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2009 FEBRUARY FRIDAY, February 27, 2009 Obama Seeks to End Iraq Combat Mission in 2010 Speaking at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune Friday, President Barack Obama set a timetable to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq in 2010, while leaving a transitional force in place. Kwame Holman reports on the president's speech and reactions on Capitol Hill.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 Newsmaker: Obama Outlines Goals for Afghanistan, Iraq After a major policy announcement that the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will end next year, President Obama spoke with Jim Lehrer about Iraq, Afghanistan and the challenges of his new office.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Al-Marri to be Transferred to U.S. Civilian Court System In Friday's other news, alleged al Quaida suspect Ali Al-Marri will be transferred to the U.S. civilian court system to stand trial after 5 years in a military brig and the Dow Jones Industrial and the Nasdaq each finished the week with a loss of at least 4 percent.      Government to Take Larger Ownership Stake in Struggling Citigroup The Treasury Department and Citigroup announced a new plan Friday in which the government will take ownership in a larger portion of the company's stock. Washington Post reporter Binaymin Applebaum explains the move.      Shields and Brooks Weigh Obama's Troop, Budget Plans Syndicated columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks examine President Obama's newly-announced plan to end the combat mission in Iraq and what the president's budget blueprint says about his administration's spending priorities.    Political Wrap From Lebanon's Marcel Khalife, Songs of Strife and Love In another in our series about the Kennedy Center's Arabesque art festival, Jeffrey Brown profiles Lebanese folk singer Marcel Khalife, who for nearly 40 years has been rousing audiences with songs about love and strife, politics and injustice.      THURSDAY, February 26, 2009 Obama Administration Rolls Out $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan President Obama's $3.5 trillion federal budget plan for the fiscal year includes both record spending and deficits for a wide range of programs, including health care, education and bank rescues. Kwame Holman reports.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: U.S. Jobless Claims Rise, Stocks Fall on Health Care Plans In other news, the Labor Department reported that U.S. jobless claims rose to their highest levels since 1982 and markets fell on concerns that medical and drug companies would lose money under the president's new health care budget.      Orszag Outlines Policy Priorities in Budget Blueprint White House Budget Director Peter Orszag details the new $3.5 trillion budget plan, explaining how the Obama administration will balance policy priorities and an anticipated $1.75 trillion deficit.    Obama: The First 100 Days President Plans Major Overhaul of Tax, Spending Systems President Obama's budget plan outlines large-scale changes in tax policy, calling for $318 billion of tax increases over the next 10 years for the wealthiest individuals and families combined with tax cuts for the middle class. Analysts discuss the impact of the changes.      Obama Places Health Care Expansion, Reform at Core of Budget Proposal President Obama's $3.5 trillion budget plan sets aside billions of dollars to overhaul the U.S. health care system and provide coverage to more Americans. Susan Dentzer of Health Affairs and NPR's Julie Rovner examine the plan's specifics and its potential impact.      Egyptian Women Weave Cairo's Traditions Into Their Art A multimedia artist, jewelry maker, and dancer from Egypt talk about their work and how they incorporate influences from their time in Cairo into their art forms. Jeffrey Brown continues his series on the Kennedy Center's Arabesque arts festival.      WEDNESDAY, February 25, 2009 Obama Administration Moves Quickly on Economy Following Tuesday's Speech President Obama announced his third nominee Wednesday for Commerce Secretary, Gary Locke, and met with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Congressional leaders to discuss stronger federal regulations.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: House Approves Spending Bill In Wednesday's other news, the House approved a $400 billion spending bill for the current fiscal year and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the government will miss a 2012 deadline for screening freight for radiological and nuclear material.      Geithner: Bank Nationalization Is the 'Wrong Strategy' Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner details the Obama administration's economic recovery plan and clarifies how the government plans to address the banking crisis.    