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2009 MARCH TUESDAY, March 31, 2009 G20 Countries Seek Ways to Resolve Economic Crisis President Barack Obama joined leaders of the world's most powerful and developing economies for the G20 economic summit in London Tuesday. NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman reports.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 Other News: Afghan Meeting Held, Israeli PM Sworn-in An international conference to stabilize Afghanistan began in the Netherlands, and Israel's new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, pledged to work for peace with the Palestinians as he took office Tuesday.      G20 Leaders to Tout Competing Ideas on Recovery Some European leaders are at odds with President Obama's economic agenda, which encourages more stimulus spending. Analysts assess the challenges at this week's G20 summit.      New York State Election Carries National Implications A special election was held in New York state Tuesday to fill the state legislative seat vacated by now-U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg explains the national implications of the race.      Schools Cope With Rising Numbers of Homeless Students Amid the economic downturn, schools are struggling to cope with a growing number of homeless children and families. Special correspondent John Tulenko of Learning Matters reports from Wisconsin.      Khmer Rouge Torture Chief Apologizes During Tribunal Former Khmer Rouge prison chief Kaing Guek Eav apologized Tuesday for torture and executions committed at the notorious S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Cambodian author and an analyst examine the impact of the long-awaited court tribunal.      MONDAY, March 30, 2009 Obama Unveils Tough Terms for GM, Chrysler Recovery Efforts President Barack Obama outlined tough terms Monday for continued federal aid for ailing auto giants GM and Chrysler. White House adviser Austan Goolsbee, a member of the auto task force, details the plan.      Other News: Oil Prices Fall, Bomber Kills 9 in Afghanistan Oil prices dropped on worries about Detroit automakers, and a suicide bomber wearing a police uniform targeted a police station in Afghanistan, killing nine people.      Bankruptcy Option Looms as U.S. Automakers Face Shaky Future The Obama administration's call for drastic reforms of GM and Chrysler has sparked new debate on the future of Detroit's "Big Three" automakers. Analysts discuss what the restructuring effort may mean for the auto industry's future.      Fargo Residents Cope With Continued Flood Fears Residents of Fargo, N.D., are coping with ongoing fears of heavy flooding from the swollen Red River and warnings about inclement weather in the days ahead. Tom Bearden reports from the scene.      New Concerns Stir on Darfur's Humanitarian Situation Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir expelled many of the country's aid workers after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him on charges of war crimes. John Holmes of the United Nations gives an update on the humanitarian situation in Darfur.    Crisis in Sudan Pa. Hospitals Test 'Warranty' on Patient Care The Geisinger hospital system in Pennsylvania has developed a new approach to health care management, including a 90-day "warranty" on certain procedures. Betty Ann Bowser reports.      FRIDAY, March 27, 2009 Obama Sets Plan to Boost Afghan Stability, Confront Taliban and Al-Qaida President Obama's new strategy for the Afghanistan war includes 4,000 more troops and assistance to Pakistan in its fight against militants. Special envoy to the region, Richard Holbrooke, and Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus explain the plan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: N.D. Braces for Record Floodwaters In other news, North Dakota's Red River Valley is facing potential record flooding as the river rose to its highest levels in recorded history, and the Dow Jones industrial average gained nearly 7 percent for the week despite closing Friday on a down note.      Obama Banking Plan Focuses on Regulation, Credit Thaw President Obama met with banking officials Friday at the White House to discuss financial strategies that will help unfreeze the credit markets and shore up capital. Analysts assess the plan and what it might mean for banks around the country.      Afghanistan Strategy, Budget Pitch Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks mull how President Barack Obama's budget blueprint is faring in Congress and discuss his strategy for growing resources and personnel in Afghanistan.    Political Wrap Historian Discovers Positive Lessons, Community Values From Great Depression Great Depression historian Robert McElvaine found that economic downturns can lead people away from conspicuous consumption to a more community-oriented way of life.      THURSDAY, March 26, 2009 Geithner Details Plan for Major Federal Financial Regulation Reforms Telling lawmakers that the U.S. financial system has grown "too unstable and fragile," Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner rolled out the Obama administration's plans Thursday for a massive overhaul of the government's financial oversight role.      