Record Number Of Homes Are Lost To Foreclosure

Listen

RealtyTrac reports the number of homes lost to foreclosure soared by 35 percent in the first quarter of 2010, compared to last year. That’s the largest increase in five years. And the company says banks are expected to take over 1 million homes this year. All this, despite a $75 billion government program to help troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure. For a look at the numbers and some of the reasons behind the spike in foreclosures, we turn to Stella Hopkins of the Charlotte Observer.

The Supreme Court Minus Stevens

Listen

Justice John Paul Stevens (AP)

With Justice Stevens set to retire this summer, we look ahead to the confirmation process and the short list of candidates to fill Stevens’ shoes. We also look back on Stevens’ legacy, his style and the circumstances that shaped the country’s oldest and longest-serving justice. Our guest is Jeffrey Toobin, staff writer for the New Yorker magazine.

Palestinians Are Building Israeli Settlements

Listen

A Palestinian worker constructing homes in Beitar Illit, near Jerusalem. (AP)

One of the ironies of the continued building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank is that most of the construction workers are Palestinian. But now, the Palestinian Authority is considering a ban on construction workers from settlements. The BBC’s Middle East correspondent Tim Franks reports.

What Exactly Do Your Tax Dollars Pay For

Listen
Most people are well aware of how much they’re paying in taxes; but how many people know exactly what they’re paying for? Schools, roads, the military, health care reform…. politicians love to use the phrase “your tax dollars” when lobbying for or against legislation or wars. For a tax dollar breakdown we speak to Bill Ahern of the Tax Foundation.

13-Year-Old Attempts Everest

Listen

13-year-old Jordan Romero sports thread recently blessed by the Dalai Lama, given to him and other members of Team Jordan before they departed Kathmandu. (Jordan Romero/Flickr)

Jordan Romero is attempting to become the youngest climber ever to ascend Mount Everest. Though he’s an experienced climber, concerns are being raised about the wisdom of the expedition. We speak to Bruce Barcott, who profiled Jordan Romero for Outside Magazine.

• Listen to Robin’s interview with mountain climber Ed Viesturs, who talks about knowing when to turn back during a climb

Music From The Show

• Peter Dixon, “Nagog Woods”
• The Wee Trio, “Flint”
• Christian McBride, “Brother Mister”
• Jeff Beal and Nawang Khechog, “Pilgrimage”