Obama: The First 100 Days Nation's Reaction to Obama's Congress Speech Gauged President Obama's address to the joint session of Congress and the nation blended confidence that the country will weather the recession with warnings of a tough road ahead. Newspaper editors from across the nation assess the public reaction.      Pakistani Envoy Details Efforts to Stabilize Tribal Areas Pakistani Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and top Afghan officials this week in Washington for security talks, saying he is open to working closely with the U.S. to fight terror and extremism. Qureshi explains his views.    Politics of Pakistan TUESDAY, February 24, 2009 Obama Keeps Focus on Economy in Speech to Congress President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and the nation in a prime-time speech Tuesday. Following is the text of his remarks, as prepared for delivery and released by the White House.    Obama: The First 100 Days Jindal Delivers GOP Response to Obama's Speech Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal delivered the Republican response to President Barack Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday. Following is the text of Jindal's remarks, as prepared for delivery and released by the Republican National Committee.    Obama: The First 100 Days Obama Addresses Nation Amid More Grim Economic News President Barack Obama addresses Congress and the nation Tuesday amid new testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on the scope of the recession. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Congress Demands Bank Repayment, Solis Confirmed as Labor Secretary In Tuesday's other news, Congress demanded that Northern Trust bank repay some of the funds it received in federal rescue money after organizing lavish events and the Senate confirmed Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary.      Polls Signal Support for Obama, Concerns on Economy New polls reveal continued public approval of President Barack Obama and a range of concerns on the economy. Two political reporters discuss what the public is thinking -- and why -- one month into the Obama presidency.    Obama: The First 100 Days As Banking Woes Grow, Debate Over Nationalization Intensifies As turmoil continues in the U.S. banking industry, speculation is intensifying over whether the government should take larger ownership stakes in banks. Columnist Paul Krugman and former FDIC chief William Isaac weigh the pros and cons.      Violence Escalates as Mexico Drug War Continues Independent Television News correspondent Bill Neely reports on the growing violence and carnage of Mexico's ongoing drug war.      Presidential Helicopter Expenses Highlight Federal Defense Procurement Flaws President Obama has indicated that he may not seek upgrades to the presidential fleet of helicopters due to skyrocketing costs, an expense for which former President Bush had budgeted. An analyst assesses the rapidly rising prices charged by defense contractors.      Kuwaiti Theater Director Finds Modern Inspiration in Shakespeare In the second of a series of reports on the Arabesque arts festival at the Kennedy Center, Jeffrey Brown talks to Kuwaiti writer and theater director Sulayman al-Bassam, whose company is presenting a Shakespeare play with a twist, "Richard III: An Arab Tragedy."      MONDAY, February 23, 2009 Regulators Signal New Moves for Shoring Up Banks Federal regulators vowed Monday to assist struggling banks by increasing the government's ownership stakes while an Obama spokesman said the president supports a private banking system. A financial reporter discusses the deepening crisis amid large market losses.      Obama Pledges to Halve Deficit, Asks Governors to Spend Stimulus Responsibly President Obama pledged today to halve the $1.3 trillion deficit by the end of his first term and spoke to Governors at a summit, urging them to use the federal stimulus money responsibly in their states. Kwame Holman reports.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Guantanamo Prisoner Released; Three U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq In Monday's other news, the first Guantanamo Bay detainee was released under the Obama administration, and three U.S. soldiers and their interpreter were killed in Iraq.      Obama's Vow to Halve Deficit Puts Focus on Budget Plan President Barack Obama cast a new focus on the budget deficit Monday, announcing a goal of halving the $1.3 trillion gap by the end of his first term. Analysts weigh the goal.      Arabesque Festival Brings Arab Arts to Kennedy Center An ambitious, three-week festival called "Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World" opens at the Kennedy Center in Washington Monday. Jeffrey Brown offers the first in a series of broadcast and online reports around the festival and the artists it is showcasing.      Secretary Clinton Sets Diplomatic Style, Tone on First Trip In her first trip abroad as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton fused serious policy discussion with lighter conversations as she toured Asia. Analysts discuss how her approach to diplomacy is developing.      