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2009 MAY FRIDAY, May 29, 2009 Other News: GM Closes in on Restructuring Deadline In other news, General Motors neared a deadline to submit a restructuring plan and markets rose at the close of the week on Wall Street.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 Digital Threats Mark New Front in Nation's Security President Obama unveiled plans Friday to shore up the safety of U.S. computer networks, including naming a new "cyber czar." Analysts examine the nature of digital vulnerabilities.      States Experiment with Controversial Taxes to Pay for Highway Construction Some states are experimenting with controversial new taxes to pay for highway construction. Special correspondent Lee Hochberg reports from Oregon, where officials are looking into charging drivers a tax based on the number of miles they drive in lieu of a highly-debated gas tax.      After Historic Nomination, Questions on Sotomayor's Record Emerge Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will bring some 17 years of judicial experience to her confirmation hearings. Legal scholars assess what her record says about her judicial philosophy and outlook.    Supreme Court Watch Sotomayor's Supreme Court Bid, GM's Future Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks analyze the news of the week, including President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court and GM's likely bankruptcy.    Supreme Court Watch As Leno Moves to 10 p.m., New Chapter in Late-night Begins As NBC's Jay Leno prepares to pass "Tonight Show" hosting duties to Conan O'Brien and launch a new talk show, a newspaper television critic mulls the future landscape of late night television.      THURSDAY, May 28, 2009 GM Bondholders Strike a Deal As Bankruptcy Deadline Looms As a bankruptcy deadline looms for General Motors, major bondholders agreed to a deal that offers them a 25 percent stake in the company if they drop opposition to the company's reorganization plan. A reporter explains the negotiations.      Other News: Economic Reports Yield Mixed Results In other news, the Labor Department reported that jobless claims fell, and orders for high-cost factory goods and new home sales rose in April.   UAW's Gettelfinger Gives Union Take on Auto Deals As GM moves closer to a reorganization plan, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger gives the union's perspective on the recent plans to boost the struggling auto industry.      Settlement Issue Looms Over Obama, Abbas Meeting Margaret Warner reports on reactions to the meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and President Barack Obama Thursday.    Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Questions of Legitimacy Loom Over Abbas In Meeting with Obama President Obama met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday to discuss divisions among the Palestinian people and the ongoing controversy over Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Two Mideast analysts mull the outcome of the meeting.    Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Chicago Transit Agency Gets An Upgrade Thanks to Stimulus Money In Chicago, stimulus funds provide a transit agency with a much-needed upgrade. NewsHour correspondent Elizabeth Brackett reports.      In Pakistan, Refugee Crisis Deepens Amid Continued Taliban Threats The refugee crisis is deepening in Pakistan as Taliban fighters and Pakistani security forces continue to clash over the Taliban's demands that the army pull out of the Swat Valley. Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports from a refugee camp in the city of Mardan. Politics of Pakistan After Nine Years, Time Warner to Split From AOL In a long-expected move, Time Warner announced plans to spin off AOL into a publicly traded company, ending their nine-year run together. A Washington Post reporter explains the company's move.      WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2009 News Wrap: GM Moves Closer to Bankruptcy In the day's other news, General Motors moved one step closer to bankruptcy as bondholders rejected the company's offer to trade bond debt for G.M. stock, and Chrysler's lawyers asked a federal bankruptcy court to allow it to sell the bulk of its assets to Fiat.      GM Bankruptcy Would Mark Milestone in Industrial America After the rejection of General Motors' offer to trade bond debt for company stock, analysts consider what a GM bankruptcy says about the company and the auto industry generally.      Nature of Pakistani, North Korean Nuclear Threats Shift As North Korea intensifies its rhetoric and nuclear tests and Pakistan confronts an increasingly extremist insurrection, two Independent Television News correspondents report on the shifting nature of the nuclear threats from those two countries. Tracking Nuclear Proliferation Obama Administration Faces Instability in Key Nuclear Nations Nuclear tests in North Korea, violence in Pakistan and a diplomatic stalemate with Iran has complicated nuclear diplomacy for the U.S. Former Carter official Zbigniew Brzezinski and Philip Zelikow, foreign adviser under President Bush, consider the new world.    