The CBS 2 News With Katie Couric

On Thursday, April 30th, I watched the Evening News on CBS. The top story of the night was of course about the Swine Flu outbreak. While this was not the first story mentioned in the broadcast, it had the most airtime and people interviewed about it. The first story highlighted was about the Chrysler bankruptcy, which was the big topic of discussion on most of the major news channels throughout the day. Couric talked about how Chrysler was going to be restructured, not shut down completely, as the auto industry is a vital part of the American economy, and accounts for about 1 in 10 jobs in the US. The Italian automaker Fiat will own a majority share in the company, which could mean more fuel efficient cars, as Fiat is known for. Also, President Obama forced out Chrysler's CEO, the second time he has done this to a top executive in a company.

Next on the agenda was the Swine Flu, and Vice President Biden's interview, where he once again said something that he should not have. Maybe President Obama could give him some speech lessons. Biden went on to say in the interview how he would not let his family fly on airplanes or ride the subway, both confined spaces, in fear of catching Swine Flu. This statement obviously could cause people to panic and avoid air travel and other means of public transportation altogether, when in reality it is perfectly safe at this moment. Also in the Swine Flu segment was an interview with the Center for Disease Control about a Swine Flu vaccine, and if needed, how long it would take to produce. While the government has not given the green light yet on producing a vaccine, the CDC says drug makers could have one out as quickly as the fall.

Later in the program, there were some less pressing issues discussed, such as the crazed Dutchman who tried to run his car into the royal family during a parade. There was also an interesting piece about American cigarettes and how they are deadlier than cigarettes in other countries due to extra additives in them. These extra chemicals are shown to contribute heavily to the greater death toll from cigarette use in the US than in other places. The final story of the night, involved a man in his seventies who would be racing in the Kentucky Derby. Not trained as a jockey or anything, he randomly purchased a horse and trained it. Overnight, he became a success story, and now has hopes to win the derby. Inspiring, isn't it (blah!)?

You can watch the story of the old man and his horse here.