FRIDAY, February 20, 2009 Stocks Markets Plummet Further in U.S. and Abroad Global markets sank and the Dow Jones industrial average sank to a six-year low on fears over bleak job reports and the fragile state of the economy. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: New Details on Madoff, Clinton Tours Asia Accused Wall Street investor Bernard Madoff may not have bought securities for customers in 13 years, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for pragmatic diplomacy in China.      Investors' Hopes for Turnaround Dim as Markets Plummet As fears over the economic crisis continue to erode investors' confidence, markets at home and abroad are feeling the effects. Financial analysts discuss how the markets relate to the realities of the economic turmoil.      Some Find Silver Lining in Dark Economic Cloud The economic downturn isn't all bad for everyone. Paul Solman reports on some Americans who have seen their quality of life increase.      Investigators Probe Fraud Allegations Against Financier Billionaire financier Allen Stanford is accused of swindling investors out of billions. Wall Street Journal reporter Glenn Simpson gives an update.      Shields and Brooks Mull Economic Woes, Obama's Plans Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news, including reaction to President Barack Obama's economic recovery efforts and what role the government should take in easing the financial crisis.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, February 19, 2009 Economy Tops Agenda as Obama Visits Canada President Barack Obama attended talks on the economy, trade and the environment during his trip to Canada Thursday. Kwame Holman reports.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Stocks Sink, California Approves Budget Stocks plummeted after bleak unemployment and manufacturing reports, and the California legislature approved and sent a budget to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after a long political deadlock. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other news headlines.      In Bad Economy, Countries Contemplate Protectionist Measures Across the globe, many countries are taking protectionist measures to buffer national economies from the ongoing economic downturn. Experts debate the potential effects of a trend toward protectionism.      Hanesbrands Relocates Manufacturing to Asia Hanesbrands underwear company has closed 30 plants in North and South America, putting thousands out of work, while relocating its factories to Asian countries. Jeffrey Kaye of KCET-Los Angeles reports.      Public, Bankers, Analysts Debate Merits of Obama's Foreclosure Plan Reaction in the banking world and among the public to President Barack Obama's plan to ease home foreclosures has proven mixed. Analysts debate the plan's merits and examine what the measure may mean for homeowners and lenders.      The Amazing Adventures of 'Savings Man' In the latest of his series of reports on the financial crisis, Paul Solman speaks to the founder of an organization funding creative public service ads on saving money.      WEDNESDAY, February 18, 2009 Obama Unveils Plan to Curb Home Foreclosures President Barack Obama unveiled a $75 billion plan to ease the mortgage crisis that helped trigger the country's economic crisis. Kwame Holman reports on the president's announcement and other economic news of the day.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Markets Flat, Calif. Budget Deal in Peril In Wednesday's other news, Wall Street was flat, and controversy in the California state Senate has endangered a fragile deal over the state's budget crisis.      Obama's Mortgage Plan Marks Next Step in Recovery Effort One day after signing the stimulus bill, President Barack Obama unveiled a plan Wednesday to stem the foreclosure crisis. White House adviser Lawrence Summers offers insight on the recovery strategy.    Obama: The First 100 Days As Obama Departs for First Official Trip Abroad, Canada Mired in Economic Woes President Barack Obama makes his first foreign trip to Canada on Thursday. NewsHour correspondent Tom Bearden reports on what items top Canadians' agenda, including trade and the economy.      Renewed Focus on Afghan-Pakistan Region Includes Broad Policy Review The Obama team is casting a renewed focus on the Afghan-Pakistan corridor, including a broad review of policy on the region. Special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke outlines efforts to define U.S. goals for the region.      Amid Ethics Questions, Sen. Burris Pressured to Resign Ethical concerns are mounting over new revelations that Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., was asked to raise money for impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich. NewsHour correspondent Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW in Chicago gives an update.      