Search results for

NPR's Jack Speer reports on questions surrounding the future of Amtrak, the national passenger rail service. Almost 30 years after it was created from a group of bankrupt railroads, Amtrak still receives large federal subsidies. Even though there are more passengers on the rail service, it's still losing money and shows little sign of becoming profitable. Amtrak also is being criticized for delays in starting high-speed passenger rail service along the busy Northeast corridor.

Co-Host Madeleine Brand talks to Republican consultant Frank Luntz about how GOP firebrands like Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan and others are long gone or pushed out of sight in favor of a more compassionate conservative message.

NPR's Martin Kaste reports from Santiago on the secrecy that Chile's Supreme Court is maintaining, as to whether it will strip former President Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution. The court met on Tuesday but refuses to announce its decision, or even to say whether it has decided whether Pinochet should face trial.

At the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, Robert Siegel asked the question What do you want to hear from Governor Bush tonight? to several delegates on the floor of the First Union Center last night. Some delegates want to hear about faith-based organizations, appointing future Supreme Court justices. Some people want Bush to continue on themes of unity, compassion, and inclusion. Some delegates want him to avoid topics like abortion and impeachment. And some people say it's not so much what he should say, but how he should appear to the American people -- confident, compassionate, authentic.

Host Alex Chadwick talks to reporter Satish Jacob about the violence in Kashmir. At least 84 people in Kashmir have died in a string of attacks blamed on suspected Islamic guerrillas opposed to a cease-fire in the disputed territory. The attacks came as the Indian government prepares to talk to the main guerrilla group in Kashmir, where more than 25-thousand people have died over the course of an eleven-year Islamic insurgency.

Linda talks with Rick Ochoa, Staff Meteologist for the National Interagency Fire Center, about the wildfires in the western United States. The Center uses a team of "incident meteorologists" to help firefighters strategize against the flames. Ochoa talks about what the crews are telling him from around the country.

All Things Considered Host Robert Siegel is in Philadelphia where the Republican Party convention opened today. He reports that the GOP goal is for a largely controversy-free meeting to demonstrate party unity. That plan got off to a good start today as the party passed its platform with little dissent.

Linda Wertheimer speaks with Linda DiVall, a Republican pollster, about issues that will influence the women's vote this year. DiVall is the founder of American Viewpoint, and part of the polling team for Women's Voices 2000. DiVall talks about the research on women voters for The Center for Policy Alternatives and Lifetime Television. A series of focus groups show that women are worried about their economic future, are concerned about education and health issues, and feel pressed for time. (4:45) For more information on American Viewpoint, see www.amview.com

JP Manoux (mah-NOO) is a professional commercial actor. At least he was until May 1st, that's when the Screen Actors Guild went on strike. It's a strike that continues with no end in sight. He offers his musings on the business of commercial acting and what the strike means to him and for his craft.

Just hours before his acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention, George W. Bush attended a luncheon honoring his wife Laura. The program was sponsored by the National Federation of Republican Women, a group that says the Texas governor can end the Democrat's two-decade dominance among women. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.