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2009 APRIL THURSDAY, April 30, 2009 St. Louis Program Helps Make College More Affordable for Low-Income Students The College Summit program in St. Louis Missouri helps low income students turn their dreams of college into reality. In this interview, teacher Brian Kruger describes how the program transformed the school, his students and his own life. 2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 After Filing For Bankruptcy, Chrysler Faces Tough Road Ahead Chrysler filed for federal bankruptcy protection Thursday and announced a new partnership with Italian automaker Fiat as part of a larger restructuring plan. Auto analysts assess the company's move and what it means for its workers.      Other News: House Advances Credit Card Regulations; U.K. Troops End Iraq Mission In other news, the House voted overwhelmingly to rein in credit card companies, and the Senate defeated a measure to give homeowners relief in federal bankruptcy court. In Iraq, British troops handed command of Basra to U.S. forces.      Schools Shutter as Public Health Officials Work to Contain Flu Virus More cases of swine flu were reported in the U.S. and abroad and officials took new steps to contain the spread of the illness. Health experts assess the latest news and explain what the public needs to know.    Global Health Watch In St. Louis, Efforts To Help Low Income Students Go A Long Way The last of this week's coverage from St. Louis examines education in the region. Judy Woodruff looks at a group's efforts to make college a reality for low-income students in the midst of the economic downturn.      Poet Hicok Reflects on Economic Hardships in Mich. Bob Hicok was born and raised in Michigan, worked in factories and once owned an automotive die design business there before becoming a professor at Virginia Tech. His poetry reflects on the economic hardships suffered in his home state.    NewsHour Poetry Series WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2009 WHO Raises Alert Level as Swine Flu Continues to Spread The World Health Organization raised the threat level of the swine flu Wednesday and a child died of the illness on U.S. soil. The CDC's Dr. Richard Besser provides an update on the government's response.    Global Health Watch Other News: House Passes $3.4 Trillion Budget Plan In other news, the House adopted much of President Obama's budget Wednesday, and twin car bombings in Iraq killed at least 41 Iraqis.      Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Landmark Voting Law The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on a challenge by a Texas community to strike down an extension to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the day in court.    Supreme Court Watch On 100th Day In Office, Obama Fields Questions At Town Hall Meeting in St. Louis President Obama fielded questions from a group in St. Louis at a town hall meeting Wednesday, which marked his 100th day in office.    Obama: The First 100 Days Mo. Leaders Gauge President Obama's First 100 Days Gwen Ifill moderated a town hall meeting in advance of President Obama's trip to St. Louis, asking local leaders and residents to assess his first 100 days as president.    Obama: The First 100 Days TUESDAY, April 28, 2009 Specter's Switch Further Tilts Senate Power Toward Democrats Long-time GOP Sen. Arlen Specter said Tuesday he will switch parties and join the Democrats, bringing the party within one seat of a 60-vote filibuster-proof majority. Political reporters assess the news.      Other News: Sebelius Confirmed as HHS Secretary In other news, the Senate voted to confirm Kathleen Sebelius as the next secretary of Health and Human Services, and lawmakers reached a pact that would endorse President Obama's budget agenda.      Swine Flu's Spread Prompts New Restrictions in Mexico As the cases of swine flu in the U.S. and abroad continue to mount, Mexico's Ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, discusses efforts to contain the illness and defends how the Mexican government initially responded to the outbreak.    Global Health Watch Chrysler Deadline Nears as GM Looks to Downsize After General Motors announced plans to cut another 21,000 jobs and Chrysler reached a deal with United Auto Workers that may help the automaker avoid bankruptcy, a New York Times reporter provides an update on Detroit automakers' latest efforts to stay afloat.      Economy Top Concern in St. Louis as Obama Hits 100 Days As part of this week's series of reports from St. Louis, Gwen Ifill speaks with city residents about the shape of the economy and how President Barack Obama has fared during his first 100 days in office.    Obama: The First 100 Days Court Rules FCC May Pursue Fines for On-air Profanity The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the government could threaten broadcasters with fines over the use of even a single profanity on live television, yet stopped short of ruling whether the policy violates the Constitution. