Terrorism and Mass Transit; Parents and Bullying; Update from Iraq; Boy Scout Sex Scandal; The Presidential First Pitch; Tiger Woods and 'The Superstar Effect'

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Monday, April 05, 2010

Concern over the security of our mass transit systems in wake of the Moscow subway bombings; what parents can do to stop their children from bullying; an update on Iranian influence in Iraq; a sex abuse scandal rocks the Boy Scouts of America; the history of the presidential first pitch at baseball games; a look at whether Tiger Woods can retain his unflappable demeanor when he returns to golf, and how it could affect other players. Todd Zwillich fills in for John Hockenberry.

Top of the Hour: Transit Terror, This Morning's Headlines

Paul Browne, spokesperson for the New York City Police Department, explains how police are increasing security in the city's subways; and this morning's headlines.

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Feds Focus on Aviation, but Terror Threats More Likely on Subways

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced changes in its approach to passenger screenings at airports, in an effort to increase security after the failed bomb plot on Christmas Day. However, statistically, it is more likely that a terrorist would target a subway system or public buses than an airplane. And a week after two coordinated bombings on the Moscow subway, many cities are concerned about securing their surface-level public transportation systems. 

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Takeouts: Businesses Profit off the Bad Economy, NCAA Championship Predictions

  • BUSINESS:  A little-known company in St. Louis has come to dominate a thriving industry by helping employers process, fight and beat unemployment claims. New York Times reporter Louise Story explains how the TALX Corp. is turning a busted economy into a booming business model.
  • SPORTS: Which of the two finalists, Butler or Duke, will bring home the national championship? Takeaway sports correspondent Ibrahim Abdul Matin previews tonight's big college basketball game.

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This Week's Agenda: Arms Treaty, Geithner in India, Tiger Woods Returns

We take look at what's ahead this week with Marcus Mabry of The New York Times and Rob Watson of the BBC. This week, the U.S. and Russia sign a new arms treaty, Treasury Secretary Geithner visits India, and a date will be selected for elections in the United Kingdom. Plus, Tiger Woods returns to the green.

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What is Heaven? Listeners Respond

Last week, we asked you to describe your version of heaven, as we spoke with the author of a book about our obsession with the afterlife. Here's what you had to say.

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When Kids Are Bullies, Are Their Parents to Blame?

When we talk about bullying at school, we usually hear about it from the victim's perspective. But what is the role played by the parents of the bullying children? In the aftermath of the Phoebe Prince suicide in South Haldey, Mass., we find out how much parents can be responsible for their children's aggressive behavior. 

Earlier, we asked you to start the conversation on this topic. Read those comments here.

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Top of the Hour: Baghdad Bombings, Morning Headlines

New York Times reporter Rod Nordland on the reasons behind the weekend's attacks on embassies in Baghdad; the latest morning headlines.

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Examining the Reasons Behind the Recent Violence in Iraq

Three suicide car bombings killed dozens in Iraq this weekend. Though no one has taken credit for the attacks, which targeted foreign embassies, Rod Nordland, foreign correspondent for The New York Times says it's widely believed that al Qaida of Mesopotamia is to blame.

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Takeouts: California's Earthquake, Justice Stevens Prepares to Retire

  • EARTHQUAKE TAKEOUT: A 7.2 earthquake shook Baja, California yesterday afternoon and was felt across Southern California. Susan Hough, seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey gives us the latest from Pasadena.
  • COURT TAKEOUT: Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens says he may soon announce his retirement after more than 34 years on the bench. Adam Liptak, Supreme Court correspondent for our partner The New York Times helps predict when the announcement may come and its political implications.

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New Abuse Case Takes on Boy Scouts of America

The Catholic Church has been at the center of a sexual abuse scandal for weeks, but now a lawsuit in Oregon is turning the spotlight on Boy Scouts of America.

The youth organization is being sued by a 37-year-old man who says he was molested several times by his scoutmaster back in the 1980s. This is not the first lawsuit against Boy Scouts of America, but this case brings new evidence that the scouting organization knew about hundreds of molesters within its ranks and failed to take action.

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As Obama Takes the Mound, a Look at Classic First Pitches

President Obama takes to the mound tonight in the stadium of the Washington Nationals to throw the ceremonial first pitch. It's a tradition started 100 years ago this month by President William Howard Taft.

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Militants Target US Consulate in Pakistan

At least three people have been killed in a series of large explosions in Peshawar, Pakistan. Eyewitnesses described explosions followed by a gun battle near the American consulate. Bashir Ahmed Bilour, a senior minister for the region, said the attack was well organized, but that the situation is now under control. The Taliban has accepted responsibility for the attack. BBC reporter, Shoaib Hassan joins us from Pakistan.

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Under Pressure: Tiger at the Masters

It’s been over four months since the story of his extramarital affairs made headlines all over the world, and now, Tiger Woods will get back to golf.

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Predictions on Baseball's Opening Day

Today is opening day in baseball and the season has already begun with a Yankees loss to the Red Sox last night. Nation sports editor Dave Zirin previews the season. He says the stats are all pointing to a predictable "chalk year," but, he doubts it will be. We get Dave's take on the baseball year ahead and why he has high hopes for the Atlanta Braves.

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