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2009 AUGUST MONDAY, August 31, 2009 Wildfires Rage In California, Killing Two Firefighters Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for four California counties Monday as raging wildfires burned across nearly 86,00 acres, threatening as many as 12,000 homes outside of Los Angeles. Two firefighters died after their vehicle slid down a cliff.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 Other News: General Warns of 'Serious' Challenges in Afghanistan In other news, Gen. Stanley McChrystal warned "the situation in Afghanistan is serious, but success is achievable," as the military reported the deaths of two more American soldiers there.      Japan Begins New Era as Voters Oust Ruling Party Voters in Japan handed a landslide victory to the opposition party that has promised to reverse the nation's struggling economy and to redefine Tokyo's relationship with Washington. Japanese experts reflect on the developments.      After Election, Japan Braces for New Political Landscape A day after a historic election in Japan that saw the nation's ruling party removed from power for just the second time in postwar history, the newly elected majority began planning for the creation of a new government. Regional experts discuss what the political sea change will mean for Japan, the U.S., and the whole of Asia.      Few Glimmers of Hope for Unemployed Americans With the long-term unemployment rate at its highest level since 1948, the nation's jobless are taking little solace in recent data suggesting the recession is winding down. In the latest installment of his Making Sen$e series, Paul Solman explores the sometimes grueling search for work in an battered economy.      Mass. Governor Sets Election Date for Kennedy Seat Gov. Deval Patrick has set the date for a special election to finish out Edward M. Kennedy's term in the Senate. Two Massachusetts lawmakers debate the decision.      Health Care Coverage Tests Perceptions of the Media The more heated the fight over health care reform becomes, the more many Americans grow skeptical of how the media is covering the fiercely partisan debate. Jeffrey Brown reports.    Rx for Reform FRIDAY, August 28, 2009 August Deadliest Month for U.S. Troops in Afghanistan As August becomes the deadliest month for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, post-election tension continues to increase. A Washington Post reporter provides an update from Kabul.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror News Wrap: 2 U.S. Soldiers Die in Iraq Roadside Bombing In other news, two U.S. soldiers died Friday in Iraq from wounds sustained in a roadside bomb attack, and a new report from the U.N. shows that Iran has not suspended its nuclear weapons program.      Mourners Prepare to Bid Kennedy a Final Farewell Kwame Holman reports on the scene in Boston, where mourners braved long lines to bid a final farewell to Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.      Kennedy's Immigration Legacy Shaped Makeup of U.S. Ray Suarez examines the impacts of the 1965 Immigration Reform Act, one of Sen. Edward Kennedy's earliest and most-enduring pieces of legislation.      Health Systems Abroad Offer Lessons for U.S. Reform Plan As part of the NewsHour's series of conversations about health care reform, Betty Ann Bowser talks to Washington Post correspondent T.R. Reid, author of a new book about health care systems around the world and what the U.S. can learn from them.    Rx for Reform Shields, Brooks Consider Kennedy Legacy, Health Reform Prospects Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's top news, including Sen. Edward Kennedy's legacy, the health reform debate and detainee interrogation.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, August 27, 2009 Kennedy Services Begin as Mourners Line Mass. Motorcade Route Mourners lined up from Cape Cod to the JFK Library in Boston to commemorate the life of Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Bomber Kills 19 Pakistani Border Guards In other news, 19 border guards were killed Thursday when a security checkpoint in Pakistan was hit by a suicide bomber, and an American service member was killed in Afghanistan.      FDIC Losing Money as Many More Banks Face Collapse The FDIC reported that its insurance fund shrank 20 percent in the second quarter. Jeffrey Brown speaks with a reporter and analyst about troubled banks.      Separating Fact from Fiction in Health Reform Debate With five different versions of a health care bill in Congress, Ray Suarez examines the effort to separate fact from fiction in the national debate over a reform plan.    Rx for Reform U.S. Needs 'New Formula' for S.E. Asia, Sen. Webb Says Following Myanmar Visit Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb talks about his unusual mission to reclusive Myanmar to secure the release of an American prisoner, and the other stops on his Asia tour.      