TUESDAY, February 17, 2009 Obama Signs Economic Stimulus Package Into Law President Barack Obama signed the landmark $787 billion economic stimulus package Tuesday. Kwame Holman reports on the president's latest efforts to communicate his economic plans in visits to cities around the country.      Other News: Automakers Race to Submit Restructuring Plans, Stocks Sink In Tuesday's other news, automakers raced to submit new restructuring plans and U.S. markets tumbled further on worries about the auto industry and the deepening recession.      Amid State Struggles, Calif. Faces Deep Budget Shortfall As the stimulus goes into motion, states around the nation are facing budget shortfalls. California is facing a particularly dire situation, with thousands of jobs on the line.      With Green Energy's Limitations, Scientists Hunt for Alternatives As the Obama administration highlights the importance of finding and investing in renewable energy, states such as California are trying to determine whether wind, solar and other renewables can replace a significant amount of fossil fuel. Spencer Michels reports.      Bipartisanship Put to Test in Light of Political Realities When the stimulus bill was passed with no Republican votes in the House and little GOP support in the Senate, questions arose on the state of bipartisan ties with the new Obama administration. Historians give their perspectives on how bipartisanship fares in times of crisis.    Obama: The First 100 Days Author Offers New Look at 'Hemingses of Monticello' National Book Award-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed speaks about her book, "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family" and what sparked her interest in the family's complex history.      MONDAY, February 16, 2009 Global Markets Sputter as U.S. Focuses on Stimulus The economy continued its decline, with Japan reporting a worse recession than in Europe and America. Tom Bearden gives an update on the world economic outlook.      States Hope Stimulus Will Boost Sagging Local Economies With state officials scrutinizing the stimulus plan for funding they hope will revive regional economies, four business writers examine what the real impact may look like.      Other News: California Fails to Resolve Budget Crisis, Burris Denies Dishonesty In the day's other news headlines, California lawmakers failed to resolve the state's budget crisis, and Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., denied any dishonesty over his contacts with ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.      Referendum Results Empower Chavez to Continue 'Socialist Revolution' Venezuelans voted to lift a two-term constitutional limit on the presidential term, allowing Hugo Chavez to run for office again in 2012. Analysts discuss what this means for the future of Venezuelan politics.      Three Decades After Revolution, Iran Remains Mystery Thirty years after the Islamic revolution in Iran, the country remains a complicated nation torn between its tradition and its future. NPR's Steve Inskeep discusses what he found on a reporting trip to the country.    Governing Iran Foreclosure Crisis in California Devastates Some Neighborhoods In California, one in 25 homes faces foreclosure. Areas such as Inland Empire, known as "the affordable Orange County," are particularly hard-hit. KCET's "SoCal Connected" program reports on the crisis.      At Age 112, Montana Resident Reflects on More Than a Century of Changes Born in 1896, Walter Breuning of Great Falls, Mont., is the oldest living man in the United States. Breuning discusses his lifetime spent working for the railroads and the changes he has witnessed.      FRIDAY, February 13, 2009 Final Stimulus Package Aimed at Jolting Sluggish Economy The stimulus bill neared final approval in Congress Friday after weeks of tough debate. After a recap of the developments, Obama economic adviser Christina Romer discusses the plan.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: New York Plane Crash Kills 50, Markets Fall on Economic Doubts In Friday's other news, a commuter plane crash killed 50 near Buffalo, New York and the Dow Jones Industrial Average had its lowest finish since last November.      Stimulus Battle, Obama Cabinet Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks mull the political news of the week, including the battle in Congress over the stimulus bill and Sen. Judd Gregg's decision to drop his bid to become the Obama administration's commerce chief.    Political Wrap Darwin's 200th Birthday Celebrations Span the Globe People worldwide celebrated Charles Darwin, the "father of evolution's" 200th birthday this week, honoring his extraordinary impact on science and history. Analysts discuss the man, his legacy and the ongoing debates raging over his core theories.      Society's Ability to Weather Crisis Largely Depends on Leaders' Positions Nations with leaders who are keenly affected by their own decisions may weather crises better than those whose leaders are further removed, according to author Jared Diamond. Diamond discusses his new book "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" with NewsHour Business correspondent Paul Solman.      