E-mail This Page

Africa  Asia-Pacific  Europe  Latin America  Middle East  North America

Arts & Entertainment  Business & Economy  Environment  Education  Government Programs  Health  In Memoriam  International Organizations  Law  Media  Military  Politics  Religion  Science & Technology  Social Issues  Sports  Terrorism  Transportation  U.S. Presidency  Weather & Natural Disasters

2006 DECEMBER FRIDAY, December 29, 2006 News Summary for December 29, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 2006
	Retaliation Threats Mount as Officials Say Saddam's Execution Likely by Saturday Saddam Hussein will likely be executed by Saturday for the deaths of 148 Shiite men in 1982, U.S. and Iraqi officials say. A reporter gives an update on the fate of the former dictator.    Iraq in Transition Saddam Execution May Take Toll on Situation in Iraq Lawyers for Saddam Hussein made last-ditch attempts to save his life Friday as news surfaced that the former dictator could be executed at any time. A reporter and a professor discuss the likely impacts of the execution.    Iraq in Transition Colorado Gets Hit with Second Snowstorm in Two Weeks NewsHour reports from Denver on snowstorms that have blanketed parts of Colorado, interrupting travel plans and causing electrical outages.      Neanderthal Genome, Arctic Ice Top Science Stories In the top science news of 2006, scientists mapped sections of the genetic code of Neanderthals, discovered that arctic ice is melting at a faster rate than before, and found clues about the origin of the solar system by examining comet dust.      Former President Ford's Death Marks End of Political Era In a week that includes the passing of former President Ford, political analysts Mark Shields and Richard Lowry discuss Mr. Ford's contributions to U.S. history and the evolution of political life in the country.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, December 28, 2006 Sectarian Violence Driving Iraqis from Home and Country More than 100,000 displaced Iraqis registered for aid in the last month, and thousands more are fleeing the country for neighboring states, including Syria, due largely to sectarian violence. Two experts discuss the situation.    Iraq in Transition News Summary for December 28, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Test Treatments Provide Hope for Pediatric Cancer Patients About 10,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year and those who do not respond well to standard treatments face an especially difficult challenge. The NewsHour reports on test treatments that provide families some hope.      Political Landscape Changes as Presidential Hopefuls Take Stage As John Edwards joins a growing number of presidential hopefuls, he faces a changing political landscape. Political authors discuss the challenges ahead for him and everyone else running for office in 2008.      WEDNESDAY, December 27, 2006 News Summary for December 27, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      President Ford Led Nation After Watergate, Vietnam Former President Ford, who died at his California home Tuesday, led the nation after the Watergate affair and the end of the Vietnam war. The NewsHour presents a report on his life.      President Ford Assesses Key 1976 Debates in Past Interview Jim Lehrer interviewed former President Ford as part of a special report called "Debating Our Destiny" highlighting key moments of presidential debates over the last 40 years. The following are excerpts.      Former President Gerald Ford's Legacy Remembered In his brief presidency, Gerald Ford, who died Tuesday at age 93, struggled to heal the nation after the Watergate scandal forced his predecessor Richard Nixon from office. Four historians and scholars reflect on Mr. Ford, his presidency and his legacy.      United States Weighs Declaring Polar Bears 'Threatened' Species With polar bear numbers declining and their habitats melting, the Bush Administration has proposed labeling them a "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act. The secretary of the Interior and an environmental lawyer discuss the proposal.      Some Companies Look to Combine Business with Social Conscience NewsHour essayist Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune examines efforts within industry to conduct "fair trade" practices. Essays TUESDAY, December 26, 2006 India Works on Reversing Sterilizations Following Tsunami After the 2004 Asian tsunami wiped away a large segment of the Indian population, including many children, efforts began to help couples reverse sterilization procedures.   News Summary for December 26, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Conflict in Somalia Escalating Toward War Fighting between Somali Islamists and interim government forces has escalated in recent days. After a background report, Ray Suarez talks with two experts about the reasons for the conflict and the possibility of it enveloping the Horn of Africa region.      Two Years After Deadly Tsunami, Southeast Asia Still Recovering Two years after a tsunami devastated Southeast Asia, the region's hardest hit areas continue to deal with the aftermath. Regional experts discuss efforts to restore the economy and society in the most affected areas.      Author Uncovers Stories of Arabs Helping Jews During Holocaust There have been few books written about the Holocaust's impact in the Arab world. Margaret Warner speaks with author Robert Satloff about how Arabs saved some Jews during the Holocaust.      Program Trains Unemployed to Become Chefs Programs around the country are combatting joblessness by employing new tactics. NewsHour reports on a program in Chicago that helps train unemployed people in the culinary field.      