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the day in court.    Supreme Court Watch MONDAY, April 27, 2009 U.S., Mexico Move Quickly To Control Swine Flu Outbreak As the swine flu death toll rose in Mexico on Monday and dozens more cases were reported in the United States, officials moved swiftly to contain the outbreak.    Global Health Watch Amid Swine Flu Outbreak, Authorities Intensify Efforts President Obama urged calm in the face of the widening swine flu outbreak, as dozens of cases of swine flu were reported in the United States. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano describes the government's response.    Global Health Watch Authorities Probe Source of Flu Outbreak President Obama urged calm in the face of the widening swine flu outbreak, as dozens of cases of swine flu were reported in the United States. Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control outlines the government's measures to treat the cases and investigate the cause of the outbreak.    Global Health Watch Other News: General Motors to Cut 21,000 Jobs In other news, General Motors announced plans to cut another 21,000 jobs and Chrysler reached a deal with United Auto Workers that may help the automaker avoid bankruptcy.      In St. Louis, Comparing Stimulus Funds to the New Deal In the first in a series of reports from St. Louis on the Obama administration's first 100 days, Paul Solman tracks where federal stimulus money has been spent and compares today's projects with those funded by the New Deal during the Depression.      In St. Louis, Unemployment Hits All Sectors As part of a series of reports from St. Louis on President Obama's first 100 days, Gwen Ifill examines the unemployment picture in St. Louis and talks to local residents about their thoughts on the economy.      FRIDAY, April 24, 2009 String of Bombings in Iraq Underscores Fragile Situation A string of suicide bombings in Iraq on Thursday and Friday killed more than 100 people and sparked concerns of new waves of violence across the country. A reporter in Baghdad updates the story.    Iraq in Transition Other News: Taliban Leaves Key District in Pakistan In other news, Taliban militants in a strategically significant district of Pakistan left after the military threatened to use force against them and fighting continued between government troops and rebels in Sri Lanka's civil war.      IMF, World Bank Members Mull Third World Aid International Monetary Fund and World Bank officials are meeting in Washington to discuss international efforts to combat poverty and aid development in the face of the global financial crisis. Members talk about their concerns and ideas.      Corruption Case Exposes Scope of Bribery in Nigeria Last year, Albert Jack Stanley, the former CEO of KBR, pleaded guilty to bribery for masterminding the payment of more than $180 million to Nigerian officials. PBS Frontline correspondent Lowell Bergmen reports on the damage done by large-scale bribery in that country.    Oil and Politics in Nigeria Shields, Brooks Mull Torture Memos, Obama's Leadership Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Obama administration's decision to release Bush-era memos on interrogation tactics and the shape of the president's first 100 days in office.    Political Wrap In Slumping Economy, a Shift in Shopping Habits Economics correspondent Paul Solman speaks with author Paco Underhill about how consumer habits have changed during this recession.      THURSDAY, April 23, 2009 GM to Idle Plants as Auto Industry Faces Tough Choices GM will close several plants for up to 10 weeks to help clear its inventory backlog. Analysts and local leaders mull the impact of the move and the industry's path forward.      Other News: Jobless Claims Rise, Bombings Strike Iraq In other news, the Labor Department reported more than 6 million Americans are now on jobless benefits and at least 78 people died in two separate suicide bombings in Iraq.      Obama Calls for Reform of Credit Card Practices President Barack Obama put his support Thursday behind a credit card law that will regulate the sudden rate increases and late fees that cause financial trouble for millions of consumers. A financial reporter mulls the state of U.S. credit and debt.      Military Expanding Role of Robots on the Battlefield The military has increasingly utilized robot technology in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, where the machines search for IEDs and conduct aerial surveillance. Tom Bearden reports on robots on the battlefield.      Taliban Advances in Pakistan Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports on the Taliban's recent infiltration of any area of Pakistan only 60 miles from the capital.    