 | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Global Trade Freezes Amid Economic Downturn Economics correspondent Paul Solman returns to the trade hub of Long Beach, Calif., to check on how the import and export business has been impacted by the global economic crisis.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Rethinking Regulation's Role in a Struggling Economy A new government report cites continued oversight problems for the $700 billion federal rescue plan. Ray Suarez examines emerging views on regulation's role in the U.S. economy and the possible creation of a government-run "bad bank" that would help take soured assets off the books of U.S. institutions.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Shields and Brooks Weigh Illinois, RNC Actions Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks consider the Republican National Committee's selection of a new chairman and Illinois politics following the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | THURSDAY, January 29, 2009

 Obama Lashes Out at Wall Street Over Bonuses President Barack Obama lashed out at Wall Street Thursday over reports that executives collected more than $18 billion in bonuses last year as his economic stimulus package headed to the Senate for review. Kwame Holman reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Blagojevich Ousted From Office, Stocks Fall Sharply The Illinois state Senate officially removed Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office over the fallout from a corruption scandal and stocks fell sharply on another day of bleak economic news. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other news headlines.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Scientists Hope to Renew Stem Cell Advances Stem cell scientists anticipate a loosening of federal research funding restrictions under the Obama administration despite otherwise shrinking budgets. Spencer Michels reports on where stem cell research stands and how scientists think it may change in the coming years.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Concern Grows Over Deadly Outbreak of Salmonella Poisoning Federal investigators uncovered new details this week about conditions at a Georgia food factory that produced salmonella-tainted peanut products, which have killed eight and sickened hundreds more. Elizabeth Weise of USA Today updates the story.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Issue of Military Suicides Continues to Raise Concern Army officials said Thursday that suicides among troops are at their highest level in decades. In 2008, the Army suicide rate surpassed the civilian rate for the first time since the Vietnam War. In this encore report, Betty Ann Bowser examines the problem of veteran suicides.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama: The First 100 Days |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Global Economic Growth Slows, Early Voting Begins in Iraq Economists at the International Monetary Fund predict that the global economy will grow by less than one percent in 2009 and Iraqis went to the polls for early voting in provincial elections, with the rest of the country set to vote on Saturday. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other headlines.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 In Iowa, Questions Arise on Impact of Ethanol Production Al Gore testified before Congress Wednesday on the urgency of energy policy reform and made the case for easing America's reliance on carbon-based fuels. Heidi Cullen of Climate Central reports on an emerging debate over the changing land use and impact of ethanol production in Iowa.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Pope Draws Criticism for Pardoning Bishop Pope Benedict XVI's decision to reinstate Bishop Richard Williamson, who has made comments denying the full extent of the Holocaust and the existence of gas chambers during World War II, has drawn sharp criticism. A reporter discusses the controversy.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | TUESDAY, January 27, 2009

 Obama Tries to Bolster Republican Support For Stimulus President Obama headed to Capitol Hill Tuesday to try to garner bipartisan support for his economic stimulus plan, which some Republican congressional leaders have criticized for not doing enough to create and preserve jobs. Ray Suarez reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 In Calling for Bipartisanship, Obama Faces New Tests President Barack Obama has promised to bring a more conciliatory brand of politics to Washington as lawmakers grapple over the economic stimulus bill and foreign policy decisions. Analysts discuss some of the president's first, and most important, legislative tests.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Mitchell Travels to Middle East, Gates Announces Afghanistan Troop Increase U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell began his first trip to the region Tuesday, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Afghanistan America's "greatest military challenge" as he announced that thousands more troops will be sent there this spring. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other news developments.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Obama Addresses Arab World in First Post-Inaugural Interview In his first extensive post-inaugural interview, President Obama assured Muslims that America was not an enemy. Hisham Melhem, Washington bureau chief of Al Arabiya, discusses the Middle East's reaction to the Al-Arabiya interview and Obama's challenges ahead in the region.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Acclaimed American Author John Updike Dies at Age 76 John Updike, one of the most prolific and popular American authors of his generation who chronicled the drama of everyday suburban life, died Tuesday, his publisher said. Writer Nicholas Delbanco, a former student of Updike's, remembers his friend and mentor.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | MONDAY, January 26, 2009