MONDAY, December 25, 2006 News Summary for December 25, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Iraqi President Decries U.S. Detention of Iranians Iraqi President Jalal Talabani complained Monday that the U.S. is holding Iranians seized in a raid last week. A reporter updates the situation.    Iraq in Transition New Identification Technology Raises Concerns over Privacy New radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology uses hidden tags to track nearly everything from merchandise to hospital patients but civil libertarians are worried that this technology may be misused and people's privacy violated.      Congress Prepares for Power Shift The November midterm elections brought a major power shift in Congress, with both the Senate and the House of Representatives switching control from the Republicans to the Democrats. Four former congressmen discuss what the new political landscape means for the country.   Chinese Christians Face Religious Issues A report from Independent Television News looks at how religious freedom and tolerance issues are affecting China's growing Christian population.   Legendary Soul Singer James Brown Dies at Age 73 James Brown, the rythm-and-blues singer known as the "Godfather of Soul," died Monday morning of congestive heart failure after a bout with pneumonia.   FRIDAY, December 22, 2006 News Summary for December 22, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Senator Urges Talks with Syria to Ease Iraq Violence Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who recently returned from a trip to the Middle East where he visited several countries including U.S. foe Syria, discusses how he thinks Iraq's neighbors can help ease the sectarian violence.      Russia's Economic Boom Strenghtens President Putin's Government Russia is emerging as a regional power with its energy boom. This economic boost has led to President Putin's government becoming even stronger and low chances for fair elections and freedom of speech in the ex-communist country.      Shields, Brooks React to Middle East Talks Debate, Bush Press Conference on Iraq With some Democratic senators pushing for talks with Syria and Iran, and President Bush postponing his decision on Iraq policy until the new year, politics columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks offer analysis of the U.S. role in the Middle East.    Political Wrap National Theater Celebrates '365 Days/365 Plays' Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks wrote a play a day for 365 days beginning in November 2002. In commemoration of Parks' achievement, cities and communities across the nation are performing her plays one day at a time.      THURSDAY, December 21, 2006 News Summary for December 21, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Secretary of State Rice Places Conditions on Iran, Syria for Talks Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice re-asserts President Bush's need to seek input on Iraq strategy from a variety of sources beyond the Iraq Study Group and explains the president's hesitation to engage in talks with Iraq's neighbors, Iran and Syria.      Marines Face Charges for Deaths of Iraqi Civilians Eight Marines have been charged in the massacre of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha last year. Prosecutors claim the Marines went on a killing spree in retaliation for an attack that killed a comrade; the defense says the threat was real.    Iraq in Transition Small Business in New Orleans Still Struggling for Survival After Katrina Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco announced a plan to provide interest-free loans and $100 million of federal funds in grant money for small businesses in New Orleans. The NewsHour reports on the struggle for survival as the city rebuilds after Hurricane Katrina.    Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Western Blizzard Causes Cancellation of Thousands of Flights The blizzard in Colorado has led to the cancellation of roughly 2,500 flights. NewsHour reports on what this will mean for travelers in the days ahead.   WEDNESDAY, December 20, 2006 News Summary for December 20, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      President Bush Vows to Continue in Iraq in Year-end Speech The NewsHour reports on President Bush's year-end address about the state of U.S. operations in Iraq and a possible short-term increase in troop levels.    Iraq in Transition Incoming House Chairman Discusses U.S. Role in Iraq Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., who will become the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee next month, discusses his new role and gives his assessment of the war in Iraq.    Iraq in Transition Bill and Melinda Gates Reflect on Need for Global Philanthropy Bill and Melinda Gates, whose foundation seeks to address worldwide needs in areas including health and education, describe their initiatives and decision-making process.      Study Shows Mental Exercises Slow Memory Loss A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed the benefits of a workout regimen for the brain. NewsHour health correspondent Susan Dentzer reports on the findings.      TUESDAY, December 19, 2006 News Summary for December 19, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Attacks in Iraq at All-Time High, Pentagon Report Says Attacks on U.S. personnel, Iraqi forces and Iraqi civilians are at an all-time high according to a Pentagon report released Monday. A Washington Post reporter discusses the situation in Iraq and disagreements within the military about what to do to ease the violence.    Iraq in Transition Turkish Prime Minister Says U.S. Must Set Timetable for Iraq Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns Iraq has descended into civil war and says the U.S. should set a timetable for withdrawing troops.      