Politics of Pakistan Concerns Mount Over Pakistan's Security Amid Taliban Advance Taliban forces are reported to be advancing further into Pakistan, including an area some 60 miles from Islamabad. Pakistani envoy to the U.S. Husain Haqqani and former U.S. ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin assess the latest developments.    Politics of Pakistan Faces Behind the Unemployment Lines Essayist Anne Taylor Fleming examines the sense of shame and anger that many who have lost their jobs feel as unemployment lines continue to grow.    Essays WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2009 Senate Report Reveals More Details on Interrogation Tactics A newly-declassified Senate panel report shed new light on the approval of harsh interrogation tactics used on terrorism suspects at Iraq's Abu Ghraib and the Guantanamo military prison camp. Kwame Holman reports.    Domestic Security Other News: IMF Warns on Health of Global Economy In other news, the International Monetary Fund warned that the world economy will lose ground this year for the first time in nearly six decades, and the acting chief financial officer of mortgage giant Freddie Mac was found dead in an apparent suicide.      Release of Interrogation Memos May Spur Wider Inquiry After the release of new details on the approval of harsh U.S. interrogation tactics, two lawmakers weigh in on whether any of the officials involved should be investigated.    Domestic Security Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Alleging Reverse Discrimination The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case brought by a group of white firefighters in Connecticut who argue they were the victims of reverse discrimination. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal gives an update on the day in court.    Supreme Court Watch Potential Affirmative Action Policy Changes Focus of Miller Center Debate Academics and analysts discussed whether affirmative action policies should continue to be based on race and ethnicity or changed to reflect a person's class and wealth. Ray Suarez moderated the debate at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.      Young Engineers Envision Cities Of The Future Correspondent Tom Bearden reports on a competition of young engineers designing eco-friendly urban centers of the future.      TARP Inspector Probes Bailout Fraud, Warns of Program's Pitfalls Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general assigned to monitor the banking bailout, discusses his office's ongoing investigations into potential fraud in the TARP program and recent warnings on taxpayer risk.      In South Africa, Zuma Poised to Assume Presidency As South Africans cast ballots Wednesday in a parliamentary election that will determine a new president, forecasts show the ruling party's Jacob Zuma is likely to win. NPR's Charlayne Hunter-Gault describes the challenges that will confront the nation's new leader, including rising unemployment and high crime rates.      TUESDAY, April 21, 2009 TARP Report Warns of Taxpayer Risk in Bank Rescue Plan The Special Inspector General for TARP said Tuesday that the Treasury Department should do more to safeguard taxpayer dollars in the banking rescue plan. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Markets Rise on Geithner Remarks; Suspected Pirate Appears in Court In other news, markets rose following Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's statement that the majority of banks are well-capitalized, a Somali teenager appeared in U.S. federal court on charges he helped hijack a U.S. ship, and President Obama left open the possibility of prosecutions for Bush-era officials.      Supreme Court Hears School Strip Search Case The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case about whether Arizona school officials were justified in strip-searching a 13 year-old girl for prescription drugs on another student's tip. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle explains the case and its implications for power limits on school officials.    Supreme Court Watch Freight Train Network Suffers Lack of Modernization Chicago has been a freight rail hub for the past 150 years, but an outdated layout often makes it a bottleneck for the country's shipping network. Special correspondent Rick Karr reports in the latest installment of the Blueprint America series on infrastructure.      Obama Signs Bill Expanding National Civilian Service Corps President Obama signed a $5.7 billion national service bill that will triple the size of the AmeriCorps program and renew the call for community involvement. Analysts mull the new measure.    Obama: The First 100 Days Liberian President Details Her Path to Power Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf details her rise to power and her personal experiences with domestic abuse in her book "This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life." Johnson-Sirleaf talks about her life and her country with Margaret Warner.      