The Kennedy Family and American Political Lore Judy Woodruff speaks with historians Richard Norton Smith and Michael Beschloss about the life and times of America's most famous political dynasty.      WEDNESDAY, August 26, 2009 Hatch Reflects on Friendship, Battles With Kennedy Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch speaks with Judy Woodruff about Sen. Kennedy's life, legacy, battle with brain cancer and their unlikely friendship.      Reactions From Around U.S. to Sen. Kennedy's Death Ray Suarez recaps reactions to Senator Kennedy's death from around the country.      Other News: S.C. Lt. Gov. Calls for Sanford Resignation In other news, the lieutenant governor of South Carolina asked Republican Gov. Mark Sanford to resign, and new economic data showed better-than-expected recoveries in the manufacturing and housing sectors.      Looking Back at Highs, Lows of Kennedy's High-profile Life Kwame Holman looks back at the life of the last surviving Kennedy brother and his role as a liberal stalwart.      Remembering Ted Kennedy's Faith, Friendships and Persona A journalist, clergyman and congressman who were close to Sen. Ted Kennedy reflect on his personality, faith and friendships.      Kennedy Leaves Legacy as Champion for Health Care Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks are joined by historian Ellen Fitzpatrick and health care advocate Ron Pollack to discuss Kennedy's political legacy.      Kennedy's Cadence Ran in the Family Judy Woodruff explores the legendary Kennedy cadence that made the family so famous and persuasive.      TUESDAY, August 25, 2009 As Bernanke Tapped for a Second Term, U.S. Deficits Appear Likely to Soar Judy Woodruff speaks with journalists about federal deficit projections and President Obama's nomination of Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke for a second term.      Other News: Troop Deaths Spike in Afghanistan In other news, 2009 became the deadliest year for international troops after four American soldiers died in Afghanistan Tuesday. Also, President Hamid Karzai has 41 percent of the Afghan vote with 10 percent of the ballots tallied.      U.S. Preparing for Resurgence of H1N1 Flu Amid predictions of a new H1N1 swine flu outbreak, health officials warn that children going back to school are especially at risk. Gwen Ifill talks to Dr. Anne Schuchat, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.      Cambodians Face Threat of Drug-resistant Malaria Drug-resistant malaria is threatening villages in western Cambodia. NewsHour special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from the border region of Cambodia and Thailand.    Global Health Watch Across the U.S., All Eyes on Health Reform, Economy At the end of an especially eventful August recess, Jeffrey Brown speaks with reporters and analysts from around the nation about how the economy and health care debates are shaping up.      NOVA scienceNOW: Mysteries of Memory An excerpt of NOVA scienceNOW, which takes an in-depth look at the human brain as a neuro-anatomist dissects one into 3,000 pieces.      MONDAY, August 24, 2009 Amid New Interrogation Details, Detainee Unit Created With the release of CIA documents about harsh interrogation methods, the Obama administration announced a new panel that will oversee the questioning of terrorism suspects.      Other News: Fallout Continues From Lockerbie Release In other news, Scottish officials defend the country's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber, and two bombs in Iraq killed at least 11 people.      Popular 'Cash for Clunkers' Program Winds Down The government is ending its popular 'Cash for Clunkers' program two months early due to dwindling funds. Jeffrey Brown speaks with an automotive journalist about its impact on the auto industry and the economy.      Idaho Congressman Hears from Constituents on Reform A Blue Dog Democrat congressman speaks with his Idaho constituents about the ongoing health care reform debate. Betty Ann Bowser reports.    Rx for Reform Leaders Warn Afghan War 'Serious and Deteriorating' With warnings that the situation in Afghanistan is "serious and deteriorating," military leaders say that more troops are needed to regain control.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror FRIDAY, August 21, 2009 Fed Chairman Upbeat on Prospects for Economy Ben Bernanke offered a hopeful forecast for the U.S. economy Friday, saying "prospects for a return to growth in the near term appear good." Economists weigh in on the outlook.      Other News: Afghans Wait for Election Results In other news, President Hamid Karzai, and his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, both claimed victory in Afghanistan's presidential election, and President Obama called the elaborate homecoming for the freed Lockerbie bomber in Libya "highly objectionable."      