 On Day Six, Obama Takes on Global Warming President Barack Obama asked regulators to reconsider waivers that would allow California and other states to set their own standards for auto emissions and responded to new concerns about the economy at the start of his first full week in office. Jeffrey Brown reports on the developments.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Stocks Edge Higher, Iceland's Government Collapses Stocks edged higher Tuesday despite a new round of U.S. job cuts and Iceland's coalition government collapsed amid fallout from the global economic crisis. Judy Woodruff recaps the day's news headlines.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Obama Orders Regulators to Revisit Fuel Standards President Barack Obama pledged renewed U.S. leadership to fight global warming Monday, as he ordered regulators to revisit the tightening of fuel-economy standards for new cars and trucks. Experts debate the significance of the announcement for automakers.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Global Warming Debate |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Switch to Digital TV Prompts Concerns, Calls for Delay The impending switch to digital TV has caused confusion in some households and prompted Congress to consider delaying the switchover even further over concerns that the message has not yet reached some important groups. Kwame Holman reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Blagojevich Trial, Minnesota Recount Case Begin A lawsuit challenging the results of the Minnesota Senate race went to court Tuesday and the state impeachment trial of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich began. Amy Walter of the Hotline updates the stories as well as the latest on the naming of a replacement for a New York Senate seat.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 European Markets Tumble, Missiles Strike Pakistan European markets plunged Friday and Britain officially declared itself in a recession. Elsewhere in the world, suspected American missiles killed more than a dozen people in Pakistan; five militants were reportedly among the dead. Jim Lehrer reports on these events and other news.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | THURSDAY, January 22, 2009

 Obama's Day Two Brings Policy Changes, New Staff President Barack Obama's second full day in office brought more policy decisions and staffing moves, including the naming of two diplomatic envoys for the Middle East and Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kwame Holman reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Obama Moves Quickly to Name Mideast, Afghan Envoys President Barack Obama has named two diplomatic heavyweights to be special envoys to the Middle East and the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Analysts discuss what the moves say about Mr. Obama's emerging foreign policy.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Tech Industry Faces Struggles Amid Economic Slump Microsoft announced a drop in earnings and unprecedented job cuts, and the Intel Corporation revealed plans to shutter five plants and lay off thousands of workers Thursday. Lee Hochberg examines how the technology industry is weathering the economic crisis.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | WEDNESDAY, January 21, 2009

 On First Day in Office, Obama Tackles the Economy, Iraq On his first full day in office, President Barack Obama set to work on the top issues facing his administration including the economy and the war in Iraq and signed an executive order on ethics for White House employees. Kwame Holman reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Change Comes Quickly to the White House Web Site To further President Barack Obama's pledge for more government transparency, the White House plans to use the Internet to communicate directly with citizens and expand technology's role in the presidency. Ray Suarez reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Clinton Confirmed for State, Congress Works on Stimulus Congress officially began working on the $825 billion stimulus package offered by House Democrats today and Hillary Clinton was confirmed as Secretary of State. Jim Lehrer reports on these events and the other news of the day.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | TUESDAY, January 20, 2009

 Transcript: Obama's Inaugural Address Following is the text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address, as prepared for delivery and distributed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

 

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Washington Braces for Massive Inauguration Day Turnout From transportation plans to inauguration security details, D.C. officials are bracing for one of the biggest days in the city's history. Ray Suarez reports on the massive challenges organizers face and some of the problems involved in managing the crowds.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Foundation Invites Disadvantaged to Attend Inauguration 'The People's Inaugural Project,' a faith-based charity program founded by Earl Stafford, will bring 400 disadvantaged people to Washington D.C. for Inauguration Day to stay in a hotel and participate in meals, balls, and parties. Mr. Stafford discusses the $1.5 million undertaking.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | The Inauguration of Barack Obama |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |  | THURSDAY, January 15, 2009

