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Swine Flu: Mixed Messages and Public Anxiety
Mixed messages about swine flu and the availability of H1N1 vaccine have led to confusion and unexpected public anxiety. We hear from parents, doctors and medical researchers today. Also, reports that the CIA is paying Hamid Karzai's brother. On Reporter's Notebook, will California be the first state to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenMixed messages about swine flu and the availability of H1N1 vaccine have led to confusion and unexpected public anxiety. We hear from parents, doctors and medical researchers today. Also, reports that the CIA is paying the brother of Afghani President Hamid Karzai. On Reporter's Notebook, California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he's open to "robust debate" on legalizing marijuana. We hear about a hearing today in Sacramento.
Banner image: A young boy looks at a sign as he and his mother arrive to wait in line with several thousand other people at the Utah County Health Department to get H1N1 vaccine shots October 27 in Provo, Utah. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesCIA Pays Hamid Karzai's Brother, Says New York Times
Today's New York Times reports that Ahmed Wali Karzai has been on the CIA payroll for the past eight years. Not only is he the brother of Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, he's long been a suspected player in the country's opium trade.
Read the story8 minSwine Flu: Mixed Messages and Public Anxiety
Two weeks ago, swine flu vaccination was derided on television talk shows, and polls showed a lack of public interest. Then supplies began to run out. Even before the President declared an Emergency last Saturday, lines were forming. Now the government is counseling Americans not to panic. Why is there a lack of supply?
Read the story36 minLegalization of Marijuana Gets a Hearing in Sacramento
A tax on marijuana could raise $1.4 billion in revenue for California, the first state to legalize marijuana for medical use and one that could really use the money. Next year's state ballot will likely feature an initiative to legalize the drug for personal use with taxation. Today in Sacramento, a legislative committee took up the subject.
Read the story7 min