Tracking Nuclear Proliferation New Details Emerge on Burris-Blagojevich Conversations Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW-Chicago updates the story around allegations that Illinois Sen. Roland Burris was involved in a pay-to-play scheme with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to obtain his post.      In Nigeria, Christianity and Islam Combine Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the blending of Christianity and Islam in Lagos, Nigeria, as an avenue to rediscovering the West African tradition of interfaith tolerance.      TUESDAY, May 26, 2009 Obama Nominates Sotomayor to Be Court's First Hispanic Female Justice Judy Woodruff recaps President Obama's announcement of his nomination of Federal Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.    Supreme Court Watch Axelrod Sheds Light on Obama's Supreme Court Nominating Process White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod describes the interview process that led President Obama to chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court, and why the president is confident that she is the best person for the job.    Supreme Court Watch Sotomayor Nomination Sparks Debate on Role of Justices Following President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, a federal appeals court judge, to the Supreme Court, analysts debate her record and her confirmation road ahead.    Supreme Court Watch Other News: California Supreme Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban In other news, the California Supreme Court upheld the state's ban on gay marriage in a 6-1 decision, and U.S. consumer confidence soared to its highest level in May since last September.      Community Health Care Centers Benefit From Stimulus Two billion dollars in federal stimulus funds have been set aside for nearly 1,200 community health care centers around the country that treat mostly poor and uninsured patients. Betty Ann Bowser reports on how the influx of money has affected some of the centers.      MONDAY, May 25, 2009 News of North Korea's Nuclear Test Stuns World Leaders Ray Suarez reports on world leaders' reaction to news that North Korea has detonated a nuclear device underground.    North Korea: Nuclear Standoff North Korea's Move Tests International Will on Nuclear Issues Following North Korea's announcement that it has detonated a nuclear device underground, analysts examine how the regime's move has tested international will to confront nuclear proliferation.    North Korea: Nuclear Standoff Other News: Ahmadinejad Challenges Obama to Debate; U.S. Marks Memorial Day Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad challenged President Obama to a debate if he is re-elected as Iran's president next month, and in Pakistan, the Taliban has called for refugees to return to the Swat Valley. At Arlington Cemetery, President Obama paid tribute to fallen troops.      Summer Travelers Witness Another Rise in Gas Prices As crude oil costs climb higher, summer travelers are watching the price of gasoline increase. Analysts examine the factors pushing oil prices up.      Therapeutic Riding Program Aims to Help Soldiers Heal A program at Northern Virginia's Fort Myer helps injured soldiers with their recovery by having them ride horses usually used in the formal funeral processions in Arlington National Cemetery. Kwame Holman reports.      Rifts in GOP May Hinder Efforts to Build Unity Among Party Faithful Rifts within the Republican Party have activists worried that infighting may hurt efforts by the GOP to rebuild following the 2008 election. Political analysts mull the effects of recent clashes among party leaders.      Book Chronicles Arlington National Cemetery The book, "Where Valor Rests," tells the stories surrounding Arlington National Cemetery through the work of professional photographers. Contributors to the book talk about their most meaningful moments.      FRIDAY, May 22, 2009 As Deadline Nears, GM May be Headed for Bankruptcy Kwame Holman provides an update on reports that General Motors is likely to file for bankruptcy and that Chrysler is looking to conclude its bankruptcy proceedings.      Other News: Obama Signs Credit Card Reform Bill In other news, President Obama signed a bill approving sweeping changes for the credit card industry aimed at helping cardholders.   Cap-and-Trade Bill Passes House Energy Panel The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved Friday a cap-and-trade bill for greenhouse gas emissions. A reporter examines the bill's pros and cons and the state of the energy and climate policy debate.      Surge in Iraq Violence Underscores Fragile Situation Four bombings over the last two days have killed at least 60 in Iraq, raising concerns as the June 30 deadline for all U.S. troops to be out of Iraqi cities approaches. New York Times reporter Campbell Robertson reports from Baghdad.    Iraq in Transition Salmon Streams' Struggle Continues 40 Years After Clean Water Act Special correspondent Hendrick Smith reports on pollution in the Pacific Northwest's salmon streams four decades after the passage of the Clean Water Act. Smith's report grew out of research from his recent Frontline project, "Poisoned Waters."      Shields and Brooks Mull Security Debate, Supreme Court Fight Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the impact of President Obama and former Vice President Cheney's security policy speeches and the buildup to the president's announcement of a Supreme Court pick.