THURSDAY, February 12, 2009 Gregg Withdrawal Deals New Setback to Obama Cabinet Commerce Secretary-designate Judd Gregg became the latest Cabinet nominee to withdraw from consideration, citing key differences with President Barack Obama on economic issues and the forthcoming Census. Washington Post reporter Chris Cillizza discusses the development.    Obama: The First 100 Days Bipartisan Buy-in on Final Stimulus Bill Could Hinge on Jobs Lawmakers continued Thursday to nail down the details of the economic stimulus bill in a push toward a final vote. Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty examine the bill's effectiveness and react to news of Judd Gregg's withdrawal from the Cabinet.      Other News: Wall Street Slumps, Satellites Collide In Thursday's other news, stocks fell on Wall Street and a Russian and U.S. satellite collided over Siberia in the largest accident of its kind.      Zimbabwe Power-sharing Agreement Finalized Longtime Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai entered into a formal power-sharing agreement Wednesday. NPR correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton updates the story from Harare.      Obama Honors Lincoln's 200th Birthday, Draws Parallels President Obama spoke at the Lincoln Memorial Thursday to celebrate the former president's 200th birthday, praising his ability to bridge deep divides and bring unity to a fractured nation. Historians mull Lincoln's legacy and its relevance today.      Transcript of Lincoln Inspires Poem for 16th President Poet and journalist Cynthia Zarin often writes poems inspired by news articles. In 1989, she came across a story about a handwritten transcript found in a shoebox. It recorded a case in which then-lawyer Abraham Lincoln successfully defended a man on trial for murder. The article inspired her to write "Of Lincoln."    NewsHour Poetry Series WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2009 Congress Strikes Tentative $789B Deal on Stimulus Plan Congressional leaders announced that they have reached a deal on a stimulus plan Wednesday -- although talks continued late in the day on the bill's final details. The Hotline's Amy Walter discusses the negotiations and Jeffrey Brown reports on the day's Congressional testimony on the financial rescue plan.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: FBI Investigates Corporate Fraud, Tornadoes Rip Through Oklahoma In other news of the day, the FBI announced its investigation of more than 500 potential cases of corporate fraud, and tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma killed at least 8, destroying homes and businesses.      Israel Faces Political Deadlock Following Elections Tzipi Livni and Benjamin Netanyahu both claimed victory in Israel's parliamentary elections, with close vote totals throwing the prospects for building a ruling coalition into limbo. Analysts discuss the results and what they mean for the region's political future.    Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Number of Newly Uninsured Americans Rises Along With Jobless Rate After more than 2 million American workers were laid off in the past three months, the numbers who have lost their health insurance and applied for Medicaid have also risen rapidly. Betty Ann Bowser speaks with Connecticut residents struggling to stay insured.    The Uninsured in America Detroit Program Aims to Provide Job Training, Hope in Tough Times Eleanor Josaitis co-founded the Detroit program Focus: Hope more than three decades ago to provide job training and other opportunities to the city's residents. With the U.S. mired in a recession and the auto industry future uncertain, her group is reinventing itself.    Social Entrepreneurship TUESDAY, February 10, 2009 Geithner Revamps Bank Rescue Plan The Treasury Department outlined an overhaul of the financial rescue plan Tuesday as the stimulus bill moved forward. Economists and analysts react to the developments.    Obama: The First 100 Days In Other News, Oil Prices Plunge, General Motors Announces More Job Cuts In other news of the day, the price of oil plunged after the energy department predicted shrinking demand, and General Motors announced it will cut 10,000 jobs.      New Steroid Revelations Cast Fresh Scrutiny on Baseball Yankees star Alex Rodriguez recently admitted to using steroids early in his career and Miguel Tejada of the Houston Astros is now charged with lying to Congress about steroid use in professional baseball. Sports writers discuss the "steroids era" of baseball.      On the 30th Anniversary of the Revolution, Iranian Leaders Mull the Future Political and religious leaders in Iran are dealing with vast changes in the country's society since the revolution 30 years ago, including President Obama's suggestion for dialogue. Lindsey Hilsum, of Independent Television News, reports. Governing Iran MONDAY, February 9, 2009 Obama Makes Case to Nation for Stimulus Plan President Barack Obama gave a prime-time press conference Monday to make his case to the public for an economic stimulus plan and to respond to other policy issues. Following is the text of Mr. Obama's prepared statement and the full audio of the president's remarks and his answers to reporter questions.    