Other News: Wall Street Surge Continues In other news, the Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq both made gains and computer giant IBM announced it will cut about 5,000 jobs from its U.S. workforce.      N.D.'s Red River Valley Prepares for Massive Flooding President Barack Obama declared North Dakota a federal disaster area Thursday due to floodwaters that have closed roads and bridges throughout the Red River Valley and that weather specialists say have yet to crest. The mayor of Fargo and North Dakota's governor talk about the situation.      Seattle Coffee Company Uses Profits to Aid Bean Growers Seattle-based coffee company Pura Vida's core mission is to help its bean growers in Central America improve their lives. NewsHour special correspondent Lee Hochberg reports.    Social Entrepreneurship Obama Takes New Approach to Rallying Public Support President Barack Obama took part in an online town hall meeting Thursday, the latest in a blitz of public appearances aimed at boosting support for his economic policies. Analysts and historians offer insight on the president's outreach tactics.    Obama: The First 100 Days WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2009 Panelists Debate U.S. Response to Iran's Nuclear Ambitions Iran's uranium enrichment program, which can be used to develop weapons although Iran says it is for peaceful purposes, has prompted sanctions and sharp rebukes from the international community. In a Miller Center debate, four panelists discuss how the United States should respond to the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran.      Obama Makes Case for Budget, Congress Considers Cuts Congressional Democrats outlined plans Wednesday to scale back the Obama administration's budget plan as the president visited Capitol Hill to drum up support. Reporters examine the politics at play.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Wall Street Rallies on New Economic Data In other news, stocks rose on a Commerce Department report that orders for durable goods increased in February and news that new homes sales rose 4.5 percent.      Australian Prime Minister Rudd Discusses Global Economy, War in Afghanistan Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd met with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week to discuss the global economic crisis and military strategy in Afghanistan. Rudd offers his take on these issues in an interview with Jim Lehrer.      AIDS Orphans in South Africa Face Uncertain Future With so many South Africans struck down by AIDS, a generation of children is watching their parents die and being forced to form new family units. In his third report from South Africa, Ray Suarez explores the plight of AIDS orphans.      Kay Ryan Reflects on Role as Nation's Poet Laureate Known for compact writing and for leading a quiet life, Kay Ryan has taken on a very public role as the nation's poet laureate. For more than 30 years, she has taught remedial English in Marin County, Calif. Her poems are often praised for their wit and wisdom.    NewsHour Poetry Series Prominent Historian, Civil Rights Activist Franklin Dies at 94 John Hope Franklin, a revered Duke University historian and scholar of the African-American experience, died Wednesday at age 94. In this 2006 interview with Gwen Ifill, Franklin reflects on his life's work.      TUESDAY, March 24, 2009 Geithner and Bernanke Testify on AIG, Regulation Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before Congress on the administration's handling of executive compensation for companies receiving federal loans and asked for expanded federal regulatory powers. Jeffrey Brown reports.      Calls Intensify for Expanded Financial Regulation Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before Congress Tuesday on the flap over AIG bonuses and called for increased regulatory powers. Analysts assess the real-world impacts of strengthening financial regulation.      Other News: Wall Street Loses Some Gains In the day's other news, Wall Street lost some of its gains from the previous day's trading and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a tentative finding stating that global warming is a threat to public health.      U.S. Tightens Border Security as Mexico's Drug War Rages On Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced plans Tuesday for bolstering security along the country's southwest border in an effort to curb spillover from Mexico's deadly drug war. Betty Ann Bowser reports.      'Hillary' Movie Brings Campaign Finance Law to High Court The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case Tuesday centering on whether a documentary on Hillary Clinton should be classified as a political ad, making it subject to campaign finance laws. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle describes the case and its arguments.    Supreme Court Watch TB Thrives Among South Africa's HIV-Positive Population Tuberculosis is the No. 1 killer of patients with immune systems weakened by HIV/AIDS. In the second of three reports from South Africa, Ray Suarez looks at the deadly partnership between the diseases in the rural KwaZulu-Natal province.      