1:06pm: The first primary in the south is January 21 in South Carolina, where Newt Gingrich is 20 points ahead of Mitt Romney. But Politico reports this week that southern conservatives are divided—some voters have a problem with Gingrich's three marriages and past infidelity. Others are concerned about Mitt Romney's faith. We’ll talk about the unsettled south.1:20pm: The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending a total ban on cell phone use while driving—including sending and receiving text messages and using hands-free devices. The regulations are controversial among law enforcement officials who say they would be difficult to enforce, as well as among people who rely on hands-free cell phone communication while driving for their livelihood. We talk to Mary Maguire of AAA, who says it would be difficult to garner the kind of public support needed to forge these recommendations into law.1:35pm: Politicians and economic development officials like to promote "magic bullet" projects—the idea that tackling just one project, attracting just one industry, can solve many problems at once. But do those big projects ever pay off? We’ll continue a four part series today looking at Cleveland’s success with health care. Can other cities copy the formula?1:50pm: In Italy they're traditionally eaten at Easter, but for some families, "sweet bows," or farfallette dolci, have become a Christmas staple. Fans of these crunchy fried confections find them delicious and addictive, so while we'll share the recipe, we can't be held responsible for any dependence you might develop.
Laura is LPM's Director of Podcasts & Special Projects.
Email Laura at lellis@lpm.org.
