PM Public Radio: Nov 18

by Graham Griffith

Here are some of the top stories on the PM programs today:

All Things Considered: Human Rights Watch issued a report today that is critical of the Cuban government’s “draconian laws” that block political opposition. Among the measures HRW criticizes: a provision that allows the state to arrest dissidents it suspects MAY commit a crime in the future. Michele Kelemen has the story.

Marketplace: New York Times Economics Correspondent David Leonhardt joins the program to discuss the Obama Administration’s inability to halt job losses, and the potential for additional stimulus measures.

The World: Afhgans are certainly concerned about The Taliban and terrorism in their country. But their chief concern, according to an Oxfam report out today, is poverty. Jeb Sharp speaks with the author of the report

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PRX EconomyBeat

Found on Craigslist: Pro-health care-bill rant

If you’re against the health care bill now languishing/on life support in Congress, or the economic stimulus bill passed by Democrats, by all means send us your response to the following. And if it’s reasonably cogent, you’re due some equal time… But this here Craigslist post, reproduced on Economists Do It With Models, is a pretty [...] […]

Why do poorer people play the lottery?

Speaking of gambling…from a paper titled “Loving a bad bet: Factors that induce low-income individuals to purchase state lottery tickets,” presented at the 2008 American Economic Association annual meeting. According to the paper, despite state lotterys having the worst odds of any form of legalized gambling, “low income individuals spend a higher percentage […]

At least someone’s making money…

On Super Bowl betting, from The Sports Economist: The Saints beat the Colts 31-17 for their first Super Bowl victory. It was a thrilling win, with the outcome in doubt until Tracy Porters’ 74 yard “pick six” with 3:12 left in the game and the Colts driving for the potential tying score. The other big winner in [...] […]

“The economy is so bad…”

Let’s start the week with a little severe-economic-downturn-humor, courtesy of Maxine, found via the blog Economists Do It With Models. Think Jay Leno after he’s really given up… More bad-economy Maxine here… […]

PBS The Newshour

Blueprint America: Motor City Faces Transportation Crossroads

Once a hub of innovation, Detroit's now stands as the symbol of an industry's struggle for progress. As much of the world looks to faster, cleaner and more modern transportation, the Blueprint America series on infrastructure examines the future of the Motor City and transportation in America. […]

Hope, Healing for New Orleans After Super Bowl

New Orleans is riding high on the momentum of Sunday's Super Bowl upset by the hometown Saints over the Indianapolis Colts. And for a city still rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the championship signifies the spirit of survival in the Big Easy. […]

Saints Stun Colts for First Super Bowl Win

The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl, offering hope for a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. […]

'Checklist Manifesto' Author Pairs Simplicity With Lifesaving

Could the straightforward checklists used by airline pilots also help save lives in the operating room? Dr. Atul Gawande's book, "The Checklist Manifesto," examines how lists can reduce risk in the medical field and beyond. […]

In Haiti, Recovery Hinges on Fixing Government

Nearly a month after the earthquake in Haiti, the government in Port-au-Prince remains tattered. Ray Suarez takes a closer look at the state of Haiti's government and what it means for rebuilding efforts. […]

Aid Groups in Haiti Launch Massive Vaccination Effort

With conditions on the ground ripe for a disease outbreak, aid groups in Haiti have launched a campaign to vaccinate more than 100,000 people against measles, diphtheria and tetanus. Emma Murphy of ITN reports. […]