MONDAY, March 23, 2009 Obama Team Launches New Plan to Buy Bad Assets From Banks White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers details the Treasury Department's plan to clear "toxic" assets from banks through a combination of public and private investment.      Other News: Home Sales Rise, Mexico Drug War Escalates In the day's other news, reports showing increased home sales helped fuel a rally on Wall Street and the Mexican government announced it will offer $2 million each for the arrest of 24 top drug lords in its latest effort to curb drug-related violence.      Toxic Asset Plan May Woo Investors, but Long-term Impact Is Unclear While markets rose Monday on details of the toxic asset plan, critics voiced concern over taxpayer risk and the need for a long-term fix to financial sector troubles. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman and Donald Marron of Lightyear Capital debate the details.      Glut of Foreclosed Homes Encourages Scams, Desperation With the national foreclosure rate still climbing, some chose to live in foreclosed homes while others have been the victims of "rent skimmers," people who pretend to own a foreclosed property and scam tenants out of thousands of dollars in security deposits and fees. Special Correspondent Jeffrey Kaye reports from Los Angeles.      South Africa Looks to Set New Course in HIV/AIDS Fight South Africa's new health minister is promoting testing, treatment and frank dialogue about HIV. But many challenges lie ahead in managing the epidemic, as Ray Suarez reports in the first of his three-part series of reports from South Africa.      FRIDAY, March 20, 2009 Federal Deficit Projected to Hit $1.8 Trillion New figures released Friday by the Congressional Budget Office predict the federal budget deficit will hit $1.8 trillion in 2009, billions of dollars more than previous estimates several weeks ago. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Wall Street Ends Second Week of Gains In other news, Wall Street closed its second straight week of gains and President Obama reached out to Iranians through a taped video message encouraging public engagement and dialogue.      Students Voice Economic Woes, Catch Obama's Attention High school students in Pomona, Calif., articulated the struggles of millions of Americans by making a video called, "Is Anybody Listening?" about the economic hardships they have faced. KCET's "SoCal Connected" examines their story, which ends with a visit by President Obama.      Author Traces Demise of Bear Stearns in 'House of Cards' Author William Cohen discusses his book "House of Cards," which tells the story of how investment banking giant Bear Stearns collapsed in 2008.      AIG Bonus Outrage, Deficit Complicate Obama Agenda With Washington still railing against more than $160 million of bonuses at insurance giant AIG, Mark Shields and Byron York consider the impact of the furor and the new estimates of the growing federal deficit on President Obama's agenda.    Political Wrap Women Make Gains, but Still Struggle in Afghanistan Much has improved for Afghan women and girls in the areas of education and community support since the removal of the Taliban regime in 2001, but incidents of violence and traditional practices such as forced marriages continue. Margaret Warner reports from Afghanistan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror THURSDAY, March 19, 2009 Anger at AIG Continues as House Passes Tax on Bonuses The House voted Thursday to impose a 90 percent tax on some bonuses at AIG and other bailout-funded companies. Editorial writers describe reaction to the controversy across the country.      Other News: Treasury OKs Aid for Auto Parts Suppliers In the day's other news headlines, the Treasury Department approved a $5 billion aid infusion for auto parts suppliers and jobless claims rose less drastically than expected.      Germany Navigates Course Through Economic Slump German economic minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg speaks with Paul Solman about the country's view on economic stimulus measures and how Europe is handling the global financial crisis.      Studies Cast New Doubt on Prostate Cancer Screening Recent studies show that screenings for prostate cancer may not reduce death rates and may also lead to unnecessary treatment. A medical researcher discusses the latest findings.      Karzai: Additional U.S. Troops 'Seven Years Too Late' In an interview with Margaret Warner, Afghan President Hamid Karzai welcomed additional U.S. troops, but said they were "seven years too late." He also endorsed reaching out to members of the Taliban who embraced the Afghan constitution.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2009 Outcry Over AIG May Pose Challenge to Obama's Agenda President Barack Obama issued a new defense Wednesday in the firestorm over AIG bonuses as the AIG chief testified on Capitol Hill. Analysts offer insight on the political impact.      