MONDAY, April 20, 2009 Banking Industry's Uncertain Future Puts Investors on Edge Stocks tumbled Monday on skepticism over financial sector earnings, despite a better-than-expected earnings report from Bank of America. A reporter updates the state of the banking sector.      Other News: Oracle Buys Sun Microsystems In other news, Oracle bought the troubled Sun Microsystems company for $7.4 billion and a suicide bomber killed 3 Iraqi civilians and injured 8 U.S. soldiers in Iraq.      Obama Defends Decision to Release Interrogation Memos President Obama spoke at CIA headquarters Monday, defending his decision to release Bush-era memos on controversial interrogation tactics. Former CIA official Jeffrey Smith and Michael Ratner of the Center for Constitutional Rights examine how the memos were handled.    Obama: The First 100 Days Iran to Investigate Case of Jailed U.S. Journalist Iran's judiciary ordered an investigation Monday into the case of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who faces a prison sentence in Iran on espionage charges.    Governing Iran Next Steps Unclear for Jailed U.S. Journalist in Iran Iran's judiciary ordered an investigation Monday into the case of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who faces a prison sentence in Iran on espionage charges. Analysts and journalists, including NPR CEO Vivian Schiller, assess what may be next for Saberi.    Governing Iran Investigative Reporting Hard Hit by Media Cutbacks Two media organizations won Pulitzer Prizes Monday for investigative reporting even as news organizations are being forced to cut back on such coverage. Two media analysts examine the future for investigative journalism.      Well-traveled Poet Finds Consistency in Words Poet, playwright and editor Nathalie Handal has lived in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Arab world. She talks with Jeffery Brown about how she has ensconced her memory and transient experiences in poetry.      FRIDAY, April 17, 2009 EPA Finding Opens Door to New Emissions Regulations An EPA report has labeled greenhouse gases as pollutants that threaten public health, paving the way for possible new emissions regulations. Analysts examine what the move means.    The Global Warming Debate Other News: NIH Issues Stem Cell Research Guidelines The National Institutes of Health released new stem cell research guidelines Friday, and the U.S. ship captain taken hostage by Somali pirates returned to American soil.      Cuba Open to Diplomatic Talks With United States In a significant policy shift, Cuban leader Raul Castro signaled that Havana is open to new diplomatic talks with the United States. Analysts examined the move as President Obama arrived in Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit of the Americas.      Bolivia's Lithium Resources May Prove Hot Commodity Bolivian leaders are debating whether the country's vast natural reserves of lithium -- a key ingredient powering electric cars -- should be nationalized in order to boost the nation's struggling economy. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Lindsey Hilsum reports.      Release of Interrogation Memos Draws Angry Reactions The Obama administration decided Thursday to make public a series of long-secret Bush-era memos detailing the legal justification for harsh interrogation tactics used on terrorism suspects. NPR's Ari Shapiro updates the story.    Domestic Security CIA Interrogation Memos, U.S.-Cuba Relations Top Week's News Columnists Ruth Marcus and Michael Gerson discuss the week's news, including the release of memos detailing CIA interrogation methods and the possibility of the U.S. and Cuba holding new talks.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, April 16, 2009 Obama Visits Mexico, Housing Market Stumbles President Barack Obama traveled to Mexico for talks with President Felipe Calderon and newly-released government data showed that new home starts fell more than 10 percent in March.      U.S.-Mexico Relations Take Center Stage as Presidents Obama, Calderon Meet Margaret Warner reports on President Obama's meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and their discussions of cooperation on curbing drug violence.      Obama Pledges to Help Mexico Fight Flow of Drugs, Guns During a visit to Mexico, President Barack Obama pledged renewed U.S. support to help curb the country's drug-related violence. Analysts mull the possible policy changes.      Gun Control Debate Revisited on Anniversary of Virginia Tech Shooting On the second anniversary of the nation's deadliest mass shooting at Virginia Tech University and approaching the tenth anniversary of the Columbine massacre, analysts examine the ongoing public debate over gun control laws.      