To the Point
The Oil Spill and the Oil Economy
The Gulf oil slick reached Alabama's inland waterways today as President Obama said it's time to update laws and regulations. Does his moratorium on deep-water exploration threaten the local economy as much as the spill? What are the trade-offs? Also, another long, hard slog, this time in Afghanistan, and the winning candidate who didn't campaign.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe Gulf oil slick reached Alabama's inland waterways today as President Obama said it's time to update laws and regulations. Does his moratorium on deep-water exploration threaten the local economy as much as the spill? What are the trade-offs? Also, another long, hard slog, this time in Afghanistan, and an unknown candidate who didn't campaign or spend money is South Carolina's Democratic nominee for the US Senate. How did he get there? What is he planning now?
Banner image: A local grocery store in Gulf Shores, Alabama offers customers an opportunity to donate to wildlife cleanup and rescue efforts by purchasing a cleanup kit on June 9, 2010.
In this episode
3 storiesAnother Long, Hard Slog, This Time in Afghanistan
Britain's new Prime Minister, David Cameron, made a surprise visit to Kabul, Afghanistan today, calling this "a vital year" for the campaign against the Taliban. Meantime in Brussels, the US Commander, General Stanley McChrystal, said the effort to secure Kandahar is taking longer than had been expected.
Read the story8 minThe Oil Spill and the Oil Economy
President Obama today called the response to the Gulf oil spill the biggest thing of its kind in American history. But what about advance preparation? The Associated Press has found that BP’s disaster plan for the Deepwater Horizon rig was approved last year despite stunning errors, omissions and miscalculations.
Read the story38 minHow Did Alvin Do It?
In Tuesday's primary, South Carolina Democrats nominated a candidate for the US Senate who did no campaigning and spent no money apart from the $10,400 filing fee. Alvin Greene, a 32-year-old African-American military veteran who's unemployed and facing a felony obscenity charge, defeated a four-term former state legislator.
Read the story5 min