Other News: Biden Urges Wise Use of Stimulus Funds In the day's other news headlines, Wall Street rallied after the Fed announced more funds to stimulate the economy and Vice President Joe Biden warned county and city officials not to squander stimulus funds.      Fed to Pump Another $1 Trillion Into Economy The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it will devote another $1.2 trillion to unfreeze credit markets and help stimulate the sluggish economy. Greg Ip of The Economist provides details on the move.      Afghan Daily Life Offers New Opportunities, Old Problems Nearly eight years after the ouster of the Taliban in Afghanistan, military operations and political shifts have changed the daily lives of the Afghan people in unexpected ways. Margaret Warner reports on day-to-day life, the drug trade and corruption in the country.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Author Discusses Bankers' Role in the Great Depression Author Liaquat Ahamed explores the role of bankers leading up to the Great Depression in his book, "Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World."      Essayist Says a Reluctant Goodbye to Winter Despite the harsh weather that pummeled her hometown, essayist Julia Keller of the Chicago Tribune laments the passing of winter and the time of reflection it brings.    Essays TUESDAY, March 17, 2009 Calls Intensify on Capitol Hill to Recover AIG Bonuses Lawmaker anger continued Tuesday over AIG's bonus payments, with some calling for recovery of the funds. Business writers weigh varying views on the bonus debate.      Other News: New Home Construction Surges in Jan.; Caterpillar Plans Layoffs Construction of new homes and apartments surged more than 22 percent in January, and the Caterpillar company plans to lay off more than 2,400 employees across five factories.      When the Government Writes Checks, Where Does the Money Come From? With billions of dollars paid out or promised for financial industry bailouts and the stimulus bill -- and more requests on the way -- Paul Solman looks at where the government is getting the money to pay for the rescue measures.      McKiernan Outlines Challenges to Military Mission in Afghanistan U.S. and NATO commander Gen. David McKiernan speaks to Margaret Warner in Afghanistan about the status of military operations in the country and new efforts to shore up the region's security.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Calif. Scientists Advance Toward Producing Fusion Energy Spencer Michels reports on the ongoing efforts of scientists in California, who say they are getting closer to producing fusion energy to help fuel American energy independence.      Author Gage Discusses 'The Day Wall Street Exploded' Author Beverly Gage discusses her book, "The Day Wall Street Exploded," which examines the fallout from a 1920 bomb attack that killed dozens of people and wounded scores more during lunch hour on Wall Street.   MONDAY, March 16, 2009 Obama, Congress Blast AIG Plans for Employee Bonuses AIG plans to pay millions in worker bonuses, a move that has angered lawmakers who have given the insurer bailout billions. Lawmakers weigh the options in dealing with AIG.      Other News: Wall Street Dips, Pakistan Reinstates Judge In other news, Wall Street fell short of extending an upswing for a fifth day and Pakistan moved to reinstate a top judge to curb a growing political protest.      U.S. Military Works to Bring Stability to Remote Afghan Areas U.S. soldiers are struggling to secure remote areas of Afghanistan, like the Korengal Valley in the east, that have recently seen increased outbreaks of violence and military leaders say are crucial to stability in the cities. Margaret Warner reports from Afghanistan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror As Newspapers Start to Fold, Industry Seeks Survival Plan With record numbers of layoffs at newspapers around the country and some other publications, such as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, moving entire operations online, industry professionals are struggling to find a new business model to carry them through the changing media landscape. Analysts discuss the situation.      FRIDAY, March 13, 2009 Markets Rise, but Confidence in Economy Still Lags Wall Street marked its best run since November this week as President Obama worked to boost confidence in recovery moves. The Wall Street Journal's David Wessel offers insight.      Other News: OPEC Supply Cut Expected In other news, OPEC is expected to decide to cut oil production at its upcoming European meeting Sunday and closing arguments began in the trial on the Minnesota Senate vote recount.      Global Financial Leaders Meet in London Global Financial Leaders, including World Bank President Robert Zoellick and U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, are gathering in London for a G-20 summit and are expected to discuss global financial regulation and taxation issues. Faisal Islam of Independent Television News reports.   Debate Emerges Over Media's Role in Financial Meltdown Comedian and "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart held a high-profile sparring match with CNBC's Jim Cramer this week over the cable network's coverage in the lead up to the Wall Street meltdown. A panel of business writers weighs the media's role in the economic crisis.      