BeadforLife Program Helps Lift Ugandans Out of Poverty A program that helps Ugandans sell beads in America has brought hundreds of families out of extreme poverty through a woman-to-woman network focused on sales at house parties and a Web store. Spencer Michels reports on the program and the people it helps.    Social Entrepreneurship Foreclosures Rise in New Sign of Housing Market Trouble New government numbers show that home foreclosures increased 24 percent in the first quarter of this year as compared to the first quarter of 2008 as a voluntary foreclosure moratorium ended on March 31. Analysts discuss the data and the president's program to help troubled homeowners.      British Singing Hopeful Becomes Internet Sensation Susan Boyle, a singing contestant on the U.K. reality show "Britain's Got Talent," became an unlikely Internet sensation this week. ITN's ITV news correspondent Phil Reay-Smith examines Boyle's appeal.   WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2009 Amid Tax Protests, IRS Chief Details Efforts to Aid the Cash-strapped IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman discusses efforts to alleviate the tax burden on Americans facing financial distress this year and explains why it will be hard to reform the tax code.      Other News: Markets Rise on New Signs of Growth In the day's other news, the stock market rose on new signs of life in the recession-weary economy and Somali pirates unsuccessfully tried to attack another U.S. ship.      Paul Solman Breaks Down The 'Paradox of Thrift' During the economic downturn, the American savings rate is rising fast, with some unexpected consequences. Paul Solman examines how the economy might suffer when thrifty consumers decide to save their money instead of spending it.      New 'Border Czar' to Tackle Drug Violence, Beef Up Security The administration's new 'border czar' Alan Bersin is charged with improving security and quelling drug violence along the Mexican border. Analysts assess his biggest challenges.      In Nigeria, Scarce Water Supply and High Food Prices Leave Families Hungry NewsHour special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how a scarcity of water and high supply costs are hindering efforts to improve Nigeria's food supply.      After Mass Demonstrations, Unrest in Thailand Continues After days of mass demonstrations that have left two dead and more than 100 wounded, Thai police in Bangkok maintained an uneasy state of emergency.      After Days of Conflict in Thailand, Political Road Ahead Remains Unclear Analysts discuss Thailand's political road ahead after the government revoked the passport of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.      TUESDAY, April 14, 2009 Obama Voices Both Caution, Optimism on Economy Retail sales in March showed the economy has not yet recovered on the same day President Obama delivered a speech cautioning Americans to be patient as the government tries to turn things around. Kwame Holman provides a report.      Other News: Markets Fall, Somali Pirates Renew Attacks In the day's other news, markets fell on news of poor retail sales in March, and Somali pirates attacked four more ships in the Gulf of Aden since the rescue of a U.S. sea captain Sunday.      N. Korea Vows to Boycott Nuclear Talks After U.N. Rebuke A day after the U.N. Security Council condemned North Korea's recent rocket launch, Pyongyang said it would pull out of six-party nuclear talks and restart a plutonium reactor. Analysts offer their take on what the rhetoric means.    North Korea: Nuclear Standoff After Infusion of Aid, Some Banks Return Bailout Funds As the government invests billions to shore up the financial sector, some banks are returning rescue funds earlier than expected. A banking chief and a reporter explain the latest.      Solar Energy Industry Maintains Footing Amid Recession Amid the economic slump, there may be a silver lining for solar energy businesses that have withstood the recession so far. NewsHour special correspondent Spencer Michels reports.      Pakistan Approves Use of Islamic Law in Swat Valley Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed a measure imposing Islamic law in the country's northwestern Swat Valley as part of a deal to end two years of fighting with pro-Taliban militants in the region. Politics of Pakistan Swat Valley Power Struggle Led to Islamic Law Decision Analysts discuss the impact of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's move to impose Islamic law in the Swat Valley as part of a deal to end two years of fighting with pro-Taliban militants in the region.    Politics of Pakistan MONDAY, April 13, 2009 Combating Piracy Poses New Challenge for U.S. Ships President Obama vowed Monday to halt the rise of piracy as details emerged about the rescue of a U.S. sea captain. Analysts weigh how to best protect U.S. ships from pirates.    