 Text: President Bush's Farewell Address Following is text, as prepared for delivery and distributed to media organizations by the White House, of President Bush's farewell address Thursday.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Holder Fields Tough Questions in Confirmation Hearing Attorney General nominee Eric Holder answered questions at his Senate confirmation hearing on wiretapping, defining torture, and his involvement in the Clinton Administration's controversial pardons. Analysts probe the major issues of Holder's hearing.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Boehner Outlines GOP Views on Obama's Stimulus Plan House Minority Leader John Boehner outlined his views of President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan Thursday, criticizing the size of the spending packages and saying the focus should be on providing quick relief to families and small businesses.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Steve Jobs' Medical Leave Raises Questions for Apple Apple CEO Steve Jobs' decision to take six months of medical leave for an illness he has deemed a "horomone imbalance" caused the company's stock to fall sharply. Spencer Michels examines Jobs' singular influence in the technology world.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Geithner Hearing Delayed Amid Tax Controversy The Senate finance committee postponed Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy Geithner's confirmation hearing until next week after reports emerged of problems with Geithner's federal tax return payments. A Wall Street Journal reporter details the latest.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Economists Place Their Bets With Predictions for 2009 In the second of his new series on making sense of financial news, Paul Solman asks economists for predictions for the year ahead and interviews "standup economist" Yoram Bauman, who mines financial news for comedic material.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Clinton Faces Questions on Bid to Become Top Diplomat Secretary of State nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton's Senate confirmation hearing began Tuesday, when she answered questions on a range of foreign policy issues. Clinton also defended herself against criticisms of conflicts of interest linked to foreign contributions to her husband's charitable foundation.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Energy, Education Nominees Begin Confirmation Hearings Along with Secretary of State nominee Hillary Clinton, the nominees for Secretary of Education and Secretary of Energy began their Senate confirmation hearings Tuesday on Capitol Hill. Ray Suarez reports on the process.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Finding Good Principals Proves Critical to D.C. Schools Reform Washington, D.C., schools chief Michelle Rhee closed 23 schools and fired 40 principals last summer as part of an overhaul of the public school system. John Merrow reports on one principal's reaction to Rhee's dramatic approach and how her reform efforts are faring.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Poet Elizabeth Alexander Reflects on Inaugural Reading Only a few poets have participated in the swearing-in ceremony for our nation's highest office, and on Jan. 20, Elizabeth Alexander will become just the fourth to hold that honor when she will recite an original poem at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Bush Looks Back on Presidency in Final Press Conference In what he called "the ultimate exit interview," President George W. Bush gave his final press conference Monday, admitting to some mistakes while defending the bulk of his decisions on domestic, economic, and foreign policy.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 At a Presidency's End, Reflections on the Bush Legacy President George W. Bush gave his final press conference Monday, admitting to some mistakes while defending his actions on national security and the economy. Analysts look back on Mr. Bush's eight years in office.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Gaza Conflict Reverberates on Beirut Streets Beirut, once known as the Paris of the Middle East, has more recently seen decades of civil war and conflict -- and the growing power of Hezbollah as a political party. Jeffrey Brown reports from the Lebanese capital on reaction to the Gaza conflict there.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 U.S.-Mexico Ties May Hinge on Drug War, Economy President-elect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon Monday, emphasizing the importance of strong U.S.-Mexico relations. Analysts discuss how Mr. Obama may handle the ties in light of Mexico's drug war and the global economic downturn.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 |  | FRIDAY, January 9, 2009

