Talk of the Nation

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88.5-3

Monday - Thursday

2:00 pm

When Americans want to be a part of the national conversation, they turn to Talk of the Nation, NPR's midday news-talk show.

Journalist Neal Conan leads a productive exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From politics and public service to education, religion, music and health care, Talk of the Nation offers call-in listeners the opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians, and artists from around the world.

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Scientific Case Still Open On 2001 Anthrax Attacks

Army microbiologist Bruce Ivins, the FBI's prime suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks, died before his trial in an apparent suicide, and the case is now closed. John Dankosky and guests discuss new investigations that question whether scientific evidence against Ivins was conclusive enough to hold up in court.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Panel Recommends HPV Vaccine For Boys, Too

The vaccine helps protect men against anal and throat cancers that can occur after sexual activity. It may also protect women, indirectly, by reducing transmission of HPV. Public health officials have been trying since 2006 to get parents to have their daughters vaccinated, but rates remain low.

Local Governments React To Spreading Protests

In cities from Atlanta to Oakland, residents and business owners have complained about clogged sidewalks, filthy parks and loud protests. Occupy Wall Street demonstrators continue to assert their right to gather, and have sparked demonstrations all over the world.

EU Pulls Greek Economy Back From Brink. Now What?

European leaders hammered out a deal early Thursday morning to pull Greece back from the edge of default and provide a bigger buffer of cash for other vulnerable EU countries. The details, though, remain to be worked out, and many experts question whether meltdowns will spread across the Eurozone.

Medicare Open Enrollment Met With Confusion

The window to change coverage plans for roughly 40 million Americans covered under the federal health plan comes early in 2011. In addition to the usual questions, the new health care law brings a number of changes, and many expect the deficit debate to further affect Medicare recipients.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Syria's President Assad Pressed To Open Dialogue

Activists report at least nine civilians were killed in Syria Wednesday. State TV reported President Bashar al-Assad's supporters packed a square in Damascus. He is being pressed to start a dialogue with the opposition. Washington Post foreign correspondent Liz Sly talks about recent developments.

Redrawn Districts Could Shake Up Congress

In Illinois, Republicans object to a map that endangers their delegation in a state with a Democratic-controlled legislature and governor. The opposite is underway in Texas, where the Republican legislature and governor approved a map that Democrats say doesn't accurately reflect population growth.

Brown University President Simmons Steps Down

In 2001, Ruth Simmons left Smith College to take the helm at Brown University, becoming the first African-American president at an Ivy League school. She's guided Brown through financial challenges, devised a long-term Plan for Academic Enrichment and addressed multiple campus controversies.

One Husband, Three Wives: Real-Life 'Love'

The family who helped inspire the HBO series Big Love has written a tell-all of sorts. Their new book called Love Times Three. In it, the Dargers take readers into their world of plural marriage, parenting 23 children and living in a community that views polygamy with scorn.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

NPR's Loren Jenkins On Changing World Coverage

Loren Jenkins covered Cairo as Hosni Mubarak took power in 1981. Three decades later, he guided NPR's Arab Spring coverage. After 15 years as NPR's senior foreign editor, Jenkins is stepping down. He reflects on his career and the evolution of foreign journalism.

Letters: Occupy Wall Street, Irrational Fears

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments on previous show topics, including what success means for Occupy Wall Street protesters; the lasting influence of West Side Story five decades later; and our most irrational fears.

Are Single-Sex Classrooms Better For Kids?

Parents and educators have debated single-sex education for years, and the number of schools offering single gender classes has grown. But some researchers argue there is no evidence that boys and girls learn differently — and that gender separation can perpetuate sexist stereotypes.

Political Biographies Often More Fact Than Fiction

Political biographies are huge hits with readers. But Washington Post humor blogger Alexandra Petri says that when it comes to biographies of political figures — from Thucydides to Bristol Palin — veracity is often hard to come by.

Quitting Your Bank: Easier Said Than Done?

When Bank of America announced a fee for debit card use — and others consider following suit — many consumers decided it was time to close their accounts. But with online banking and other conveniences, the New York Times' Ron Lieber says many are deciding that switching is not worth the trouble.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Guillermo Del Toro's 'Eternal' Monster Obsession

Few have as intense a relationship with monsters as filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. His award-winning film, Pan's Labyrinth, depicted monsters both fantastical and human, and his best-selling The Strain novels re-imagine vampires as anything but romantic. The Night Eternal is the trilogy's final book.

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Arts & Culture

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Baltimore Mayor To Officiate Mass Same-Sex Wedding At Pride Parade

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will preside over a mass wedding for same-sex couples during the city's Pride Festival at Druid Hill Park next month.

Food

NPR

Can A Piece of Hair Reveal How Much Coke Or Pepsi You Drink?

People are notorious for under-reporting what they consume — they lie, forget or just guess wrong. For researchers who want to know how much soda we're drinking, a high-tech analysis technique could help.

Politics

NPR

Supreme Court Takes Case On Prayer At Government Meetings

Prayers said before meetings of the town board in Greece, N.Y., have predominantly been Christian. A lower court ruled that officials hadn't done enough to seek out prayers from other faiths. That violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause, the court said. Now the Supreme Court will weigh in.

Technology

NPR

Pledging Not To 'Screw It Up,' Yahoo Seals Deal For Tumblr

Yahoo will pay about $1.1 billion for the six-year-old blogging site. Tumblr's leadership won't change and Yahoo promises it will be independently operated.

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Talk of the Nation

Arts & Culture

Baltimore Mayor To Officiate Mass Same-Sex Wedding At Pride Parade

Food

Can A Piece of Hair Reveal How Much Coke Or Pepsi You Drink?

Politics

Supreme Court Takes Case On Prayer At Government Meetings

Technology

Pledging Not To 'Screw It Up,' Yahoo Seals Deal For Tumblr

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