Reviving the Economy Tests Convential Views on Inflation With the economy showing hints of a recovery, the threat of inflation is testing policy makers at the Federal Reserve as they work to determine how quickly to unwind emergency moves taken during the height of the financial crisis. Paul Solman reports.      Afghan War Takes Toll on Civilians Independent Television News special correspondent Nima Elbagir reports from a hospital in Kandahar, in the south of Afghanistan, on the toll that war has taken on the nation's civilian population.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Poet Ricardo Pau-Llosa Reflects on Influences, Art Ricardo Pau-Llosa, a prolific Miami-based poet and critic of Latin American art, remembers the colors, tastes and memories that shaped his youth and his writing, taking him back to his native Cuba.    NewsHour Poetry Series THURSDAY, August 20, 2009 Afghans Defy Taliban, Cast Votes in Presidential Election Millions of Afghans cast votes Thursday in the nation's second presidential election, despite threats of violence from Taliban militants. Nick Paton Walsh of ITN reports.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Historic Election Tests Security, Progress in Afghanistan Despite Taliban threats and scattered attacks throughout the country, Afghans headed to the polls Thursday in an election being viewed as a gauge of U.S. progress there. ITN correspondent Alex Thomson speaks with Ray Suarez from Kabul.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Death Toll Climbs from Baghdad Attacks In other news, the death toll from Wednesday's bombings across Baghdad climbed to at least 101 people, and ten alleged leaders of Mexican frug cartels have been indicted in the U.S.      Tougher Credit Card Rules Offer New Consumer Guards New rules for credit card companies took effect Thursday, the first in a series of measures designed to protect consumers from changes to the terms of their card agreements. Jeffrey Brown gets perspective from a consumer advocate and a banking industry representative.      Ailing Lockerbie Bomber Sent Home to Libya Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, who was serving a life sentence for the 1988 bombing of Pan-Am flight 103, was released by the Scottish government Thursday due to his ailing health and allowed to return to his native Libya.      Popular 'Cash for Clunkers' Program to End Monday The government will end its popular "cash for clunker" incentive program on Monday, two months early, because of dwindling funds. David Shepardson, Washington bureau chief for the "Detroit News," speaks with Jim Lehrer about the program.      Former Insurance Exec Speaks Out on Health Reform Until last year, Wendell Potter worked for both Cigna and Humana health care for two decades. He's now a senior fellow on health care with the Center for Media and Democracy, a liberal research group. He speaks to Gwen Ifill as part of an ongoing series of conversations on health care reform.    Rx for Reform Wind Energy Fuels Job Hopes for Oklahoma Youth In the final installment of her Generation Next series, which has aired on both the NewsHour and NPR, Judy Woodruff reports on how wind energy is generating new career prospects for young Americans in the Sooner State.      WEDNESDAY, August 19, 2009 Iraqi Authorities Hunt for Clues After Baghdad Bombings Insurgent attacks in the Iraqi capital killed at least 95 people Wednesday. A Christian Science Monitor journalist provides an update from Baghdad.    Iraq in Transition Other News: Taliban Threat Looms on Eve of Afghan Vote In other news, a wave of fresh attacks struck Afghanistan one day before the nation's second presidential election, and Saudi Arabia announced the arrests of 44 suspected Islamist militants.      Despite Infighting, Democrats May Proceed Alone on Health Reform Looking to attract GOP votes, Democrats are waging a fierce debate over whether a public option must be part of health care reform. Scholar Norman Ornstein and The Hotline's Amy Walter predict a health reform bill will clear Congress despite Democrats' infighting.    Rx for Reform California Budget Woes Squeeze Overcrowded Prisons As California continues to struggle over budget gaps, Spencer Michels measures the likely effects of funding cuts on the state's overcrowded prisons.      IRS Deal Pierces Veil of Swiss Banking Secrecy A New York Times reporter assesses the impact of Swiss banking giant UBS agreeing to give the U.S. Internal Revenue Service names of some account holders.      Generation Next: Young Grads Turn to Service Amid Tight Job Market At community resource centers across the country, young people like Brian Marroquin, a recent graduate of VCU, are deferring their careers to focus on community service. Judy Woodruff examines the trend as part of the Generation Next series.      Remembering '60 Minutes' Creator Don Hewitt A remembrance of Don Hewitt, creator of the television magazine "60 Minutes," who died Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.      