Somalia's Struggle for Stability Other News: Troops Crack Down on Thai Protests Thai soldiers intensified their efforts to tamp down anti-government protests in Bangkok Monday, and Pakistan's president signed a regulation imposing Islamic Law in part of the country.      Obama Eases Some Travel, Policy Restrictions on Cuba Signaling a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Obama announced plans Monday to lift some travel restrictions to Cuba for Cuban-Americans and to improve telecommunications with the island. A reporter details the decision.      As Newspapers Cut Back, Online Reporters Step In Hard hit by declining readers and revenues, newspapers across the country are making cuts or shutting down altogether. Experts examine how new online sources of local news and reporting are gaining popularity as newspapers cut back.      FRIDAY, April 10, 2009 Somali Pirates Thwart U.S. Captain's Escape Attempt American ship Capt. Richard Phillips tried to swim away from his Somali captors Friday but was quickly recaptured, as another pirate ship and a U.S. warship headed to the scene about 200 miles off the coast of Somalia. A reporter discusses the developments.    Somalia's Struggle for Stability Other News: Five U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq In other news, five U.S. soldiers died in a suicide bombing in Mosul, Iraq, and clashes between U.S. forces and the Taliban in Afghanistan left 27 insurgents dead.      Obama Optimistic, Yet Cautious on Economic Recovery Outlook The president said Friday he saw "glimmers of hope" in increased lending to small businesses, but the economy was still under "under severe stress." Analysts discuss the signs of economic recovery and the road ahead.      Questions Remain on Fate of Disputed Exec Bonus Pay As frustration continues over extravagant pay to executives of companies receiving billions of dollars in taxpayer aid, Paul Solman travels to AIG headquarters and Washington to explore options for getting some of the money back.      Military Budget Changes, Same-sex Marriage Top Week's News Columnist Mark Shields and editor Rich Lowry analyze the week's political news, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates' military budget priorities and two more states allowing same-sex couples to marry.    Political Wrap Dayton Arts Community Faces Struggle to Stay Afloat The arts scene in Dayton, Ohio, has been feeling a financial pinch as the troubles of the "Big Three" U.S. automakers and other economic woes ripple through its community. Jeffrey Brown reports on Dayton arts organizations' struggle to survive.      THURSDAY, April 9, 2009 FBI, Navy Join Negotiations for Pirates to Release Captain After Wednesday's hijacking of a U.S. cargo ship, pirates continued to hold Capt. Richard Phillips hostage in a lifeboat adrift in the Indian Ocean. A Financial Times correspondent talks about the negotiations, including Navy and FBI involvement.    Somalia's Struggle for Stability Other News: Obama Touts Mortgage Plan; Kim Jong-il Makes Rare Public Appearance In other news, President Obama urged homeowners to take advantage of new programs designed to help them refinance their mortgages at lower interest rates. Also, Kim Jong-il accepted a third term as North Korea's supreme military leader.      Obama Touts Military Digital Health Record Plan as Model A new electronic medical records system for military personnel is meant to be a model for improving health care nationwide. Analysts discuss the program's cost and efficiency.      India Seeks Co-existence in Troubled Region The Indian government says it wants harmonious relations with neighboring countries but concerns about security are forcing it to build up its Navy fleet. NewsHour special correspondent Simon Marks reports on India's foreign policy challenges and military efforts.      'Brown Fat' Studies Provide New Medical Insights, Hope For Weight Loss New studies reveal that "brown fat," a type of fat scientists previously thought disappeared after infancy, can burn large amounts of calories if activated by cold temperatures. An author of one study explains the discovery and its possible medical applications.      Around the World, Women Are on the Move From working their way into positions as high-ranking government officials to becoming the first females in their families to attend school, Richard Rodriguez explores the many ways in which women are on the move all over the globe.    Essays WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2009 Ship's U.S. Crew Endures Pirate Encounter Off Somali Coast, Captain Held Hostage Off the Somali coast, pirates hijacked a cargo ship and later held the captain hostage. Brian Jenkins, a specialist in hostage negotiations and adviser to the International Maritime Bureau, examines the situation.    