WAMU 88.5
: The Diane Rehm Show 
The Senate Armed Services Committee begins hearings today on the controversial nomination of Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, one of the first things he will face at the Pentagon is a looming budget crisis on March 1. That is when across-the-board spending cuts would kick in, unless Congress and President Barack Obama agree on a plan to reduce the federal deficit before then. The effects of sequestration could be compounded later in March if Congress fails to pass a 2013 defense appropriation bill and extends the continuing resolution instead. Hagel says the cuts would be “devastating” to the Pentagon and harm military readiness. A panel joins Diane to discuss uncertainties over defense spending and how they could affect national security.
From Classic Toys To New Twists, Kids Go Back To Blocks
NPR's Neda Ulaby investigates a trend in toys that sounds awfully familiar: Manufacturers are finding new ways to get kids interested in playing with blocks, both real and virtual.And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto
The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.Capitol Hill's Partisan And Racial Divide Cast In Bronze
A 7-foot tall statue of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass is more than just a tribute to the man. It's a larger-than-life reminder of the fight over voting rights and statehood for Washington, D.C.Microsoft Responds To Fan Outcry, Changes Xbox One Policies
In an apparent reversal, Microsoft has changed policies regarding Internet connection and used game capabilities for its upcoming Xbox One gaming console. The company says it is responding to feedback from consumers it received.Leave a Comment
Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.
-
Inspiration For Change
Metro Connection is looking for personal accounts of how inspiration happens. Tell us your story. more >> -
Deals For Developers
WAMU investigates city subsidies to developers and campaign contributions from the companies. more >> -
Beating The Odds
Beating the Odds is an annual series that features remarkable students seem destined to succeed despite... more >> -
Have A Child With Special Needs?
The Kojo Nnamdi Show is exploring the challenges faced by parents and would like to hear from you. more >> -
Aging and Abuse
With an aging population, elder abuse is expected to increase. We look at the complexities of elder abuse in... more >> -
Half The Battle
Jobs? Relationships? Bills? Why it is so hard for young vets transitioning home. An AU project. more >> -
Volunteer Recognition
The volunteer of the year award and special projects award are given to a WAMU 88.5 volunteer each year for... more >> -
Yesterday's Dropouts
This series examines the struggles adults face after they leave school without a diploma. more >> -
New Bible
Bill Cain isn't just an award-winning playwright; he's also a Jesuit priest. And he brings the two together... more >> -
Public Insight
Share your knowledge and insights about timely issues with journalists from WAMU 88.5 more >> -
In-Kind Donation Program
By providing an in-kind donation, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, without a cash commitment, and... more >> -
Follow Us On Twitter
To get the latest local stories from WAMU 88.5 News, follow us on Twitter. more >>