TUESDAY, August 18, 2009 Bombing Heightens Security Woes Before Afghan Election A suicide bombing in Kabul killed at least 10 people Tuesday, just two days before the Afghanistan's presidential vote. ITN presents a pair of reports on efforts to secure the vote.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Wholesale Prices Take Surprise Dip in July In other news, the Labor Department reported wholesale prices fell unexpectedly in July, and President Barack Obama met with Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak to discuss jumpstarting Mideast peace talks.      Aetna CEO: Public Insurance Option 'Wrong Way to Go' Efforts to overhaul the health care system would be damaged by creating a public option to compete with private insurers, Ron Williams, chief executive of Aetna Inc., the nation's third-largest health insurer, tells Judy Woodruff.    Rx for Reform Higher Scores Test How Washington, D.C., Public Schools Define Success Two years into a bold effort to reform the city's school system, Washington, D.C., has seen gains in reading and writing proficiency among students. But while scores are up, critics are asking whether reforms have actually made district schools better off.      Record-setting Cyber Theft Stirs Questions on Security The Justice Department indicted three men on Monday for stealing more than 130 million credit and debit card numbers by hacking into the computer systems of five major companies. Cyber-securiity experts discuss the case with Ray Suarez.      'Losing the News' Examines Journalism's Shifting Future Journalist and author Alex Jones speaks with Jeffrey Brown about the uncertain future of journalism, as well as his new book, "Losing the News."      MONDAY, August 17, 2009 As Afghan Election Nears, a Race to Protect Voters With Afghanistan's second presidential election just days away, U.S., NATO, and Afghan forces are racing to secure voting locations from Taliban militants who have vowed to target anyone participating in the Aug. 20 contest.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: More Troops Sought for Northern Iraq In other news, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, is seeking to send more troops into northern Iraq, and Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia called for a "new approach" to sanctions against Myanmar.      Voices of Health Care Reform Found Across the Nation Amid the race for health care reform legislation on Capitol Hill, the American public has been voicing its views on the debate at locally-based town halls. PBS stations across the country have captured some of those voices and concerns. Judy Woodruff reports.    Rx for Reform White House Signals Shift Away from Public Plan After weeks of criticism at town halls across the nation, the Obama administration signaled on Sunday it is open to dropping a public insurance option from any health care legislation. Despite likely backlash from liberals, the administration now appears focused on developing a co-op model to help control the cost of care.    Rx for Reform Cooperatives Emerge as Focal Point of Health Debate With the Obama administration signaling a new openness to dropping a public insurance option from any health care overhaul, the focus now turns toward the efficacy of the cooperative insurance model.    Rx for Reform Budget Gap Shuts Down City Services in Chicago A $469-million budget gap forced a shutdown of non-essential city services, such as garbage collection, in Chicago on Monday. Ray Suarez talks to Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW about the move.      California Grapples with Cuts to Safety Net Programs Local governments across the Golden State are beginning to feel the impact of the $4 billion in budget cuts made by lawmakers in the state's general assembly earlier this year. Spencer Michels explores the impact on California cities and counties.      Junk Man: Poet and Professor Albert Goldbarth Poet and toy collector Albert Goldbarth is a two-time winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the Mark Twain Prize for Humor. In an interview with Jeffrey Brown, Goldbarth discusses his writing, and his latest book of poetry,"To Be Read in 500 Years."    NewsHour Poetry Series FRIDAY, August 14, 2009 U.S. Consumers Still Worried About Economy A new survey shows that despite positive economic forecasts, Americans are still concerned about scarce jobs and falling income.      Obama Heads West With Pitch for Health Reform Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser follows the reform debate to Grand Junction, Colo., where President Obama is rallying support for his plan.    Rx for Reform U.K. Officials Deflect Criticism of Country's Health System In the United Kingdom, a debate has erupted over how the government-operated health care system is being portrayed recently in the United States.    