News & Views

A classic children's story, a 17th-century French comedy, and a fairy tale are just the starting points for three Philadelphia-area theatrical productions that reach out to audiences of multiple generations. WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at productions by the Arden Theatre Company, People's Light and Theatre, and the Lantern Theater Company.

By Jim Hilgen

Jobs Summits in Philadelphia and Washington DC Look to Attack Unemployment

Philadelphia, PA – As the unemployment rate reaches new highs in the Philadelphia region and nationally, local lawmakers are trying to find ways to create job opportunities. On this week's News and Views we'll look at some of the insights coming from a local jobs summit that was held on the same day as a national meeting on the issue.

By Windsor Johnston

When Should Women Begin Getting Mammograms? New Guidelines Confuse Issue

Philadelphia, PA – For nearly two decades women have been advised to get mammograms when they reach the age of 40. But recently that recommendation changed. On this week's News & Views, we'll hear about new guidelines on breast cancer. The revisions have left many women confused, physicans spilt, and breast cancer advocacy groups outraged.

Two pivotal figures in history - British naturalist Charles Darwin, and American President Abraham Lincoln - were born an ocean apart, on the same day in February, 1809. Each led movements that changed the way we think about human beings. WRTI's Susan Lewis talks to historian David Contosta, author of Rebel Giants, about their different lives and the things they had in common.

By Windsor Johnston

Cell Phone Ban on Non-Motorists in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA – Starting on November 1st in Philadelphia, if you are skateboarding, biking, or doing some inline skating, you'd better put away your cell phone or use a hands-free device. WRTI's Windsor Johnston hit the streets to find out how Philadelphians are reacting to one of the most far-reaching bans on non-motorists in the nation.

License Plates and the First Amendment

Philadelphia, PA – Meridee Duddleston takes a look at this question in the context of the controversial "Choose Life" license plates. The plates are the focus of a First Amendment lawsuit awaiting a decision in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Walter Cronkite, the man who defined the term "anchorman," has died at age 92. The legendary CBS news reporter visited WRTI in 2006 and spoke with Windsor Johnston about a variety of topics including the war in Vietnam, his love of boating, how technology has re-shaped the news since his time behind the anchor desk, what he considered the biggest story of the 20th century, and also some of his regrets.