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Can America's Big Three Automakers Survive? Jul 02, 2008

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Auto sales in the US dropped to a ten-year low last month, and America's Big Three are in trouble. GM, Chrysler and Ford make big profits on big vehicles with big engines, but customers are thinking small, and $4 a gallon gasoline may signal the end of an era. Also, President Bush challenges G-8 leaders to make good on the promise to developing nations, and Barack Obama's version of a faith-based initiative.

Does Gun Control Have a Future? Jul 01, 2008

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The US Supreme Court says governments cannot ban guns, that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to self defense. So what happens to gun control? Also, the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel, and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe at the African Union Summit.

Can the Rest of the World Save Zimbabwe? Jun 30, 2008

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The western powers call Robert Mugabe's re-election a "sham," but the President of Zimbabwe is seeking legitimacy at today's summit meeting of the African Union. Also, President Bush sings a $162 Billion war-spending bill, and the rhetoric heats up in the presidential campaign.

America's Highest Court Is in Recess Jun 27, 2008

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In the final weeks of this year's term, the US Supreme Court was sharply divided on the death penalty, guns and Guantánamo Bay. But compared to last year, it's been an Era of Good Feeling between liberals and conservatives. Also, fear and voter intimidation in Zimbabwe, and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and unity in Unity.

Are Charter Schools the Answer to Education Reform? Jun 26, 2008

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The charter school movement is growing fast all over the country, but in New Orleans charters encompass no less than 53% of all public school students. Are charters the answer to education reform? Also, the Supreme Court shoots down the DC gun ban, and North Korea makes good on a promise.

Barack Obama: Who Is the Democrats' Nominee? Jun 25, 2008

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Just four months before the November election, Barack Obama is an unknown quantity to millions of voters. Also the Supreme Court winds down, and a "monumental" deal to restore Florida's Everglades.

Was the Iraq War about Oil After All? Jun 24, 2008

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Saddam Hussein kicked the big western oil companies out of Iraq in 1972. Now they're back, with no-bid service contracts that will put them inside Iraq's redeveloping industry. Will increased Iraqi production help postpone an energy crisis? Will US troops remain for security? Is that what the war in Iraq is really about? Also, another bad round of news on the economy, and myth and history in Homer's Odyssey.

Is the US Losing Track of its Nuclear Weapons? Jun 23, 2008

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Six nuclear missiles were missing for 36 hours until the Air Force discovered they had been flown across the United States. It was 18 months before nose cones turned up in Taiwan, where they’d been shipped as helicopter parts. The Air Force’s top military and civilian officers were fired this month, but now it turns out that hundreds—possibly thousands—of nuclear weapons components are missing. On Reporter's Notebook, comedian George Carlin remembered.

Are Political Spouses 'Fair Game?' Jun 20, 2008

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In this year's run for the White House, Michelle Obama has received more coverage than Cindy McCain. Why should a presidential candidate's spouse be the object of so much attention? Also, Congress agrees to re-write wiretapping rules, and entrepreneurial barons made the banana the most popular fruit in the US, and $4 for gasoline. What about $1 a pound for bananas?

Energy Costs, the Environment and the Presidential Campaign Jun 19, 2008

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John McCain has reversed himself on offshore oil drilling, and President Bush has joined McCain's call for ending the nationwide moratorium. Would that help bring gasoline prices down? What would it mean for the environment? With energy costs skyrocketing, is it good politics? Also, President Bush visits flooded Iowa cities, and Obama does an about-face on public campaign funding.

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