Studs Terkel, Oral Historian And Radio Legend, 96

Friday, October 31, 2008

Terkel, who came of age during the Great Depression, often said America suffered from what he called a national Alzheimer’s disease. His oral histories and radio interviews with everyday Americans helped document the nation’s past.

Read full story

Taliban Kill Five In Brazen Kabul Attack

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Taliban militants have stormed the Information Ministry in the heart of Kabul, killing at least five people. It was the most brazen attack in the Afghan capital since last summer’s suicide bombing at the Indian Embassy.

Read full story

In Run Up To Big Day, McCain Adviser Outlines Plans

Thursday, October 30, 2008

In the final days of the presidential race, senior McCain campaign adviser Nicolle Wallace says they’ve noticed a bump in support whenever Sen. John McCain visits a state, so they’re planning to visit as many as they can before Election Day. She also discusses McCain’s stand on Barack Obama’s tax plans.

Read full story

Trying To Change Criminal Tendencies

Thursday, October 30, 2008

At Airway Heights Corrections Center in Spokane, Wash., prison officials are trying to change prison culture — instead of a regime of punishment and incarceration, they’re turning the prison into something called a therapeutic community. Airway Heights has been deemed a test site for the program by the Department of Corrections. If successful, the program may spread to prisons across the country.

Read full story

Can Therapy Change The Criminal Mind

Thursday, October 30, 2008

At Airway Heights Corrections Center in Spokane, Wash., prison officials are trying to change prison culture — instead of a regime of punishment and incarceration, they’re turning the prison into something called a therapeutic community. Airway Heights has been deemed a test site for the program by the Department of Corrections. If successful, the program may spread to prisons across the country.

Read full story

Money Woes Muzzle Independent Political Groups

Thursday, October 30, 2008

In a presidential race that seems to include every possible political strategy, one element has barely been visible. There have been no high-impact independent groups like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outfit that nearly derailed John Kerry’s campaign four years ago.

Read full story

Obama Uses Prime-Time Ad To Make Case

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Democrat Barack Obama is using a 30-minute ad on three of the four broadcast networks to make his case for the presidency. The FOX network agreed to delay the start of the World Series by a few minutes to accommodate the ad. John McCain has said he would never delay the World Series.

Read full story

‘Personhood’ Amendment On Colorado Ballot

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Amendment 48 would define “personhood” as beginning at the moment of conception, giving fertilized eggs constitutional rights. But the measure raises a range of questions, such as, would embryos be counted in the state census or as extra passengers in the HOV lane?

Read full story

The Language Of Economic Misfortune

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The dizzying economic situation is giving rise to novel phrases and appropriate expressions. The financial news includes colorful language describing a pretty bleak situation. It’s practically baked in the cake.

Read full story

Cash-Strapped Pakistan Turns To World For Bailout

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The government of Pakistan is being drained of its hard currency reserves as the value of the dollar rises. The country is now seeking foreign investors for a bailout but it is trying to avoid the IMF whose money comes with rules attached.

Read full story

GM Searching For Ways To Stay Viable

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

General Motor executives have been in Washington asking for some of that $700 billion financial bailout money. And, rumors haven’t died down about a possible merger with Chrysler. Michelle Krebs, senior industry editor at Edmunds.com, talks with Steve Inskeep about the latest news from the auto industry.

Read full story

Firms Blame Financial Woes On Accounting Rule

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Under mark-to-market accounting, companies are required to value their assets according to how much they would get right away in a sale. Firms say that makes balance sheets look overly rosy in good times — and distorts and undervalues assets in bad times.

Read full story

Game 5 Of World Series To Resume Wednesday

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Game 5 of the World Series between Philadelphia and the Tampa Bay Rays will tentatively resume Wednesday. The game was suspended Monday because of bad weather. The Phillies lead the series 3-1 and are on the brink of their first championship since 1980.

Read full story

Dow Ends Up 889 Points On Expected Rate Cut

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

It’s been another astounding day on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones industrials soaring 889 points as investors scooped up stocks that were pounded lower in recent sessions. Analysts said some investors were buying in anticipation that the Federal Reserve will cut rates.

Read full story

Sen. Stevens To Appeal Verdict As He Faces Voters

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, who faces a re-election battle, says he will fight Monday’s “unjust verdict” that found him guilty of all seven corruption charges against him. Stevens was convicted of failing to disclose gifts including major home renovations from an oil industry executive.

Read full story