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, May 21, 2009 Obama, Cheney Each Defend National Defense Philosophies President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney each defended their views on national defense policy Thursday, with Obama emphasizing the need to close Guantanamo and Cheney insisting that enhanced interrogation yielded valuable information. Kwame Holman reports.    Domestic Security Other News: FBI, New York City Police Foil Terror Plot In other news, the FBI and New York City police foiled a terrorist plot to attack Jewish synagogues and a military plane, and three U.S. soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing in Baghdad.   Obama, Cheney Defend National Security Priorities President Barack Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney's outlined their views on national defense policy Thursday in competing speeches. Here are some excerpts from both.    Domestic Security Obama, Cheney Speeches Reframe Debate on Security Policy After dueling speeches from President Obama and former Vice President Cheney on security policy, columnists and analysts weigh the shape of the debate on detainees and other issues.      For One Reporter, a Personal Journey Through the Mortgage Meltdown In the latest report of his Making Sen$e series, Paul Solman talks to New York Times economics reporter Ed Andrews, who chronicles his personal tale of the mortgage crisis in "Busted: Life Inside the Great Mortgage Meltdown."      Civilian Casualties Stir Dispute With Afghan Government Ray Suarez reports on tensions over civilian casualties resulting from U.S. and NATO airstrikes in the war in Afghanistan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror U.S. Considers Ways to Prevent Civilian Deaths While Battling Afghan Insurgency Ray Suarez and analysts discuss U.S. and NATO efforts to minimize collateral damage during airstrikes in Afghanistan. Afghanistan and the War on Terror WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2009 After U.S.-Israel Talks, Iran Announces Test Launch of New Missile President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran had successfully launched a new missile with a range of about 1,200 miles, giving it the capability to hit Israel, southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf. Margaret Warner reports on the developments. Governing Iran Other News: Baghdad Car Bombing Kills at Least 41 Iraqis In other news, a car bombing in Baghdad killed at least 41 Iraqis, injuring 72 others. Also, Pakistan announced its capture of a major Taliban stronghold.   Congress Debates Gitmo Prisoners, Credit Cards, Guns Kwame Holman reports on the day's Capitol Hill debates, which included resistance to the president's plan to close Guantanamo Bay and passage of a credit card reform bill to protect consumers that included a measure legalizing guns in national parks.      Gitmo's Closing, Financial Regulation Top Hill's Agenda Lawmakers have been pushing through a busy agenda in recent days, debating issues from the closing of the Guantanamo prison facility to the legalities of carrying loaded guns into national parks. Political analysts Stuart Rothenberg and Amy Walter offer insight.      Credit Card Industry Braces for Big Changes Congress' credit card reform bill will prevent companies from arbitrarily raising interest rates, but it could also tighten available credit. A reporter explains the measure.      Health Officials Race to Create H1N1 Flu Vaccine At the World Health Organization's annual meeting this week, a main topic was the ongoing effort to develop a vaccine against the H1N1 swine flu virus. Betty Ann Bowser reports on efforts to create a new vaccine and concerns over having the time to properly produce it.      Behavioral Economist Examines Interplay of Money, Morality and Rationality In the latest in economics correspondent Paul Solman's Making Sense series, behavioral economist Dan Ariely mulls decision-making mechanisms in finance and they ways in which many people rationalize their unethical actions.      Miller Center Debate Focuses on Energy Policy Christine Todd Whitman, James Woolsey, John Podesta and Karen Harbert recently debated energy policy and focused on the pros and cons of nuclear energy at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.      TUESDAY, May 19, 2009 New Emissions Rules Mark Strategy Turn for Auto Industry White House Climate Policy Chief Carol Browner explains the administration's vehicle emissions standards plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.    The Global Warming Debate Other News: Senate Advances Credit Card Reform Bill In other news, the Senate passed a credit card reform bill that is meant to protect consumers from unfair practices. Senate Democrats also voted to cut $80 million from a war funding bill intended to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.      Analysts Mull White House's New Vehicle Emissions Standards The Obama administration's new vehicle emissions standards would increase the fuel economy of automobiles to a minimum of 35.5 mpg by 2016. Analysts mull the plan's costs and benefits and assess the challenges ahead for the auto industry.    