The Many Legacies of Andrew Carnegie Philanthropist and businessman Andrew Carnegie left a lasting impression on the American landscape. Correspondent Paul Solman looks at Carnegie's life, including how he made and gave away his money.      Two States Put Lethal Injections on Hold A California judge has ruled that the state's lethal injection is unconstitutional, while Florida suspended executions after a botched one took 34 minutes and two tries. A critic and a defender of lethal injections discuss the developments.      Joe Barbera Passes Away at 95 Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna-Barbera animation team, produced memorable cartoons like Yogi Bear and the Flinstones, passed away at 95. NewsHour reports on the man behind the cartoons and his beloved characters.   MONDAY, December 18, 2006 News Summary for December 18, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Proposals to Increase Troop Levels in Iraq Raise Questions at Home At a time when some policy-makers are calling for a drawback of combat forces from Iraq, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and others have called for more troops to help end the conflict. Editorial page editors from around the country debate the proposals.    Iraq in Transition Communities Divided after Meat Plant Immigration Raids Residents of Greeley, Colo., like many towns affected by raids on meat plants last week that led to the arrest of more than 1,000 allegedly undocumented workers, are debating the impact of immigrants on their communities.      Eight Virginia Parishes Vote to Break from Episcopal Church Eight Episcopal parishes in Virginia voted over the weekend to break with the Episcopal Church, over a number of issues, including homosexuality. Kevin Eckstrom, editor of Religion News Service, discusses what this might mean for other dioceses and denominations.      Cambodians Search for Justice after Pol Pot's Brutal Regime The people of Cambodia are still searching for justice three decades after former dictator Pol Pot's regime accused of forced labor, starvation and mass executions. The Bureau for International Reporting gives an update.      FRIDAY, December 15, 2006 News Summary for December 15, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Attack on Hamas Politician Sparks Fighting in Gaza Clashes erupted Friday between rival Palestinian factions after Hamas accused Fatah of trying to assassinate Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority government. Two experts on the Middle East analyze Palestinian tensions.    Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Outgoing Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Receives Farewell at the Pentagon The Pentagon held a farewell ceremony Friday for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He has been the only person to hold the job twice. While he was praised today by the president and the vice president, he has received heavy criticism because of the war in Iraq.      Analysts Discuss Rumsfeld Resignation and Iraq Study Group Report Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the departure of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and the Bush administration's reaction to the Iraq Study Group report.    Political Wrap Universities Debate Whether Early Admission Should Be Continued Harvard and Princeton are among the institutions that have abandoned the use of early admissions, saying the process is unfair to lower-income students. Other universities argue against this and have instead redoubled their commitment to early decision.      Galway Kinnell on the Pleasures of Ordinary Things Poet Galway Kinnell reads "Why Regret?" a poem from his new book about "engaging ourselves with the common acts, the ordinary things, the other creatures."    NewsHour Poetry Series THURSDAY, December 14, 2006 News Summary for December 14, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Democratic Senator Johnson in Critical Condition Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., was in critical condition Thursday, following brain surgery. His medical condition has raised questions about the fate of the new Senate majority in Congress and the possible political impact of the Senator's illness.      New Initiatives Taken to Combat Malaria and AIDS Results of two studies conducted in Africa show that circumcision can cut the rate of HIV infection in heterosexual men by 50 percent. Meanwhile the Bush administration is launching a new anti-malaria initiative. An expert discusses combating these diseases and the role of international organizations.      Generation Next Changes the Face of the Workplace Journalist Judy Woodruff reports on how young Americans are changing the workplace with new ideas on how the professional world should operate.    Generation Next Iraqi Vice President Discusses Political Crisis in Baghdad Amidst continuing violence in Iraq and waning American support, Iraqi politicians struggle to bring peace and order. Iraqi Vice President Tariq Al-Hashimi, a Sunni leader, speaks about the political crisis in Baghdad and what can be done to improve the situation.    Iraq in Transition WEDNESDAY, December 13, 2006 News Summary for December 13, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Iraqi Politicians Talk of Limiting Shiite Cleric al-Sadr as Chaos Continues Vehicle bombings and shootings continued in Iraq Wednesday, as reports continued of attempts within the government to limit the power of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. New York Times journalist Ed Wong reports on the situation from Baghdad.    Iraq in Transition Immigration Crackdown Results in 1,300 Arrests An immigration raid of meat plants in six states resulted in nearly 1,300 arrests of illegal immigrants Tuesday. Julie Myers, of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Mark Lauritsen, of the United Food and Commercial Workers, share their views on the surprise raid.      