Rx for Reform Budget Woes Expected to Ground Some Space Missions U.S. budget constraints threaten to ground some of NASA's manned space missions. Judy Woodruff looks at the space program and its future prospects.      Public Views on Health Care Overhaul Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news, including public views on President Obama's health reform plan and Secretary of State Clinton's Africa trip.    Political Wrap Inside View of Taliban Underscores Afghanistan's Complexity As the conflict in Afghanistan heats up, how much is truly known about the Taliban and what are the prospects of negotiating with them? GlobalPost's Charles Sennott offers insight.      11-year-old Reporter Lands an Interview with Obama After waiting a year for a response from the White House, 11-year-old Damon Weaver landed an interview with President Obama.      THURSDAY, August 13, 2009 In Afghanistan, Fighting Escalates as Election Nears Fierce fighting continues in Afghanistan in the final week leading up to the presidential election. Jeffrey Brown speaks with NPR's Renee Montagne.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Pakistani Forces Pummel Taliban Bases; Taiwan Dispatches More Aid In other news, Pakistani forces pummeled key Taliban bases near the Afghanistan border, and a double suicide bombing in Iraq killed at least 21 people.      Costs, Government's Role Split Advocates in Reform Debate In a debate over health care reform, former House majority leader Dick Armey, and Richard Kirsch, national campaign manager of the liberal advocacy group Health Care for America Now, discuss topics such as the role of government, and the cost of any overhaul.    Rx for Reform Sudan's Bashir Addresses ICC Charges, Darfur's Woes Sudanese President al-Bashir faces an international warrant in connection with war crimes in Darfur. In an interview, he reflects on the charges, the Darfur crisis and Sudan's relations with the West.    Crisis in Sudan Courtroom Sketch Artist Develops Journalistic Eye After 27 years of witnessing significant legal proceedings, courtroom sketch artist William Hennessy said he now considers himself a journalist as well.      Remembering Guitar Legend Les Paul A look back at the life and career of Les Paul, whose electric guitar and multi-track recording changed how music is played and recorded. He died Thursday at 94.      WEDNESDAY, August 12, 2009 Fed Decision Signals Optimism for Economy The Fed decided Wednesday to keep short-term interest rates at a record low to help stabilize the economy. Jeffrey Brown speaks with a Washington Post reporter about the economic outlook.      Other News: U.S. Marines Storm Taliban Stronghold In other news, Marines launched an offensive in Afghanistan, storming a Taliban compound in Helmand province. Also, government troops in the Philippines attacked militants tied to al-Qaida.      Mont. Clinic Aims to Deliver Top-quality Care for Less The Billings Clinic sets out to provide top-quality health care at a low cost by integrating doctor visits, hospital care and surgery. Betty Ann Bowser reports.    Rx for Reform Cleveland Clinic Chief: Lower Care Costs Must Be Focus in Reform Efforts In the first in a series of health reform conversations, Judy Woodruff speaks with the head of the Cleveland Clinic about his ideas for health care reform.    Rx for Reform Suu Kyi Expected to Appeal Confinement Extension Burmese democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to extended home detention through next year's elections. Myanmar analysts mull her future.      Crisis Turned Federal Reserve Into Fourth Branch of Government, Author Says "In Fed We Trust" author David Wessel discusses how the central bank reacted to the financial crisis and its changing role in setting U.S. and global financial policy.      Medal of Freedom Recipients Honored at White House President Barack Obama awarded 16 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Wednesday. Judy Woodruff offers a look at the ceremony.      TUESDAY, August 11, 2009 Obama Fires Back at Health Reform 'Misrepresentations' Editorial writers and columnists assess President Obama's effort to rally support for health reform and his criticism of opponents for trying to "scare people."    Rx for Reform Other News: Three U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan In other news, the U.S. military announced that three more American soldiers were killed since Saturday in Afghanistan, bringing the total number of American deaths there in the month of August to 18.      Amid Clinton Visit, a Look at Persistent Troubles in Congo A report looks at international peacekeeping efforts in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited this week.      Systemic Rape, Fighting Threaten Congo's Future Secretary of State Clinton condemned sexual abuse by Congolese soldiers and rebels against civilians. A women's rights advocate describes the scope of the atrocities.      