 Obama Inauguration Teacher Forum What can you do with your students before January 20 to make the experience more meaningful? How can you sustain interest in politics and civics? Two teaching experts answered your questions on teaching the Obama inauguration during a 20-minute discussion.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 December Job Losses Compound Economic Woes Unemployment rose to 7.2 percent in December, the highest since 1993, according to a new report from the Labor Department. Employers cut 524,000 jobs, and some economy-watchers fear more cuts are still to come. Ray Suarez reports.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Report Faults Lax Oversight of Treasury's Bailout Funds A congressional panel has criticized the Treasury Department's oversight of the $700 billion financial industry bailout. The panel's report says the rescue funds have failed to alleviate the foreclosure crisis and the department has not kept a thorough record of spending. A senator explains the findings.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Humanitarian Concerns Mount in Gaza as U.N. Calls for Cease-fire As fighting continued in Gaza Friday, U.N. officials said they would resume their aid shipments to Palestinians after receiving assurances from the Israel that aid workers would be better protected. U.N. and Israeli officials give their views on the situation.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Daschle Pledges Bipartisan Health Care Reform Effort During a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday, Health and Human Services nominee Tom Daschle pledged to lead a bipartisan health care reform effort, based on evidence and not ideology. Experts discuss the challenges he will face if confirmed.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Presidents Gather at Historic White House Meeting Every living U.S. president -- George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter -- came together at the White House on Wednesday to meet with President-elect Barack Obama. Historians mull the advice the former presidents may have offered Mr. Obama.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Unrest Spreads in China as Economy Worsens Chinese leaders are facing new pressures amid fears that a national social crisis is looming, brought on by millions of job losses and a surge in public protests. Nick Paton Walsh of Independent Television News reports.

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Obama's Picks for Top Intel Jobs Stir Mixed Reactions President-elect Barack Obama's appointments for the nation's top intelligence jobs were met with skepticism by some members of Congress who expected candidates with more intelligence experience. Intelligence analysts mull the appointments.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 States Faces Shortages of Primary Care Doctors While universal healthcare legislation in Massachusetts means more people today are insured, the new demand for primary care doctors outstrips the supply. Educational loans, low wages and fights with insurance companies are turning growing numbers of students away from the field. Betty Ann Bowser reports.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 U.S. Intensifies Push for Cease-fire in Gaza President-elect Barack Obama has said that the Middle East will be a top foreign policy priority, but the task of negotiating a cease-fire to the current burst of Gaza fighting still falls to the Bush administration. Analysts examine the U.S. role in Mideast peace talks.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Obama's Transition to Power |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Even Insured Patients Struggle as Health Care Costs Rise As health insurance premiums and deductibles rise, even patients with health insurance are finding it difficult to keep up with escalating costs. Betty Ann Bowser reports on the challenges facing the "underinsured" in Nashville, Tenn.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Congress Asks Regulators for Answers in Madoff Scandal Congress questioned federal regulators during a hearing Monday about why so many warning signs surrounding the business dealings of Wall Street investor Bernard Madoff went unnoticed. New York Times reporter Alex Berenson details the latest developments.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Infrastructure Spending May be Key to Boosting Economy Some economists believe increasing government spending on infrastructure is the only way out of the nation's economic crisis. Paul Solman reports on how infrastructure spending may be a crucial way to resuscitate the economy.

 

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Arts Funding Feels Squeeze of Economic Downturn Many arts organizations that depend on endowments and both individual and corporate donations are struggling to cope with budget shortfalls in the midst of the economic downturn. Analysts discuss the recession's impact on arts and cultural organizations.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Documentary Traces Family's Struggle After Katrina Herbert Gettridge struggled for years to rebuild his New Orleans home in the lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina. In an interview, producer June Cross describes how she documented Gettridge's story in "The Old Man and the Storm" which airs on "Frontline" on Jan. 6.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Rebuilding the Gulf Coast |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Israel Considers Ground Attack as Conflict Escalates Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed senior Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan as the Israeli government said it was ready to begin operations towards a ground invasion. New York Times reporter Ethan Bronner discusses the conflict.

   

 |  |
|  |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |    | 
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Journalists Look Back on Tumultuous Financial Year The economy experienced an extraordinary year of volatility in 2008 with the collapse of major financial firms and huge market losses. Financial writers discuss the year's significance and the road ahead in 2009.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Volatile Fuel Prices Shift Off-shore Drilling Debate The past year's volatile gas prices are impacting the ongoing debate on whether to drill for oil off the coasts of Virginia and California. Spencer Michels reports on how the price swings and new technology are affecting the controversy.

   




 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
 | 
 Cuban Government Celebrates 50th Anniversary On the 50th anniversary of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in Cuba, analysts mull U.S.-Cuban relations and efforts to reform the economy and politics of the Latin American country.

   

 |  |
|  | |
 |
 |
 |
|
|  | |