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Can US Charges Spur Soccer Reform? May 28, 2015

Show notes

The President of FIFA says this week's corruption charges bring "shame and humiliation" to football. But he's not stepping aside despite calls for a change in leadership. With such deep roots in culture and with billions at stake, can the world's most beautiful game be cleaned up? We look at how the world is reacting to soccer's corruption scandal.

Is the Doctor-less Office the Future of Medicine? May 27, 2015

Show notes

Twenty states have passed laws allowing nurse practitioners to perform duties usually reserved for doctors, without a physician's supervision. It's a boon for rural states where doctors are scarce, but MD's argue patient care suffers. It's just one aspect of the new direction medicine is taking towards lowering cost and taking advantage of higher tech alternatives, exemplified by such practices as telemedicine and remote controlled surgery.

Is It the End of the Line for NSA's Spying Program? May 26, 2015

Show notes

Key provisions of the nation's post 9/11 surveillance program are set to expire at the end of the month if the Senate doesn't act. Will Congress renew or reform disputed provisions in the Patriot Act, including the NSA's controversial sweeping collection of Americans phone records?

Body-Hacking: The Benefits and Unintended Consequences May 25, 2015

Show notes

Wearable devices are big business — sold as a way to develop healthier habits. But critics say the urge for self-awareness can make users slaves to technology — and that sharing intimate personal information can make them vulnerable to exploitation.

Public Radio, Capitalism and Native Advertising May 22, 2015

Show notes

Public radio tells listeners it depends on them, not corporate advertising. Now Ira Glass, of This America Life, says "public radio is ready for capitalism." Newspapers are running ads that look just like their stories. In the age of podcasting and native advertising, important lines are beginning to blur.

Can America's Infrastructure Get Back on Track? May 21, 2015

Show notes

America's highways and railroads were once the envy of the rest of the world, but they've become decidedly second rate. Meantime, Congress is deadlocked — not just over funding the transportation system but what its goals should be.

ISIS and the Fall of Ramadi: Who's to Blame? May 20, 2015

Show notes

ISIS, the so-called Islamic State, has seized Ramadi, a major Iraqi City — creating new challenges for the governments of Iraq and the United States. We hear what it could mean on the ground — and for America's presidential campaign.

The Biggest Outbreak of Bird Flu in American History May 19, 2015

Show notes

America's poultry industry is under assault as never before from bird flu. It's thought to have started with migrating wild geese, but nobody knows why it's spreading. So far, there's no threat to the food supply, but prices could be on the rise and the future is full of uncertainties.

The Pope, the Palestinians and Middle-East Peace May 18, 2015

Show notes

Under the leadership of Pope Francis, the Vatican has joined 135 countries in recognizing a Palestinian state. Will it be more than a boost for Palestinian morale? We hear Israeli reaction and the possible consequences in Europe and elsewhere in the world of diplomacy.

Are the Democrats Suffering an Identity Crisis? May 15, 2015

Show notes

President Obama has attacked union leaders and senators of his own party in unusually personal terms. Even former House speaker Nancy Pelosi says it's harder for Democrats to love each other than it used to be. How deep is the split between centrist pragmatism and progressive ideology? How will it look to voters in next year's primary campaigns?

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