July 17, 2008 
North America, Congress and Lawmakers, Politics , Vote 2008
Republicans to President Bush: “It’s not you, it’s my re-election campaign. ”
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Jesse Baker
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.
North America, International , Business and Economy , Oil, Markets
Oil prices drop sharply for a second day because of inflation fears
By John Hockenberry and Adaora Udoji
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.
North America, Politics , International , National , Terrorism and Security, Conflict, Crime and Law Enforcement, Military
The videotape, the war-crimes trial and the future of Guantanamo Bay
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Jesse Baker
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.
Asia, Movies, International , Terrorism and Security, Culture, Arts and Entertainment
Back from the brink: Journalist Sean Langan recounts Taliban captivity
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Kent DePinto, Nik Sindle
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.
North America, Food, Culture, Arts and Entertainment
New York City restaurants begin counting calories
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Jonathan Topaz
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?
North America, Culture, Arts and Entertainment , Books, Magazines and Literature, Politics , Vote 2008
With whom the book resonates: Obama and McCain share a love for Hemingway
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Chelsea Merz
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.
North America, Society, Business and Economy , Europe, Advertising, International , Gender and Sexuality
South Carolina: It’s not easy being “so gay”
By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Chelsea Merz
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.
North America, Society, State Politics, Politics , Poverty
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg challenges federal poverty standards
By John Hockenberry and Katherine Lanpher
Guest: Cindy Rodriguez, WNYC
The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International,
in collaboration with The BBC World Service, New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
