today with visits to Israel and the West Bank. We hear what he said and how both sides reacted. Also, the housing rescue bill moves through the pipeline, and a Texas oilman endorses wind power.

John McCain's Big Advantage in the Presidential Campaign Jul 22, 2008

Show notes

In what's billed as a great year for Democrats, their candidate for president has a big problem. Less than half of Americans think Barack Obama would be a good commander in chief. Almost three-fourths say that about John McCain. Also, Obama in Jordan, and the accused mastermind of genocide in Serbia has been arrested after thirteen years on the run.

To Drill or Not to Drill Jul 21, 2008

Show notes

John McCain and other Republicans say it's time to start drilling for oil off the shores of America. Barack Obama leads those Democrats who say, not so fast. Also, a war-crimes trial gets underway in Guantánamo Bay, and Barack Obama visits Iraq.

Muslims, Arabs and the Obama Campaign Jul 18, 2008

Show notes

When Barack Obama says it's a "smear" to call him a Muslim, Muslim supporters have second thoughts. He's had kind words for the Palestinians, but his hard line for Israel has Arab Americans worried. Does Obama's message of unity have limits? Is he distancing himself from voters who could make a difference? Also, the Bush Administration on Iran and climate change.

Economic Crisis: Reality and Psychology Jul 17, 2008

Show notes

Institutions put in place after the Great Depression are supposed to insure that no such thing can happen again, but major financial institutions are in big trouble. Also, former Attorney General Ashcroft testifies on interrogation before Congress, and gasoline prices, offshore oil and global warming in an election year.

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