To the Point
A 'Perfect Storm' Is Increasing Global Hunger
The head of the World Bank says children as young as four or five are fleeing "the safety of their rural communities to fight for food in teeming cities." Food riots are happening already, with more predicted in 30 to 40 countries. One problem is the switch from food production to bio-fuels. We hear about hunger, a global emergency. Also, the housing relief bill in the Senate, and questions about whether the FAA is too cozy with the airlines it’s supposed to regulate.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThe head of the World Bank says children as young as four or five are fleeing "the safety of their rural communities to fight for food in teeming cities." Food riots are happening already, with more predicted in 30 to 40 countries. One problem is the switch from food production to bio-fuels. We hear about hunger, a global emergency. Also, the housing relief bill in the Senate. On Reporter's Notebook, whistle-blowers tell Congress about what they say is FAA favoritism toward Southwest airlines. Are US airliners as safe as they should be?
Afghan children line up for food distributed by UNICEF at Maslakh refugee camp, 10 kms west of Herat in western Afghanistan. Photo: Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesHousing Relief Bill on the Senate Floor
The Senate's bipartisan compromise on the housing crisis is up for debate. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd says pressure from constituents is what forced the issue, and called today's debate a "major first step in the right direction."
Read the story6 minThe Skyrocketing Price of Feeding the Poor
Food prices are reaching levels never seen before at the same time the number of needy people is rising. Food riots have already occurred around the world, and the World Bank predicts political and social unrest over food in 30 to 40 countries.
Read the story34 minWhistle-blowers Accuse FAA of Being Too Cozy with Airlines
In recent weeks, airlines have canceled flights and pulled planes out of service to make sure safety checks are being properly performed. This comes in the aftermath of reports by two FAA inspectors who say their supervisors were "too cozy" with Southwest Airlines.
Read the story6 min
