From Medicare to mortgages, an increasing number of U.S. Representatives from the GOP are defying President Bush’s wishes when it comes to voting on Capitol Hill. Why? It’s a re-election strategy.

In an unusual turn, oil prices have dropped $10.58 over two days, a result of falling fuel demand, a rising consumer price index and signs of easing geopolitical tensions, including a historic meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials in Switzerland.

Eyes are once again on the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This week, it’s because of the release of a hidden-camera video that gave the world a glimpse into interrogations. And, next week, pending a federal hearing Thursday, Osama bin Laden driver Salim Hamdan is scheduled to appear in Guantanamo’s first trial — the first American war-crimes trial since World War II.

While filming a documentary on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, Sean Langan ("Fighting the Taliban") was abducted and held captive by the Taliban for three months. His captors were his contacts. Three weeks after his release, Langan speaks about his harrowing experience.

As the old adage goes, “Knowing is half the battle.” On Friday, New York City will begin levying fines against fast-food outlets that decline to release calorie counts. For a nation trying to buck the obesity trend, do we actually know what we’re eating?

When it comes to the issues, Barack Obama and John McCain couldn’t be more different. But when it comes to literature, the two are remarkably the same. Each cites Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” as a favorite read. The Takeaway looks at what this book says about the presidential hopefuls and the power of great literature to reach across the aisle.

A London-based advertising campaign, aimed at generating gay travel to the United States is selling South Carolina as “so gay.” South Carolina officials are saying “no way.” The Takeaway talks to the ad man behind this controversial campaign.

Guest: Cindy Rodriguez, WNYC