Economic Strategy, Stem Cell Policy Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and Michael Gerson weigh the news of the week, including President Barack Obama's approach on the economy, his decision to lift restrictions on stem cell research funding, and more.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, March 12, 2009 Madoff Pleads Guilty to Massive Wall Street Fraud Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday to fraud charges totaling an estimated $65 billion. Analysts discuss the case and the prospects of victims recovering any money.      Other News: U.S. Markets Rally for Third Day In other news, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 200 points as President Obama discussed his budget plans, and General Motors said it won't need an additional $2 billion in federal loans this month.      Spike in Foreclosures Reveals Continued Housing Trouble Foreclosure filings continue to rise nationwide, with new data showing an increase of 30 percent in February from the same month one year ago. An analyst assesses the numbers and how they tie to the overall economic picture.      Duncan Poised to Assert New Power as Education Chief President Barack Obama called for big changes in education earlier this week. John Merrow profiles Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who will be heading up the president's calls for reform and who may bring new strategies to the education policy arena.      Michelle Obama Works to Define Agenda as First Lady First lady Michelle Obama is settling into her new role as she tours federal agencies, participates in community projects and highlights issues like bolstering support for military families. Analysts discuss her role and the public reaction.    Obama: The First 100 Days WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2009 Earmarks to Bear Tougher Scrutiny Under Obama Plan President Obama signed a $410 billion spending bill Wednesday, despite the fact that the bill contains the kind of earmarks he decried on the campaign trail. Congress watcher Norman Ornstein examines the issue.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Fatal Shootings in Alabama, Germany In other news, an Alabama gunman killed 10 people before taking his own life, in what has become the state's biggest mass killing. In Germany, a teenage gunman killed 15 people before turning the gun on himself.      Banking Plan Aims to Combine Public, Private Funds Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has said he is working on a plan to remove so-called "toxic" assets from banks by having the government partner with private investors to create special funds. Analysts discuss the pros and cons of the strategy.      Legal Battle Continues Over Minnesota Senate Race More than 4 months after the election, the Minnesota Senate race between Republican Norm Colman and Democrat Al Franken is still undecided, despite a lengthy recount and trial. Two journalists discuss the race's details and whether a decision may be forthcoming.      TUESDAY, March 10, 2009 Markets Rally, Bernanke Presses for Revamped Rules Jeffrey Brown reports the economic news of the day, including the stock market's surge and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech on tightening federal financial regulations.      Other News: Obama Announces Education Plan In the day's other news, President Obama outlined his education plan and at least 33 people died in a suicide bombing in Iraq.      Bernanke Calls for Overhaul of Financial Regulations Fed chief Ben Bernanke called Tuesday for a regulation overhaul to prevent future financial crises and monitor "too-big-to-fail" institutions. Analysts weigh the call for reform.      Some Public Transit Agencies Made Risky Financial Deals Some public transport agencies engaged in a similar kind of financial risk-taking that has caused large banks and companies to fail and contributed to the global financial meltdown. Rick Karr reports in the latest installment of the "Blueprint America" series.      U.S. Signals Openness to Dialogue With Taliban Factions The Taliban has been increasing its attacks in Afghanistan and besides sending more troops, some top U.S. officials have suggested trying to talk to factions among the militants. Margaret Warner reports from Afghanistan on reaction to the possible strategy.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Madoff Expected to Plead Guilty as Details of Alleged Fraud Case Emerge Lawyers for Bernard Madoff, who allegedly defrauded investors of nearly $50 billion, said that the former Wall Street financier would likely plead guilty to 11 criminal counts on Thursday. New York Times reporter Diana Henriques updates the story.      MONDAY, March 9, 2009 Obama Lifts Restrictions on Funding Human Stem Cell Research Betty Ann Bowser reports on President Barack Obama's executive order to lift restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Signing Statements Under Review, Economic Outlook Worsens President Barack Obama ordered a review of the Bush administration's policy on presidential signing statements, and billionaire investor Warren Buffett made a stark assessment of economic conditions.      