Obama: The First 100 Days Obama Courts Public Support for Economic Stimulus Plan President Obama traveled to Indiana Monday and planned a primetime news conference to build support for the stimulus bill that is nearing a final Senate vote. Reporters examine the next steps for the stimulus plan.    Obama: The First 100 Days Recession's Effects Batter New York School District The Peekskill, N.Y., public school district is suffering from the deepening recession's ripple effects, which will force administrators to cut student bus services, teachers' positions and arts programs. Special correspondent John Tulenko of Learning Matters reports.      Other News: Geithner Makes TARP Changes; 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner finalized a plan outlining changes to the TARP plan Congress passed last year, and four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq Monday in a suicide car bombing.      Death Toll Grows in Australian Wildfires The death toll has risen in Australia's worst wildfire disaster in history, and the extremely fast-moving fires caught many off-guard. Independent Television News correspondent Libby Weiner reports.   Arson Suspected in Deadly Australian Wildfires The death toll has reached 166 in Australia's worst wildfires in its history, and police suspect arsons might have caused some of the fires in the southeastern part of the country. A reporter provides an update from Sydney.      Munich Security Summit Focuses on Combating Afghan Insurgency A security conference held in Munich, Germany, over the weekend focused on NATO efforts to help Afghanistan quell a Taliban resurgence and allow redevelopment to proceed. Tom Bearden reports, followed by analysts examining the options for better securing Afghanistan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Valentine's Day May Mean More to Retailers Than Lovers Guest Essayist Nancy Gibbs of Time magazine reflects on the true meaning of Valentine's Day, and determines that it isn't about greeting cards, chocolates, diamonds or flowers.    Essays FRIDAY, February 6, 2009 Gloomy Job Numbers Signal New Woes for Economy U.S. employers cut 598,000 jobs in January, bringing the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent, in another sign of the deepening recession. It was the worst one-month job loss since 1974.      Axelrod Reflects on Struggles Over Stimulus, Troubled Cabinet Bids White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod discusses President Barack Obama's stance in the struggle to pass a stimulus bill and reflects on errors made in how the Obama team has handled some of the nominations to top administration positions.    Obama: The First 100 Days In Other News, Stocks Rise on Wall Street, Calif. Budget Crisis Deepens Despite a dismal jobs report, the market rose as the Senate began debating the economic stimulus bill. California closed most of its government offices today due to its worsening budget shortfalls, forcing more than 200,000 state workers to stay home without pay.      Good Bank vs. Bad Bank: Segregating Toxic Assets Might Help U.S. Economy Rebound Business correspondent Paul Solman explores the problem of banks holding toxic assets and explains how the Swedes successfully emerged from a similar economic crisis by splitting banks into "good" and "bad" categories.      Shields and Brooks Mull Stimulus Debate, Obama's Next Policy Steps Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the tough debate on Capitol Hill over the stimulus bill, the tax trouble that ended Tom Daschle's Cabinet nomination and how President Obama is faring so far.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, February 5, 2009 Lawmakers Wrangle Over Costs of Stimulus Package Senate Democrats pushed for more votes on an economic stimulus bill Thursday amid efforts to trim the plan's costs. Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag and Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., offer their views.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Jobless Claims Rise; Ginsburg Hospitalized Jobless claims rose and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Jim Lehrer reports on these and other news developments of the day.      CIA Nominee Panetta May Face Overhaul of Counterterrorism Measures As CIA director nominee Leon Panetta undergoes Senate confirmation scrutiny, he faces the job of leading an intelligence agency that is changing course on interrogation tactics and other policies. A former CIA official and a reporter weigh in on the matter.      Vatican Orders Bishop to Recant Holocaust Denial After encountering international criticism, the Vatican has demanded that a bishop whose excommunication was lifted last month by Pope Benedict XVI recant his denial of the Holocaust. A National Catholic reporter gives an update.      