Raise Taxes Or Cut Education
The Governor of Illinois is proposing that his state join the growing line of states that are increasing personal income taxes in order to fill a huge budget hole and prevent widespread cuts in education. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities this week reported that since the recession started 33 states have increased taxes, 13 of them by upping the personal income tax. We speak with Ray Long, who covers politics for the Chicago Tribune.
Should Screening For Postpartum Depression Be Required?
Proposed bills at the federal and state level aim to prevent postpartum depression in new mothers. We’ll speak with Jeanne Watson Driscoll, who specializes in adult mental health; she’s co-author of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Guide. A bill in Massachusetts would require that every new mother be screened for depression and be referred to treatment if needed. A federal law would make grants available for programs that address postpartum depression.
Why Russian Hackers Are So Successful
Russian hackers have earned themselves the dubious reputation of being some of best criminal minds in cyberspace. The first big computer hack out of the region came in 1999 when the computer system of the financial news service, Bloomberg, was penetrated. The BBC’s Sarah Rainsford traveled to Siberia to find out what it is that makes Russians such good hackers.
Ken Starr Pushes Back On The ‘Al Qaeda 7′
Why is Kenneth Starr sparring with fellow conservatives? The former independent counsel who investigated then-President Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky is now lashing out at fellow conservatives, who are criticizing Justice Department lawyers for once defending terrorism suspects in court. Liz Cheney’s group, Keep America Safe, has launched an internet ad questioning the values of those lawyers. Kenneth Star tells us why he thinks the group is dead wrong in its attacks.
Your Letters
We hear from our listeners
The Guy Behind The ‘Wimpy Kid’
The best selling kids’ book “The Diary of A Wimpy Kid” comes to the big screen this month. We revisit our conversation with Jeff Kinney, the creator of the “Wimpy Kid” series about the latest book: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.”