Remembering the Life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a member of the famed Kennedy family, died Tuesday at 88. An advocate for people with disabilities discusses her legacy.      MONDAY, August 10, 2009 Bombings in Iraq Stoke Fears of More Sectarian Violence In Iraq, 48 people were killed and 250 others wounded today in the latest string of attacks against Shiites. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Jonathan Rugman reports.    Iraq in Transition Other News: U.S. Commander Warns of Taliban Gains In other news, a top U.S. military official warned that the Taliban has the upper hand in Afghanistan. Also, a typhoon tore through Taiwan over the weekend.      Drug War, H1N1 Virus Top Mexico Summit Agenda From drug violence to H1N1 flu, President Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper tackled a long list of issues at a summit Monday.      Medicare Misinformation Remains Issue in Reform Debate As the health care reform debates continues, some seniors are concerned over potential changes to Medicare payments.    Rx for Reform Bargain-hunting Adds Up to Unexpected Costs In the new book "Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture," author Ellen Ruppel Shell explores modern consumers' love of cheap, mass-produced products, and the downsides -- on wages, the environment, and quality -- that a discount culture creates.      Ala. Highway Exposes Challenges of Transit Planning As part of an ongoing series of reports on the nation's infrastructure, special correspondent Rick Karr examines a dispute in Alabama over a nearly 50-year-old federal highway program.      FRIDAY, August 7, 2009 Job Losses Ease in July, but Economic Picture Still Mixed The U.S. economy shed fewer jobs than expected in July, according to new Labor Department figures. Experts discuss what the data says about the job market and an economic recovery.      Other News: Markets Jump on Positive Jobs Report In other news, Wall Street rallied on a Labor Department report that showed the U.S. economy lost fewer jobs than expected in July, and President Obama signed a $2 billion extension of the "cash for clunkers" incentive program.      Reports: CIA Drone Strike Kills Taliban Leader in Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Taliban movement in Pakistan, was reportedly killed this week by a CIA drone strike. ITN correspondent Alex Thomson reports.    Politics of Pakistan Militant's Reported Death May Strike Blow to Taliban in Pakistan The reported death of Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud may present a major setback for militants seeking to destabilize Pakistan. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to Washington, and journalist Steve Coll assess the development.    Politics of Pakistan Anger and Protests Rattle Town Halls on Health Care Legislators across the nation opened their August recesses with town halls on health care reform. Rather than a warm welcome home, however, most were met with constituents angry with the range of legislative proposals under consideration in Washington. Betty Ann Bowser reports.    Rx for Reform Health Reform Push, Clinton's N. Korea Trip Top Week's News Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the news of the week, including tensions in the health care debate and former President Bill Clinton's trip to North Korea to obtain the release of two U.S. journalists.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, August 6, 2009 Sotomayor Confirmed as First Hispanic on Supreme Court The U.S. Senate voted 68-31 Thursday to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, making her the first Hispanic and third woman to serve as a justice.    Supreme Court Watch Other News: 4 Marines Killed in Afghan Explosion In other news, four U.S. Marines died in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan, and the Obama administration is considering a new plan to remove billions of dollars worth of troubled loans from the books of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.      Somali Instability Poses Challenge for Anti-Terror Efforts Secretary of State Clinton spent the second day of her African tour expressing support for the fragile transitional government in Somalia. Margaret Warner reports on the visit, and the risks posed by the Somali government's struggles to combat extremist groups linked to al-Qaida.    Somalia's Struggle for Stability Dealers, Detroit Look for Boost With 'Clunkers' Extension The government's popular "cash for clunkers" incentive program -- aimed at replacing gas guzzlers with more fuel-efficient vehicles -- nearly exhausted its $1 billion budget in just days. Analysts look at who benefits from the program and its effects on the troubled U.S. auto industry.      Forensic Clues Aid Fight Against Ivory Trade ITN correspondent Julian Rush reports on how the science of carbon dating is being used to combat the illegal global ivory trade.   