The Global Warming Debate Georgia's Reliance on Coal Questioned Amid Climate Concerns Climate Central's Heidi Cullen reports on the coal industry's role in Georgia, a state that gets over 60 percent of its electricity from coal, as new emissions and climate policies are crafted in Washington.      British Speaker of the House of Commons Resigns Over Expense Scandal Michael Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, announced his resignation Tuesday following allegations that officials used public funding for personal expenses like housing renovations and mortgage payments. Special correspondent Simon Marks reports.      U.S. Offers Aid to Pakistan Amid Refugee Crisis As many as two million Pakistanis have fled the fighting between the Taliban and the Pakistani army, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday pledged $110 million in humanitarian aid to the region. Washington Post reporter Pamela Constable updates the situation.    Politics of Pakistan California Voters Go to Polls on Budget Propositions In California, voters are weighing in Tuesday on ballot measures related to the state's budget difficulties. Spencer Michels reports.      MONDAY, May 18, 2009 Netanyahu, Obama Meet on Mideast Peace, Iran Threat President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday, discussing Israeli-Palestinian talks and Iran's nuclear ambitions. Margaret Warner reports.    Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Other News: Wall Street Rebounds; Sri Lanka Declares Victory Over Tamil Tigers In other news, Wall Street rebounded after a losing streak last week and the Sri Lankan government announced that it had defeated the rebel Tamil Tigers group after decades of conflict.      Supreme Court Turns Back Detainee Lawsuit Against Mueller, Ashcroft In a 5-4 ruling, Supreme Court said Monday that FBI Director Robert Mueller and former Attorney General John Ashcroft can't face a lawsuit launched by a former terrorism detainee. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the ruling and other court moves.    Supreme Court Watch Obama Calls for 'Common Ground' on Abortion Debate In his commencement speech at Notre Dame University, President Obama urged those on both sides of the abortion debate to seek "common ground" in dialogue on the divisive topic. Analysts examine public opinion on the abortion issue.      Curtain Closes on Amato Opera's Final Performance After 61 seasons, New York City's Amato Opera is staging its last performance on May 31 as its 88-year-old director, Tony Amato, retires. Ray Suarez reports.      FRIDAY, May 15, 2009 Auto Dealership Closings Reverberate Across Economy General Motors and Chrysler announced the closings of hundreds of dealerships in an effort to bring the companies back from the brink of bankruptcy. Analysts examine the impact of the moves.      Other News: Markets Fall on Auto Dealership Closings In other news, the markets fell on news of auto dealership closings, and consumer prices were unchanged in April.      Obama to Revive Military Trials for Gitmo Detainees President Obama plans to restart Bush administration-era tribunals for Guantanamo detainees, but offer the men new legal protections. NewsHour senior correspondent Ray Suarez reports.      China Remembers Victims on Anniversary of Deadly Quake China marked the first anniversary of the fatal earthquake that ravaged the Sichuan province. NPR's Melissa Block was reporting in China when disaster struck and returned a year later to see how some families are faring.      In India, School Principal Works to Changes Lives of the Poor Sister Cyril Mooney, principal of the Loreto Day School in Kolkata, India, is working to provide poor children a place to learn by day and a safe haven at night. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports.      Shields and Brooks Mull Torture Flap, Cheney's Reemergence Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the top news of the week, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's comments on torture tactics and former Vice President Dick Cheney's remarks on policy direction.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, May 14, 2009 Senate Moves Closer to Reining in Credit Card Companies The Senate neared approval Thursday of a bill to rein in credit card companies, which could mean new rules will be in place by early next year. Ray Suarez reports.      Other News: House Approves Additional War Funding In other news, the House approved another $97 billion in war funding for Iraq and Afghanistan through September, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi again denied she knew about terror suspects being waterboarded amid mounting criticism.      Axelrod Defends Effort to Block Release of Detainee Photos White House senior adviser David Axelrod discusses President Obama's move to block the release of detainee abuse photos, the search for a Supreme Court justice, and controversy over the president's planned speech at the University of Notre Dame.      Analysts Mull Treasury's Calls for Derivatives Regulation The Obama administration has called for Congress to tighten regulation on risky trade derivatives, the kind of complicated financial instrument that brought down insurer AIG. Analysts examine what the move means for financial markets.      Inspired by Soldier Son, Father Develops Military Robots After the death of his son in the Iraq war, the father of a soldier formed a company that manufactures military robots. Tom Bearden reports.      