Low Public Support for Live-fire Drills In an attempt to increase security after 9/11, the U.S. Coast Guard has conducted over two dozen live-fire drills using their new deck-mounted machine guns in the Great Lakes region. A reporter discusses the public's reaction to this new program.    Domestic Security Conflict Diamonds Receive Attention from Hollywood Conflict diamonds, gems that are illegally sold to fund civil wars and rebel conflicts, are in the spotlight this month with the release of 'Blood Diamond,' a movie based on this underground trade. Experts discuss the films impact on the diamond trade.      TUESDAY, December 12, 2006 News Summary for December 12, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Chileans Mourn, Celebrate Former Dictator Augusto Pinochet's Death Up to 5,000 supporters of former Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet attended his funeral Tuesday, while several thousand protesters rallied in the city center. Elizabeth Farnsworth reports from Santiago on how Chileans are reacting to Pinochet's death.      New Orleans Crime Wave Taxes Louisiana's Police, National Guard In the midst of trying to rebuild, New Orleans faces a murder rate that exceeds that of Compton, Calif., in the latest FBI statistics. Officials have relied on the state's National Guard to help police, but at some point the troops will need to leave the city.    Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Polls Reveal Public Concerned About Iraq Four new studies show Americans are uneasy about whether we can fix the situation in Iraq. Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center, discusses the poll results and what they mean about public attitudes on the war with Iraq.      Experts Still Divided After Iraq Study Group Recommendations Following up on a series of conversations about U.S. Iraq policy, six guests debate the Iraq Study Group and President Bush's response to the different options offered.      MONDAY, December 11, 2006 News Summary for December 11, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      U.S. Policy in the Middle East Revisited Following Iraq Study Report The Iraq Study Group Report continues to raise prickly questions about the future of Iraq and America's role in the Middle East. Experts analyze how long troops will have to stay in the region and whether the Bush administration is ready to change directions.    Iraq in Transition Spy Poisoning Case Raises Questions About Russian Democracy Two weeks after the poisoning death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, more radiation poisoning cases have been discovered and Moscow is abuzz with rumors of political intrigue. NewsHour Correspondent Simon Marks reports on the criminal investigation and its implications for President Putin's future.      Obama's New Hampshire Trip Sparks Interest in 2008 Presidential Race Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a strong potential candidate for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, drew large crowds in New Hampshire this weekend. Analysts discuss the reaction to his trip and the seemingly wide-spread support for his candidacy.    Vote 2008 Holiday Shopping Season Highlights Increasing Economic Disparity NewsHour Essayist Anne Taylor Fleming reflects on the growing economic gap that is highlighted by consumer spending during the holidays. Essays FRIDAY, December 8, 2006 News Summary for December 8, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      House Republicans Broke No Rules in Their Handling of Foley Scandal The House ethics committee said Friday that although House Republican leaders were negligent and "willfully ignorant" of former Rep. Mark Foley's behavior toward male pages, they broke no rules in their handling of the situation. Washington Post reporter Charles Babbington discusses the findings of the investigation.      Military Analysts Debate Proposed Shifts in Iraq Strategy The Iraq Study Group proposed a major shift in U.S. military forces, calling for substantially increasing troops embedded with Iraqi Security Forces while reducing combat brigades by early 2008. A former colonel and army captain discuss the possibilities.    Iraq in Transition Shields, Lowry React to Iraq Study Group Report, President's Response Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry analyze the Iraq Study Group report, President Bush's reaction to its recommendations, and military options in the war-torn country.    Political Wrap Getty Musuem Exhibits Religious Icons Essayist Richard Rodriguez contemplates the material and the spiritual at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Essays THURSDAY, December 7, 2006 News Summary for December 7, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      President Bush, PM Blair Respond to Iraq Study Group's Report President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair praised some of the proposals from the Iraq Study Group Thursday in a press conference, while expressing hesitation about others. NewsHour reports on their reactions.    Iraq in Transition Sandra Day O'Connor, Vernon Jordan Discuss Responses to Iraq Report President Bush and several senators expressed reservations Thursday about portions of the Iraq Study Group's recent report. Study group members former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and former Clinton adviser Vernon Jordan discuss the response.    Iraq in Transition Shiite Politician Urges Faster Iraqi Takeover of Security Leading Iraqi Shiite politician Abdul Aziz al-Hakim has urged U.S. forces to use a stronger hand against Sunni-led insurgents. Al-Hakim discusses his reaction to the Iraq Study Group report, as well as Iraqis' desire to take control of security forces as soon as possible.    