Somalia's Struggle for Stability Other News: Death Toll Rises in Italian Earthquake In other news, the death toll from Monday's earthquake in central Italy continued to rise and a bomb near a sacred Baghdad shrine killed at least seven people and wounded 20.      Lawmakers Eager for Cuba Policy Changes Meet with Fidel and Raul Castro Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with Cuban President Raul Castro and former leader Fidel Castro this week to discuss proposed relaxations in travel and financial restrictions. Calif. Rep. Barbara Lee, just back from Havana, talks about the conversations.      Possible Cuba Policy Changes Spark Debate The Obama administration is expected to ease travel and financial embargoes with Cuba in broad policy changes that have sparked debate between those in favor of starting a dialogue with Cuban leaders and those who advocate continuing the restrictions. Analysts probe the policy issues.      High-tech India Contrasts With Rural Ways India has benefited from supplying other countries with outsourcing services from computer help to legal document analysis, while in other parts of the country poor farmers are struggling to make a living. NewsHour special correspondent Simon Marks reports on the two Indias.      Iowa, Vermont Push Gay Marriage Rights Forward Vermont's legislature and the top court of Iowa delivered legal victories in recent weeks to those seeking the right of same-sex couples to marry. And as battles in other state capitals continue, Americans are weighing the issue with other pressing concerns.      TUESDAY, April 7, 2009 Obama Urges Iraqis to Take Larger Role in Controlling Country In an unannounced trip to Iraq Tuesday President Obama met with national leaders, urging the Iraqis to take a larger role in controlling the country and reiterating his pledge to have all military personnel out of the country by 2011. Kwame Holman reports.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Judge Dismisses Charges Against Stevens In other news, a federal judge dismissed former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption conviction and Vermont's state legislature voted to override the governor's veto of a bill allowing same-sex marriages.      Secretary of Defense Gates Defends New Budget Priorities Defense Secretary Robert Gates sits down with Judy Woodruff to discuss the insurgency in Iraq, the need for assistance in Afghanistan and shifts in long-term spending priorities.    Obama: The First 100 Days In Famous Mumbai Slum, Redevelopment Plans Stir Controversy Hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens are upset with the government's plans to level Mumbai's Dharavi Slum, the now-famous setting for the film "Slumdog Millionaire", to make way for commercial buildings and luxury housing. Simon Marks reports from Mumbai.      Americans' Attitude Toward Recession Shows Mix of Optimism, Despair A new poll reveals that many Americans are more optimistic and confident about the general economy's recovery than they are about their own personal financial situations. The Hotline's Amy Walter assesses the new data.      MONDAY, April 6, 2009 Rescue Efforts Underway in Italy After Major Earthquake Italian officials and international aid groups continue to struggle to help the injured and recover the victims from Monday morning's earthquake that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale. Following an update from the field, a geological expert analyzes the event.      Other News: Obama Reaches Out to Muslim World In other news, President Obama spoke to the Turkish parliament, urging better cooperation between the west and the Muslim world and a string of six bombings in Baghdad killed at least 36 people.      Rice Calls for International Action on North Korea U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice said the Obama administration would seek a global response to the crisis prompted by this weekend's missile test by North Korea.      Months After Mumbai Attacks, Security Concerns Weigh on India Four months after a coordinated terrorist attack killed more than 170 in Mumbai, India is still plagued by outbreaks of violence despite some government efforts. NewsHour correspondent Simon Marks reports on the atmosphere ahead of the country's general election.      Gates Announces Sweeping Changes, Cuts in Defense Budget Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced large cuts in the Pentagon budget that would slash spending on missile defense and traditional war technologies and increase funding for new weapons systems designed to fight insurgencies. An analyst discusses the changes.      During March Madness, Echoes of Games Past Sportswriter Seth Davis's new book "When March Went Mad" details the extraordinary 1979 NCAA championship game that featured the match-up between Michigan State University's Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Indiana State University's Larry Bird. Davis talks about how the legendary game changed basketball.      