Monday, October 27, 2008

Thanks for your generous contribution during our fund drive.  We didn't know what to expect.  We are very grateful!

AMERICA'S HOST: Steve Inskeep; Newscasts: Carl Kasell, Jean Cochran
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA HOST: Donna Apidone; NEWSCASTS: Steve Shadley

Here are some highlights of today's show:

Small business owners, especially farmers, feel the pinch of health insurance rates.  KXJZ's  health care reporter Kelley Weiss reports this morning at 6:33 and 8:33.

For more than a decade, Tim Eyman has been known as Washington State's ballot initiative king. He puts a new initiative on the ballot every year, and he has more raw political power than almost any single member of the state legislature.  We'll hear a profile at 6:45 and 8:45.

The presidential election is next week. Polls show Democrat Barack Obama has a double-digit lead over Republican John McCain. NPR's Cokie Roberts talks with Steve Inskeep about McCain's latest message: don't turn the government over to one party. That's at 5:10 and 7:10.

It's only natural to worry as the value of homes and investments falls. But the financial crisis is hitting some people harder than others. In California, where the housing meltdown started early, some of the financial losses are turning into human tragedies. More at 5:15 and 7:15.

Thanks for listening.