Growing Ridership Strains Overburdened Transit Agencies Public transit ridership is at a 50-year high, but the economic downturn is putting new pressure on already overburdened transit agencies. Special correspondent Rick Karr reports as part of the "Blueprint America" series on infrastructure, produced in collaboration with WNET New York.      Obama Policy Shift Reopens Debate on Stem Cell Research President Barack Obama moved Monday to lift funding limits on embryonic stem cell research. Experts weigh how the decision fits into the president's broader approach to science.      Obama Team Slow to Fill Vacancies in Treasury, Other Agencies A large number of sub-Cabinet positions across the federal government have yet to be filled, as the Obama administration carefully vets candidates for the Treasury Department and other agencies. A public service professor and New York Times reporter give an update.    Obama: The First 100 Days FRIDAY, March 6, 2009 Unemployment Rate Climbs to 8.1% in New Sign of Deepening Recession The Labor Department reported Friday that the U.S. unemployment rate hit 8.1 percent, its highest rate in 25 years. Ray Suarez reports on the latest employment numbers, reaction from the White House and the impact on Wall Street.      Unemployment, Underemployment Reading Tops 14% The Labor Department's release of new unemployment numbers Friday had analysts comparing the job market in the current recession to the jobless rate in 1982. New York Times reporter David Leonhardt draws parallels from the past and assesses the current crisis.      Other News: Congress Fails to Pass Budget Bill In other news, the Senate failed to pass a $410 billion budget bill for the current fiscal year, and there were signs that money manager Bernard Madoff may be closer to a plea deal in his pending $50 billion fraud case.      Job Losses, Economic Realities Hit Home in Indiana City Amid a deepening economic crisis, the unemployment rate in Elkhart, Ind., has skyrocketed to 18 percent as the town's manufacturing base has collapsed. Paul Solman reports on the town's tough economic times.      Shields and Brooks Mull Obama's Agenda, Economy's Troubles Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks weigh the week's news, including February's spike in unemployment, President Barack Obama's priorities amid the economic crisis and the debate over the future of the GOP.    Political Wrap Musician Salama Blends Jazz, Traditional Arab Style Musician Fathy Salama started playing piano in Cairo jazz clubs at age 13, and has since been recognized for his combinations of traditional Arab music and jazz, winning a 2005 Grammy award for his collaboration with Youssou N'Dour on the "Egypt" album. Salama discusses his music and participation in the Arabesque festival.      THURSDAY, March 5, 2009 Doubts Emerge on GM's Ability to Survive Without Broad Restructuring The future of General Motors came into question Thursday as its own auditors raised doubts on whether it can survive without a major restructuring. NPR reporter Frank Langfitt provides an update on the automaker and its bid for more government aid.      Other News: Jobless Claims Drop, Homes Plan Advances The number of U.S. workers filing for unemployment benefits dipped to 639,000 last week, and the House of Representatives moved forward on a bankruptcy home loan bill. Also, the president of Sudan expelled more aid organizations after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him for war crimes.      Call to Reform Health Care Puts Costs, Access in Spotlight President Barack Obama convened lawmakers and industry leaders Thursday to discuss a new bid for health care reform. Three summit attendees assess where the efforts may be headed.    Obama: The First 100 Days California Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Gay Marriage Ban A challenge to California's voter-approved ban on gay marriage came before the state's Supreme Court Thursday. Spencer Michels reports on the day in court and the ongoing debate in the state over the Proposition 8 ballot initiative.      Baker, Hamilton Assess Obama's Foreign Policy Challenges Former Secretary of State James Baker and former congressman Lee Hamilton, co-chairs of the 2006 Iraq Study Group, testified before Congress Friday on war powers legislation. In an interview with Jim Lehrer, Baker and Hamilton examine Iraq, Afghanistan and Obama's other foreign policy challenges.      Horton Foote's Work Illuminated Struggles of American Life Playwright Horton Foote, who died Wednesday at age 92, wrote prolifically about the daily hardships and triumphs of ordinary Americans. A scene from his play "A Trip to Bountiful," which he adapted for the screen in 1985, depicts the character Carrie Watts on her final visit to her Texas hometown.   WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2009 Obama Vows to Cut Waste in Government Spending Kwame Holman recaps the day's economic news, including President Barack Obama's new campaign against wasteful government spending and reactions to a plan for massive new spending on the economy.    