What’s Next: Oct. 23, 2006

Slowing the Flow

Why gas prices may rise again

Oil prices have plunged by almost $20 per bbl. since August–good for drivers but bad for OPEC. So its members, which pump 40% of the world’s crude, plan to cut production by 1 million bbl. a day.

A Call to Arms

The military’s new pitch

The Army will adopt a new recruiting slogan in November: “Army Strong.” The line is supposed to associate the service with physical and emotional strength. And maybe grammatical confusion.

Old-Time Religion

Vatican II standards loosened

Pope Benedict XVI is expected to issue a decree that would make it easier for priests to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass. Old-fashioned Catholics cry, Habemus Papam!

All Talk, No Money

Air America files for Chapter 11

The liberal talk-radio network founded by Al Franken declared bankruptcy last week. But don’t gloat yet, Limbaugh. The network will stay on the air, aiming to balance its budget under a new CEO.

Rappers’ Return

Moguls get back into the studio

What? Diddy still makes music? Press Play, his first album in five years, drops this week. And Jay-Z emerges from pseudo retirement in November with Kingdom Come, his first solo album since 2003.