Fighting Continues in Sri Lanka as Military, Tamil Rebels Face Off In Sri Lanka, government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels engaged in a new round of deadly fighting in a civil war conflict that has left thousands dead or displaced. Ravi Nessman, the Associated Press bureau chief in Colombo, offers insight on the story.      White House Event Celebrates the Spoken Word The Obamas hosted a "Poetry Jam" Tuesday night at the White House. Rising stars in the arts world as well as established poets, writers, and musicians were invited. Following is an excerpt of the evening, with footage courtesy HBO.      WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2009 Obama Moves to Block Release of Detainee Abuse Photos President Obama has decided to bar the release of photos showing U.S. personnel mistreating detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan amid concerns the backlash could jeopardize troops abroad. New York Times White House correspondent Jeff Zeleny explains the move.      Other News: Treasury Calls for System to Track Financial Instruments In other news, the Treasury Department called for a central electronic system to track risky financial instruments, including credit default swaps, and the Commerce Department reported retail sales fell for the second month in a row.      Senators Examine Use of Torture on Detainees Kwame Holman reports on a Senate hearing examining harsh interrogation methods used on some detainees.      Amid New Questions on Interrogation Tactics, Holder Mulls Road Ahead After a report on Wednesday's Senate hearings on CIA interrogation tactics, Gwen Ifill talks to Attorney General Eric Holder about his perspective on the debate over the use of torture on detainees and other political matters as part of a panel discussion.      Senators Expect Obama's Supreme Court Nominee 'Soon' President Barack Obama met Wednesday with key senators to discuss the selection of a Supreme Court nominee to succeed retiring Justice David Souter. Ray Suarez speaks with representatives from three groups trying to influence his nomination.    Supreme Court Watch New 'New Deal' May Help Boost the Arts In partnership with KQED in San Francisco, NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports on the prospect for a new "New Deal" for the arts amid the economic downturn.      TUESDAY, May 12, 2009 Recession Impacts Social Security, Medicare; U.S. Soldier Charged With Murder In the day's top news headlines, new reports show the recession has cut into the Social Security and Medicare benefit programs, and a U.S. soldier accused of killing five comrades in Iraq was charged with murder.      Sebelius Assesses Prospects for Medicare's Money Problems, Health Care Reform Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius explains how the Obama administration is approaching its plans to reform the health care system and address Medicare's mounting funding woes.      New Army Leadership Faces Familiar Challenges in Afghanistan Efforts Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he needed new thinking and new approaches when he shuffled the top military leadership in Afghanistan on Monday. Analysts examine how new leadership could impact the war and the future of the Army.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Mystery Surrounds Iran's Motives for Releasing Journalist The day after the release of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who was jailed for months, analysts examine what Tehran's motives might be in ending the dispute over her case.    Governing Iran Frontline Examines Role of Key Players in Madoff Affair An accountant and his partner helped Wall Street financier Bernard Madoff recruit clients beginning in the 1960s. The NewsHour airs an excerpt of Tuesday's Frontline, which explores the role of some of the key players in the fraud scheme.      Architect Maya Lin Reflects on the Art of the Landscape Architect Maya Lin is best known for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which she designed as a 21-year-old college student. Jeffrey Brown speaks with Lin about her recent work on display at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.      MONDAY, May 11, 2009 Military Shake-up in Afghanistan Signals New Strategy Push Defense Secretary Robert Gates tapped Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the new top commander in Afghanistan, replacing Gen. David McKiernan. Time magazine's Pentagon reporter Mark Thompson examines the move.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: U.S. Soldier Kills 5 Fellow Troops in Iraq An American soldier in Iraq opened fire on his comrades, killing five and injuring three others, and volunteers in Sri Lanka dug mass graves after two days of deadly shelling in which up to 1,000 civilians were killed.      Health Industry's Pledge to Cut Costs Adds Urgency to Reform Bid President Barack Obama said Monday the health industry's new pledge to cut costs will aid his legislative goal of a broader health care overhaul. Health reporters size up the cost cutting promise and the road ahead for health reform.      Atlantis Embarks on Last Hubble Telescope Repair Mission The space shuttle Atlantis lifted off Monday on the fifth and final mission to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. The crew will add a new camera and make other changes. Spencer Michels reports.      