Obama: The First 100 Days Other News: Markets Rise, Bombing Targets U.S. Air Base in Afghanistan World markets reacted positively to news of China's planned stimulus, and a suicide bomber targeted a U.S. air base in Afghanistan. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other news headlines, including a report from Margaret Warner in Afghanistan.      Napolitano Outlines Plan to Trim Spending, Secure Border Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano outlines her agency's plan to trim spending and reacts to concerns over the rising tide of drug violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.    Domestic Security Supreme Court Allows Lawsuits against Pharmaceutical Companies to Move Forward In a severe blow to the drug industry, the Supreme Court rejected on Wednesday limits to lawsuits against drug makers. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal explains the implications of the ruling.    Supreme Court Watch Leahy, Other Lawmakers Call for Investigation of Bush-Era Terrorism Policies Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy called for a nonpartisan "truth commission" to investigate the Bush administration's policies on interrogation of terror detainees. Kwame Holman reports.      International Court Issues Warrant for Sudan President The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir Wednesday. ITN's Lindsey Hilsum reports.    Crisis in Sudan Bashir Warrant Adds New Tension to Darfur Crisis The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir Wednesday for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Colum Lynch of the Washington Post explains how the court's action may affect the conflict in Darfur.    Crisis in Sudan TUESDAY, March 3, 2009 Government Officials Defend Economic Recovery Plans Facing criticism from some lawmakers, government officials defended their economic recovery plans. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Senate Debates Spending Bill, Obama Denies Russia Deal The Senate will keep thousands of "earmarks" in a spending bill, and President Barack Obama denied a report that he offered Russia a deal on a planned U.S. missile shield. Jim Lehrer recaps the day's other news headlines.      Europe Struggles for Consensus on Economic Recovery Britain's Gordon Brown met with President Barack Obama Tuesday and urged international cooperation to stem the global economic crisis. Analysts examine Europe's financial fallout.      Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Judicial Ethics Case The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case testing when elected judges should recuse themselves from cases because of an appearance of bias. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle provides an update.    Supreme Court Watch Steele-Limbaugh Clash Sparks Debate Over Next Steps for GOP New questions are surfacing over the future of the Republican Party amid a public dispute between GOP National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. Political analysts assess what's next for the GOP.      Debate Centers on Proposal to Create Jobs by Updating National Infrastructure A debate at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia focused on proposals to create jobs through an overhaul of the nation's infrastructure. Robert MacNeil moderated the discussion.      MONDAY, March 2, 2009 Markets Plunge After Government Adds Billions to AIG Rescue Stocks tumbled after the government expanded aid to struggling insurer American International Group and the company reported a huge quarterly loss. Analysts examine what this could mean for the broader financial outlook.      Other News: Winter Storm Blasts East Coast; Obama Nominee to Pay Back Taxes A late winter storm on the East Coast shut down schools, grounded flights and caused hundreds of wrecks, and Ron Kirk, the nominee for U.S. trade representative, has agreed to pay an estimated $10,000 in back taxes.      Justices Review Convict's Rights to Access DNA Evidence The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of a convicted rapist who wants access to trial evidence for additional DNA testing. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle details the arguments and what's at stake.    Supreme Court Watch Obama Names New Health Care Team to Tackle Reform Agenda President Barack Obama has named Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to head the Health and Human Services Agency and Nancy-Ann DeParle, a former Clinton official, to head the White House Office for Health Reform. Analysts examine the picks and the job ahead.      Karzai Raises Stakes in Dispute Over Afghan Election Date Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for moving presidential elections up from August to April in what some are viewing as a political maneuver to rein in his critics. Margaret Warner provides an update from Afghanistan on the political developments.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror 2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997

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