Perspective Podcast - April 19, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

Terror at the Boston Marathon

Eyewitness Accounts
Monday afternoon, two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring nearly 200.  Here now are eyewitness accounts from the event.

The Attack
Monday in Boston began as a day of celebration: Patriot's Day.  But just before 3 o'clock in the afternoon, four hours into the marathon, two explosions changed everything.  Moments later, first responders rushed to the finish line to care for the injured.  ABC's Terry Moran has the details from Boston.

The Social Media Response
In the moments following the attack, those with friends and family at the marathon spent precious minutes tracking down loved ones to make sure they were OK.  Mobile technology and social media played a large role in that effort.  ABC's Bianna Golodryga with more.

Anatomy of the Bombs
In the days since the attack, we've learned more about the bombs that were used ... homemade devices fashioned from pressure cookers.  ABC News Correspondent Jim Avila has the details.

The Heroes
It was mayhem when the bombs exploded at the finish line.  Many people were hurt, many were running, but many also ran towards the carnage to lend a hand.  ABC's Steven Portnoy reports on the heroes who emerged from the tragedy.

The Victims
We've heard the inspiring stories of lives saved, but there were also those three lives that were lost.  ABC's Terry Moran has more from Boston.

The Response from Washington
This week law makers in Washington mourned the lives of those lost in the Boston Marathon bombing, while President Obama vowed to get to the bottom of the attack.  ABC's Ann Compton reports from the White House.

Heightened Security Concerns
The Boston bombing has been felt around the country in cities both large and small, and ABC's Alex Stone has more from Los Angeles on the security impact resulting from the attack.

Soft-Target Attacks
It's difficult for law enforcement to protect against attacks like this ... so-called soft targets.  ABC's David Kerley tells us more.

A History of April Attacks
This week also marks the anniversary of other notable attacks on the US.  ABC News Senior Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas reports this stretch of April has as dark history.

Talking to our Children
There are parents across the country struggling to explain these deadly explosions to their children, especially on the heels of other tragedies like the deadly shootings in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO.  The images and video can be disturbing.  ABC's Amy Robach spoke with some parents about what they're saying to their kids.

Advice from the Experts
And now to the experts.  Psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor and trauma surgeon Dr. Sebastian Schubl tell us more about explaining this tragedy to our children.

United We Stand
For 117 years, the marathon has been a day to celebrate the city of Boston and its people, and in the wake of this bombing the community there has come together to lift up and support one another.  Here's ABC's John Donvan.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - April 12, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

President Obama's Budget
On Wednesday, President Obama unveiled his budget proposal for 2014, saying it would shrink federal deficits and expand the economy.  The president's plan also calls for reductions in Social Security and Medicare spending.  ABC's Ann Compton with more from the White House.

Breaking Down the Budget
The president's budget proposal seems aimed at enticing Republicans into a new round of deficit negotiations while trying to keep faith with Democrats who favor higher taxes.  For more on the political implications surrounding the president's plan, ABC's Dan Kloeffler speaks to ABC News Political Director Rick Klein.

Rep. Paul Ryan
After Mr. Obama announced his budget plan, Representative Paul Ryan said he was disappointed.  Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee and remains skeptical that the president's proposal will lure Republicans back to the negotiating table.  ABC News Senior Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny sat down with Representative Ryan to get the details.

The Iron Lady
This week Britain's former prime minister passed away at age 87.  To some, Margaret Thatcher was the woman who saved England from socialism.  To others, she was the lady with a heart of iron.  ABC's David Wright brings us more on her legacy.

Arpaio's Posse
Four months after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, CT, questions still remain about how to keep our schools safe.  In Arizona's Maricopa County, Sheriff Joe Arpaio believes the answer is having armed civilians patrol school boundaries.  But not everyone agrees.  ABC's Terry Moran reports.

Accidental Racist
There's a new song from Brad Paisley and LL Cool that  has some saying that they've gone too far.  The track has become a controversial commentary that's spawned criticism from the media and from the web.  Here's ABC's Rob Nelson.

Motown the Musical
"Motown the Musical" is the story of a one-of-a-kind sound that hit airwaves in 1959 and then changed American culture forever.  The new Broadway show details the rise of performers like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye.  ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl with our report.

Host:  Aaron Katersky
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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Perspective Podcast - April 5, 2013

In this edition of Perspective...

Rutgers Basketball Controversy
Rutgers University fired basketball coach Mike Rice on Wednesday after ESPN aired video of him pushing players in the chest, grabbing them by their jerseys, and yanking them around the court.  Rice could also be heard screaming obscenities and gay slurs at practice.  Following outrage over the footage, University Athletic Director Tim Pernetti resigned.  ABC's Gio Benitez has the details.

Atlanta Cheating Scandal
Last week, 35 Atlanta public school educators were named in an indictment alleging a broad conspiracy to change standardized test scores.  The higher scores would result in more federal dollars for the 58 schools and bonuses for some of the educators.  Many of the teachers have now turned themselves in.  ABC's Steve Osunsami with the story.

Political Corruption
It has not been a good week for democracy in the state of New York, where there were two big political corruption cases brought by federal prosecutors.  They targeted two state legislators, a New York City councilman, and two republican party officials, all of whom were arrested.  ABC's Aaron Katersky reports from New York.

Roger Ebert
Movie critic Roger Ebert passed away Thursday at the age of 70.  He died just two days after announcing on his blog that he was undergoing radiation treatment for a recurrence of cancer.  Here's ABC's David Muir.

The Threat from North Korea
North Korea says its army has final approval to launch military strikes on the United States, and the top US commander in South Korea says the threats are being taken very seriously.  General James Thurman says it's hard to know what Kim Jong Un's intentions are, but his troops stand ready to fight if necessary.  ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz spoke with General Thurman in South Korea about the crisis.

Up All Night
For parents with babies, putting a child to sleep can be quite an ordeal, including screaming fits lasting for hours.  Some moms and dads are willing to try anything to get a little peace and quiet.  ABC's Juju Chang has the details.

Rebel Runway Model
Cameron Russell is a Victoria's Secret model who began her career at the age of 16.  Now 25, she's graced the pages of famed fashion magazines and walked across catwalks all over the world.  Now Russell says she feels guilty that her career has helped promote an image where "skinny equals beautiful."  Here's ABC's Bill Weir.

Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald is best known as part of the '80s "Brat Pack," but she's also a singer and has just released her first solo album.  Here's ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl.

Host:  Cheri Preston
Producer:  Colin Tipton

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