Pope Benedict XVI Arrives in Middle East for Five-Day Visit Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." Ray Suarez reports.      Benedict Visits Middle East in Closely-watched Pilgrimage Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." National Catholic reporter John Allen describes the papal voyage.      Calif. Wildfires Battle Rages On with Some Unlikely Help Special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye, of KCET-TV Los Angeles, reports on the continuing efforts in Santa Barbara to bring a recent spate of wildfires under control and the lesser-known people who are helping fight that battle.      FRIDAY, May 8, 2009 U.S. Unemployment Climbs to 8.9% Kwame Holman reports on the latest unemployment numbers and how the White House plans to aid the jobless.      Geithner Weighs Pace of Job Losses, Defends Stress Tests Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner defends the stringency of the banking stress tests and offers insight on the pace of U.S. job losses as unemployment reaches 8.9 percent.      Other News: Wall Street Rallies on Jobs Report In other news, the markets rallied on the new jobs report released by the Labor Department and wildfires drove more than 20,000 people from their homes near Santa Barbara, California.      Zardari Assesses War on Taliban, Appeals for Aid Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari describes his country's offensive against the Taliban and other militant threats, and calls for more aid in this new "war of the world."    Politics of Pakistan Thousands of Pakistanis Flee as Taliban Clashes Continue Margaret Warner recaps the latest developments on clashes between Pakistani military forces and Taliban fighters.    Politics of Pakistan Black Unemployment in East St. Louis Highlights Disparities Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports on the high unemployment numbers among blacks in East St. Louis, where painful memories of the Great Depression still persist.      Shields and Brooks Mull Economic Expectations, Afghan Policy Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks examine the outcome of the banking stress test results, U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan and remember the life of Jack Kemp.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, May 7, 2009 Government 'Stress Tests' Find Big Banks Need $75 Billion The U.S. Treasury released stress tests of 19 major banks, finding that they collectively need another $75 billion by November. A financial reporter explains the results.      Other News: Pakistani Army, Taliban Fighting Intensifies In other news, violent clashes between the Pakistani army and Taliban militants escalated in and around the Swat Valley as thousands of refugees fled the territory, and police in Afghanistan opened fire on a rally protesting recent U.S. air strikes that allegedly killed dozens of civilians.      'Stress Tests' Put Credibility of Banks, Regulators Back in Spotlight On the day the government released better-than-expected stress test results for 19 major banks, a panel of economic analysts explain how the numbers were calculated and gauge the report's impact on the nation's financial health.      Holder, GOP Spar Over Fate of Guantanamo Detainees Attorney General Eric Holder sparred with congressional Republicans Thursday over the future of inmates currently being held at Guantanamo Bay. Special correspondent Simon Marks reports on the arguments and focuses on the fate of a group of Muslims from China, known as Uighurs.      Mexico City on the Mend From H1N1 Outbreak Ray Suarez updates the situation in Mexico City surrounding the H1N1 flu virus outbreak as some businesses and public institutions, including schools and libraries, begin to reopen.    Global Health Watch Small Number of GOP Moderates Gauge Next Moves Kwame Holman reports on a small group of Congressional GOP moderates as they craft their message and next moves during a difficult time for their party.      WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2009 Afghan-Pakistan Talks Come Amid Renewed Taliban Threat President Obama met Wednesday with the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, beginning talks on forging a plan to fight the Taliban. Pamela Constable of the Washington Post updates the story from Islamabad.      H1N1 Flu Virus Death Toll Reaches 42 in Mexico In the latest of a series of reports from Mexico City, Ray Suarez provides an update on how the H1N1 flu virus is affecting the city as the death toll climbed to 42.    Global Health Watch Other News: Iraqi Bombings Kill at Least 17; Maine OKs Same-sex Marriage In other news, at least 17 civilians were killed in two separate bombings in Iraq, and the Justice Department is expected to recommend against prosecuting lawyers who authorized harsh interrogations.      White House Hones its Strategy in Two-Front War On the day President Obama met with the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the White House to discuss military and diplomatic strategy in combating the Taliban, two analysts assesses the obstacles standing in the way of stability in the region.      