WEDNESDAY, February 4, 2009 Obama Limits Executive Pay for Firms Tied to Bailout President Obama announced Monday new caps on executive pay for those firms receiving federal bailout aid. Analysts examine the new guidelines.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Senate Debates Stimulus, Obama Signs Child Health Care Bill The debate over the stimulus bill continued in the Senate and President Obama signed legislation to increase health care spending for low-income children. Jim Lehrer reports on this and other news of the day.      'Buy American' Clause in Stimulus Sparks Controversy Foreign governments are outraged over a provision of the stimulus bill requiring that any manufactured goods used in public works projects connected with stimulus money come from American suppliers. Experts mull the dispute.      Global Economic Downturn Slams Ireland, Spares Poland The economic slump is affecting European Union member countries very differently. In Ireland, companies are laying off workers, while the Polish economy is growing. Special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye reports.      SEC Slammed During Madoff Hearing for Ignoring Alleged Ponzi Scheme Lawmakers and a whistle-blower blasted the Securities and Exchange Commission during Congressional hearings into the case of Bernard Madoff, a Wall Street investor accused of massive fraud. Kwame Holman reports.      Congress Votes to Delay Switch to Digital TV Until June Congress passed a bill Wednesday delaying the transition from analog to digital television until June to give Americans more time to prepare for the switch. A reporter gives an update.      TUESDAY, February 3, 2009 Tax Lapses Derail Daschle and Killefer Nominations Two prominent Obama nominees, Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer, withdrew their nominations Tuesday over controversies surrounding tax lapses. Political reporters mull the impact.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Auto Sales Drop, Pakistan Supply Route Cut U.S. auto companies reported deep losses in sales Tuesday, while a key supply route was bombed in Pakistan. Judy Woodruff reports on these developments and other news headlines of the day.      Spending, Tax Cuts in Stimulus Package Provoke Fierce Debate in Senate Opponents of the stimulus package moving through the Senate are skeptical of the bill's increasing size, and of certain proposals they claim would not effectively boost the economy. Senators Jack Reed and John Thune debate the measure.    Obama: The First 100 Days New Orleans Schools Try New Ways to Combat Truancy In New Orleans, truancy is a continuing problem for schools struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. John Merrow continues his series on troubled public schools.      On Frontline, a Personal Look at Parkinson's Frontline correspondent Dave Iverson recently learned he has Parkinson's disease, like his father and brother before him. Iverson discusses his personal struggle and the latest medical research.      MONDAY, February 2, 2009 Ethical, Legal Challenges Loom in Vetting Cabinet Choices While some of President Obama's Cabinet picks have sailed through confirmation, others have hit snags, such as Tom Daschle's recent admission of past tax mistakes. Analysts mull the pitfalls of cabinet-building.    Obama: The First 100 Days In Other News, Senate Debates Stimulus Plan as Pittsburgh Heralds Super Bowl Win The Senate resumed debate on the $900 economic stimulus package that hit snags among Republicans concerned about the rising costs of the package. Jim Lehrer reports on this and other top news of the day.      Iraqi Provincial Elections Shed New Light on Country's Political Progress Saturday's provincial elections in Iraq went relatively smoothly with more than 7 million Iraqis -- roughly half of all voters -- participating. Analysts examine what the poll says about Iraq's political system and its readiness to govern when U.S. troops depart.    Iraq in Transition Tenn. Coal Ash Disaster Raises Concerns about Similar Sites Nationwide In December, tons of spilled coal ash devastated the town of Kingston, Tenn. Tom Bearden reports on the disaster's effects on residents, cleanup efforts and the debate over safety standards for other coal ash storage sites around the country.      Reporters Assess Effectiveness of Proposed Stimulus Plan As Congress shapes the stimulus package, the debate rages on over what parts of the bill will be most effective in reviving the country's ailing economy. Business reporters analyze the plan's components.      NOVA Explores the Role of Technology in Espionage An excerpt of Tuesday's NOVA program sheds light on the role of technology in espionage, focusing on the National Security Agency's surveillance of Osama bin Laden.      2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997

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