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From coast to coast, an insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

From coast to coast, an insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today.

Americana: 04/10/2010

04/10/2010

BBC World Service - Americana, 04/10/2010

The anatomy of a recall, US style. Matt Frei talks to the mayor of North Pole, Alaska.

An insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today.

In the UK, the coalition government is calling for legislation to recall MPs, who don't live up to the standards of their electorate. Recalling public officials is a familiar pastime in the United States. Over the past two years, mayors across the USA have faced more attempted recalls then ever before. Matt Frei talks to Mayor Doug Isaacson of North Pole, Alaska. Mayor Isaacson faces a recall vote next week and shares his opinion of this tool of the American democratic process.

Former correspondent and columnist Dave Kindred recalls the glory days of the local DC paper also known as The Washington Post. Matt Frei joins him for a few good stories at the after-hours hang out - the Post Pub.

Photojournalist Ruth Gruber is 99 years old and now retired, but her career was long and adventurous. Her passion for reporting even propelled her to visit Nazi-controlled Germany, though she herself is an American Jew. She recalls the highlights and high suspense of her career chasing stories and challenging expectations.

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