Stimulus Plan
What now for the economic stimulus plan, now that not a single Republican in the House voted in favor of it? We speak with Gail Chaddock, congressional correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor. We’ll also speak to former Republican Congressman Mickey Edwards about the future of the GOP. Edwards’ latest book is “Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost — And How It Can Find Its Way Back.”
Peanut Butter and Salmonella
New reports show that the Georgia processing plant tied to the peanut butter salmonella outbreak had tested positive for salmonella 12 times in 2007 and 2008 — and yet it wasn’t shut down. Now, eight people have died and more than 500 have been sickened. We talk to Consumer Union’s Director of Food Policy Initiatives, Jean Halloran, about how this happened.
How are Rights Changing Under Obama?
Today President Obama signed a bill that will make it easier for women and others to sue employers for pay discrimination. The bill is named for Lilly Ledbetter, the 70-year-old former Goodyear Tire and Rubber worker. It was signed as Congress considers a bill to change the way employees vote to unionize. The Employee Free Choice Act would require employers to recognize a union as soon as a majority of employees sign authorization forms. Right now, employees take part in a secret election that comes after 30% of the workplace sign forms to explore union membership. Here & Now Media Analyst John Carroll talks about the multi-million dollar ad wars going on to sway public opinion, and how both sides are manipulating the facts to bolster their viewpoint.
Super Bowl 43
NBC sportscaster Chris Collensworth has called the Arizona Cardinals “the worst playoff team in history.” The Washington Post calls them “party crashers.” But on Sunday the underdog team will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa. From Phoenix, Arizona KJZZ’s Mark Moran reports that this has Cardinals fans and players pinching themselves.
RPM Challenge
Anyone can come up with an excuse to say “no,” so don’t! That’s the Record Production Month or RPM Challenge to musicians the world over — set your excuses aside and record an original album in the month of February, just to see what happens. We talk with Dave Karlotski, one of the organizers of the challenge, which begins on February 1st.
