The answer is D: gas prices.

"This story would hit everyone in the wallet," explains Senior Producer Chuck Westbrook. "Those who don't drive pay fuel costs in the form of the products they buy which are transported. Beyond economic implications, the possibility of fraud could snowball into a political story. These two factors, the number of people affected, the potential of political fallout, would make this my choice for the day's lead story."

As for the president's "passionate speech about teen drug use," Westbrook says, "While efforts to combat teen drug usage are important, based on this description, the president didn't announce any dramatic new steps. He simply revealed his empathy and sympathy. Important, but not as important as another option." Westbrook describes the gorilla story as "exciting, fascinating, definitely of interest." However, he says, "on this day, something of more relevance happened."

On the cruise ship food poisoning, Westbrook offers, "This is not a lead story. It's of concern because of the problems it implies with food on board luxury cruise ships. However, no one is seriously ill, and the number of people who take cruises is significantly less than the number who buy gasoline."

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