Iraq in Transition NASA Images Provide Possible Evidence of Water on Mars NASA images of a Mars crater taken seven years apart show deposits that may have been created by briefly running water. A guest explains the new possibility of life.      WEDNESDAY, December 6, 2006 Iraq Study Group Says U.S. Policy 'Is Not Working,' Suggests Changes The Iraq Study Group delcared Wednesday that U.S. policy in Iraq 'is not working.' The bipartisan commission called for enhanced diplomatic efforts and a new role for combat forces. Kwame Holman reports Washington's reactions.    Iraq in Transition Baker, Hamilton Discuss 'New Way Forward' Proposal for Iraq The Iraq Study Group released recommendations Wednesday calling for greater diplomatic efforts, as well as a "change in the primary mission" of U.S. troops that will allow "responsible" troop withdrawal. Co-chairmen James Baker and Lee Hamilton discuss the report.    Iraq in Transition President Bush Calls Iraq Study Group Proposals 'Very Interesting' President Bush said the Baker-Hamilton report provided "very interesting proposals" that the administration would consider seriously and act on "in a timely fashion." White House counselor Dan Bartlett elaborates on the administration's response.    Iraq in Transition Congress Responds to Iraq Study Group's Findings Following the much-anticipated release of the Iraq Study Group report, Congress is debating alternative strategies for improving the situation in Iraq. Senate Foreign Relations Committee members Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., share their reactions.    Iraq in Transition News Summary for December 6, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      TUESDAY, December 5, 2006 News Summary for December 5, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Defense Secretary Nominee Gates Says U.S. Not Winning in Iraq Defense secretary nominee Robert Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the United States was not winning the war in Iraq. The NewsHour reports on the unfolding confirmation process for Donald Rumsfeld's replacement.      Fierce Fighting Threatens Afghanistan Mission A car bomb exploded near a NATO-led convoy in Kandahar, Afghanistan, injuring three British troops and two civilians. Barnett Rubin of New York University and Ali Jalali, former interior minister of Afghanistan, discuss the status of the peacekeeping mission and general welfare of the central Asian country.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Medicare Participants Face Changing Drug Plans With rising up-front deductibles and widening coverage gaps, Medicare beneficiaries search for plans that will include their prescription drugs. A report looks at the changing Medicare benefits and what reforms newly elected Democrats may pursue.      NASA Solidifies Plans to Send Astronauts Back to Moon NASA offered a blueprint Monday for sending teams of astronauts to the moon by 2020 and building a permanent base there by 2024. An editor of NASA Watch explains the plans.      MONDAY, December 4, 2006 News Summary for December 4, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.      Senate Begins Confirmation Hearings for Gates as Defense Secretary The Senate begins confirmation hearings Tuesday for ex-CIA Director Robert Gates, who President Bush chose to take outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's place. The NewsHour reports on the confirmation process.      Iraq Strategy Casts Shadow over Gates Hearings As ex-CIA chief Robert Gates begins confirmation hearings for his appointment as defense secretary, analysts Jessica Mathews and Dov Zakheim discuss the confirmation process, the Iraq Study Group's likely findings and the direction of Iraq policy.    Iraq in Transition Supreme Court Revisits Race in Public Schools The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday about whether schools in Seattle, Wash., and Louisville, Ky., can consider race when placing students in public elementary and secondary schools. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle explains the cases that could affect millions of students nationwide.    Supreme Court Watch FRIDAY, December 1, 2006 News Summary for December 1, 2006 A synopsis of the top stories of the day.   Protestors in Lebanon Demand Resignation of Prime Minister Saniora A mass of protestors led by Hezbollah gathered outside Lebanon's governmental offices in Beirut Friday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Fuad Saniora. Anthony Shadid of the Washington Post discusses the protests against the pro-western government.      Calderon Becomes President of Mexico Felipe Calderon was sworn in as Mexico's president in a closed-door ceremony Friday, after brawls in the National Congress between his conservative supporters and leftist lawmakers illustrated his narrow win.    Mexico Election 2006 Columnists Discuss U.S. Policy in Iraq Political analysts discuss President Bush's recent meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and what the leaked information from the Iraq Study Group means for U.S. policy in the region.    Political Wrap Turkey Torn Between Eastern Heritage and Western Opportunity For centuries Turkey has been known as a bridge between the East and West due to its strategic location. Now the predominantly Muslim nation must find a balance between its 80 years of separation between religion and state and new leadership with Islamist roots.
2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997

ABOUT US

FEEDBACK

SUBSCRIPTIONS / FEEDS:

Support the kind of journalism done by the NewsHour...Become a member of your local PBS station.
PBS Online Privacy Policy Copyright ©1996- MacNeil/Lehrer Productions. All Rights Reserved.