Weekend America Series
Good News, Bad News, No News
Each week, a revolving panel of non-experts review the week's events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had.
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Debate Sparring, Gas Prices, and Chihuahua Fever
Our panel of non-experts weigh in on this week's news events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had. Joining us on this week's panel are: Kerry Howley, contributing editor to Reason Magazine; Ken Silverstein, Washington Editor for Harper's Magazine and author of "Turkmeniscam"; and Luke Burbank, Seattle host of the radio show "Too Beautiful To Live."
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The Dow's Drop, Wiretapping, and Aging Endearments
Our panel of non-experts weigh in on this week's news events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had. Joining us on this week's panel are: Robert Ferrigno, author of "Sins of the Assassin"; Stacey Grenrock-Woods, sex advice columnist for Esquire Magazine and author of a new memoir, "I, California"; and Tak Toyoshima, creator and artist of the syndicated comic strip "Secret Asian Man."
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VP Fight, Bailout Rescue, American Lit
Our panel of non-experts weigh in on this week's news events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had. Joining us on this week's panel are: Sarah Haskins from Current TV's "Infomania"; John Ridley, editor-in-chief of "that minority thing.com"; and Bob Mankoff, cartoon editor at The New Yorker.
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Congress on the Bailout, McCain on the Campaign
The financial crisis shifted from Wall Street to Capitol Hill as Congress tried to hash out a bailout for the financial industry. The price tag could be as high as $700 billion. Is the bailout good news, bad news, or no news?
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Bankopalypse, Drilling, and Anchovies
It's been a rough week if you have or would like to have money ever. Or if you participate in the economy in any way. Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, Merrill Lynch was hastily sold to Bank of America. Insurance and financial services giant AIG got an $85 billion loan from the government. The Dow plunged, then soared later in the week as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced a plan to back troubled money market funds.
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Palin in Charge, Files on the Lam, and Citizen Enforcers
Citizens of Asheville, N.C., are taking the law, and a pad of parking tickets, into their own hands. Asheville is effectively deputizing anyone who completes a five-hour training course to write parking tickets for vehicles illegally parked in handicapped spots. Parking space vigilantism: Good news, bad news, or no news?
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Veeps, Fastballs, and Slow Death.
Republican John McCain has chosen as his running mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Is that Good News, Bad News or No News?
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Political Houses, Smart Guns, and Ethical Dogs
Researchers report that dogs are learning ethics from people. They've acquired an awareness of fair play and a distaste for foul play. Is this Good News, Bad News or No News?
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Support for Georgia, the White Minority and GPS
As Russian tanks rumble down the streets of Georgia, the Bush administration has pledged its unwavering support to the former Soviet republic. The United States has airlifted Georgian troops from Iraq back to their home, while providing the Georgian military with training and equipment. Does this loyalty seem like Good News, Bad News or No News?
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BFF: Paris, Britney, Barack
John McCain aired a TV ad comparing Barack Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. ("He's the biggest celebrity in the world, but is he ready to lead?") Is this campaign tactic Good News, Bad News or No News?
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Congress Wants to Help
Congress is passing a bill to help homeowners facing foreclosure and to shore up struggling mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. President Bush doesn't love it but he won't veto it. Is the bill Good News, Bad News or No News?
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DINKs vs. Breeders
Our panel of non-experts tackle the top issues of the past week: John Ridley, author of the "Visible Man" blog at NPR.org; Yale University professor Amy Hungerford; and Jesse Thorn, host of public radio's "The Sound of Young America."