WEDNESDAY, August 5, 2009 Journalists' Return Sparks Debate on N. Korea Relations After being held in North Korea for four months, two journalists for Current TV returned to the U.S. accompanied by former President Bill Clinton. Margaret Warner reports on the homecoming, and what the episode means for U.S. relations with North Korea.      Other News: In Kenya, Clinton Pushes for Accountability In other news, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spent the first day of her seven-nation African tour calling for improved accountability in Kenya, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn into office for a second term.      Obama Addresses Criticism on Stimulus Spending Amid the continuing debate over the effectiveness of the federal stimulus funds, President Obama unveiled new grants that he said can help rebuild the economy. A ProPublica reporter discusses how some hard-hit areas are getting more money, but others are not.      Senate Democrats Seek GOP Support for Sotomayor As the Senate opens debate on confirming Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, Democrats are focusing on winning GOP support, and Republicans are concentrating on not upsetting Hispanic voters. Kwame Holman reports.    Supreme Court Watch Grassley Outlines Obstacles Facing Health Care in Senate Any overhaul of the nation's health care system will depend on draft legislation from the influential Senate Finance Committee. In an interview with Judy Woodruff, Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the committee, discusses the challenges facing reform.      World's Oceans Face Problem of Plastic Pollution Some researchers believe that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean has become a soup of plastic confetti. Now, scientists are trying to quantify the problem and are studying how plastic affects fish, marine mammals and birds.    Plastic Oceans TUESDAY, August 4, 2009 Kim Jong Il Pardons Journalists During Bill Clinton Visit North Korean leader Kim Jong Il pardoned two jailed American journalists after a surprise meeting with former President Bill Clinton. Experts examine the implications of the meeting.    North Korea: Nuclear Standoff Other News: Iran Detains Three Americans; GOP Senators Line up Against Sotomayor In other news, Iranian officials confirmed they have arrested three Americans for allegedly crossing the nation's border illegally, and the full Senate moved to debate the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.      Obama Meets With Democrats to Calm Spending Concerns President Obama called Senate Democrats to the White House on Tuesday in an effort to ease the worries over a trio of spending measures being pushed by the administration. Gwen Ifill reports.      Despite Federal Aid, Lenders Slow to Modify Home Loans Fewer than 8 percent of eligible borrowers have successfully modified their mortgages under a $75 billion federal plan aimed at halting home foreclosures, according to a Treasury Department report. Jeffrey Kaye reports on the early struggles of the program.      Lacking Clear Solution, Obama Struggles to Close Gitmo With less than six months until President Obama's deadline for closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, the White House is struggling to decide on a bevy of options. Ari Shapiro of National Public Radio speaks with Judy Woodruff about the various options under review.    Domestic Security In Cambodia, Proximity to Wildlife Sparks Influenza Fears Fred De Sam Lazaro reports how Cambodians' proximity to wildlife is sparking new concerns about the spread of avian flu.    Global Health Watch MONDAY, August 3, 2009 Trial of Protesters Proceeds as Ahmadinejad Endorsed in Iran Political unrest continued in Iran Monday as the government pressed ahead with a mass trial of opposition supporters and President Ahmadinejad was endorsed by the supreme leader.    Governing Iran Other News: New Prison for Gitmo Detainees Considered; Pilot's Remains Found In other news, White House officials confirmed that the administration is weighing creating a prison inside the U.S. to both house and prosecute suspected terrorists, and a bombing carried out by the Taliban killed 11 people in western Afghanistan.      Lawmakers Weighing Tax on 'Cadillac' Health Plans As Congress continues searching for ways to finance a health care overhaul, one option under review is taxing the costliest employer-provided health plans, otherwise known as "Cadillac" plans. After a recap on developments on the health care front, experts discuss the proposal with Judy Woodruff.    Rx for Reform 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.      Children Not Getting Enough Vitamin D, Study Concludes More than 60 percent of children have "insufficient" levels of Vitamin D, a study published by the journal Pediatrics concluded on Monday. Gwen Ifill reports.      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.