FRIDAY, April 3, 2009 Gunman Kills 13 in Attack on N.Y. Immigration Center A gunman opened fire Friday at an immigration center in Binghamton, N.Y., killing 13 people and taking dozens of hostages before authorities found him dead. Judy Woodruff gives an update.      Jobless Rate Climbed to 8.5 Percent in March The latest report from the Labor Department showed the unemployment rate climbed to 8.5 percent in March. Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project, offers insight on the numbers.      Obama Promotes Afghanistan Strategy to NATO Allies President Obama met Friday with NATO allies in France to rally support for his new strategy in Afghanistan. Margaret Warner reports on the two-day summit of 26 leaders from NATO countries.    Obama: The First 100 Days Amid Downturn, Communities Sacrifice to Avoid Layoffs Though the jobless rate continues to rise, workers across the country are making sacrifices to avoid more layoffs and "share the pain" of the economic slump. NewsHour business correspondent Paul Solman reports.      Shields and Brooks on Economy's Moves, Obama's Trip Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks weigh the news of the week, including what new unemployment numbers say about the economy, tough talk on the auto industry and President Obama's trip to Europe.    Political Wrap Other News: Iowa Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriages Iowa's Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional, and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will pay more than $210 million in bonuses through next year as an incentive to get more than 7,600 employees to stay.      THURSDAY, April 2, 2009 G20 Leaders Pledge New Aid, Tighter Financial Controls G20 leaders pledged aid to struggling countries and new controls on the financial system at the conclusion of their economic summit. Margaret Warner reports from London.      Other News: Jobless Claims Rise; FDA May be Allowed to Regulate Tobacco Products The Labor Department reported another increase in new jobless claim benefits, and the House voted to give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products for the first time.      Change in Mark-to-Market Rules Could Have Big Impact on Banks' Balance Sheets A key accounting standard was changed Thursday to allow banks more flexibility in mark-to-market rules, which help establish the value of assets. Analysts explain what impact this change in these rules could have for banks.      Despite Adding Hours and Jobs, More Workers Unable to Sustain Themselves In his latest coverage about people hit hard by the economic downturn, NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports from Antioch, Calif., about the growing numbers of people who, despite taking on more hours at work or second jobs, are unable to make a sustainable living.      Pelosi Details Partisan Wrangling Over Final Budget Blueprint As Congress takes action on President Obama's budget plan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offers her perspective on lawmakers' spending priorities and how alternative budget proposals have fared in the debate.      Boehner Gives the GOP Take on Budget Plan, Government Spending House Minority leader John Boehner offers the GOP view on President Obama's budget, and describes the House GOP's alternative proposal.      WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2009 Obama Works to Jumpstart G20 Agenda, Strengthen Ties President Barack Obama met with Russian and Chinese leaders in London Wednesday as G20 leaders prepared to discuss the economic crisis. Margaret Warner reports from London.      Other News: Auto Sales Plunge; Wall Street Bounces Back Sales at Detroit's Big Three automakers dropped 45 percent from a year ago, and the markets rose slightly on good news in the housing and manufacturing markets.      Justice Seeks to Drop Case Against Former Sen. Stevens The Justice Department announced Wednesday it would drop corruption charges against Ted Stevens, the 85-year old former Alaskan senator who was convicted for lying on financial disclosure forms. NPR's legal affairs reporter Nina Totenberg broke the news.      In Search of Safety Net, Freelancers Form Union A former labor lawyer has organized freelancers into a union that offers affordable health insurance and other benefits. Spencer Michels continues his reporting on people hard hit by the economic downturn.      Establishing Clear Goals May Prove Key to New Afghan-Pakistan Strategy Gen. David Petraeus testified before a Senate panel Wednesday about the Obama administration's new strategy for the Afghan-Pakistan region. Sens. Carl Levin and Susan Collins give their perspectives.      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.