New Orleans Charter Schools Produce Mixed Results Is a change in management enough to transform some of the worst schools in the country? New Orleans superintendent Paul Vallas seems to think so. But while charters are outperforming other schools in New Orleans, there's evidence they may be abusing their freedom.      Quinn Bradlee Talks About Life with Learning Disability Quinn Bradlee, son of retired Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and columnist Sally Quinn, discusses life with Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, the topic of his memoir "A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures."      TUESDAY, May 5, 2009 Finance Fallacy: Saving vs. Investing Understanding today's economy is hard enough without having to wrestle with popular misconceptions and misinformation. In a new series, Paul Solman and guests debunk the conventional wisdom to help make sense of our economic world.      As First American Dies From Flu, Mexico's Economy Reels As word emerged Tuesday that the first American has died of the H1N1 flu, the virus appeared to be waning in Mexico. After the latest U.S. news, Ray Suarez reports from Mexico City.    Global Health Watch Other News: Airstrikes Kill Civilians in Afghanistan In other news, officials in Afghanistan said coalition air strikes killed at least 30 civilians on Monday, and police in Turkey arrested 11 people charged with carrying out a massacre at a wedding party.      Glimmers of Economic Hope Emerge, But Tough Road May Remain Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told lawmakers Tuesday that the economy should pull out of a recession and start growing again later this year. Financial analysts assess where the economy stands and how new job numbers may impact the picture.      Congress Debates Increasing Aid to Pakistan As lawmakers debate boosting aid to Pakistan amid renewed fighting in the country's Swat Valley, President Barack Obama is preparing to meet with the region's leaders to discuss security concerns and counterinsurgency measures. Margaret Warner reports.    Politics of Pakistan Media Attention Hinders Rhee's Efforts to Reach Out to D.C. Teachers In just under two years, School Chancellor Michelle Rhee's "take-no-prisoners" approach to school reform attracted much attention from the national press. John Merrow reports on whether her growing media prominence is hindering her pursuit of a revolutionary new teachers' contract.      MONDAY, May 4, 2009 Despite Mounting Cases, Officials Say Swine Flu Is Waning The number of cases of swine flu has grown to more than 1,000, spanning 20 countries, although there is some indication the spread of the virus is declining. Betty Ann Bowser provides an update on the situation.    Global Health Watch Mexico City Weighs Next Steps in Fight Against Flu Outbreak Public health officials are expressing cautious optimism that the number of H1N1 flu cases may be leveling off. Ray Suarez reports from Mexico City on the center of the outbreak.    Global Health Watch Other News: Obama Outlines Plans to Crack Down On Tax Loopholes In other news, President Barack Obama announced a crackdown on tax loopholes designed to save jobs, and Iraq signaled it will not extend the June 30 deadline for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities.      As U.S. Automakers Struggle, Fiat Seizes Expansion Opportunities With designs for global expansion, Italian automaker Fiat plans to acquire part of the restructured Chrysler company and is moving to take over GM's European unit. A Business Week reporter explains Fiat's plan.      In Replacing Souter, Obama May Turn to Court Outsider With Justice David Souter set to retire in June after more than 18 years on the bench, President Barack Obama is being given his first chance to shape the nation's highest court. Analysts discuss what traits and experience President Obama will be looking for as he looks to nominate a successor.    Supreme Court Watch Alleged Ponzi Scheme Swindled Immigrants in Los Angeles Amid growing complaints about Ponzi-type schemes in the wake of the Bernard Madoff scandal, a company in Los Angeles is alleged to have swindled investors out of millions. Special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye reports.      Fifteen Years After The Genocide, Rwandans Struggle To Heal National Wounds Author Philip Gourevitch discusses his piece in the New Yorker reflecting on the state of Rwanda 15 years after genocide ravaged the country.      FRIDAY, May 1, 2009 Souter to Exit Supreme Court, Launching Debate on Successor Amid the news that Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to retire this summer, the National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle discusses Souter's career and possible replacement.    Supreme Court Watch Other News: Chrysler Bankruptcy Hearings Begin On other news, the Chrysler company's bankruptcy hearings got underway in New York City, and two U.S. marines and one sailor were killed in Iraq on Thursday.      New U.S. H1N1 Flu Cases Increase Slowly New cases of the H1N1 Flu virus continue to spread slowly in the U.S., with the number of confirmed cases at 141 in 19 states on Friday. Margaret Warner reports on efforts to halt the virus's spread both in the U.S. and Mexico City, which was largely closed down for most of the week.    Global Health Watch As H1N1 Flu Spreads, Researchers Rush to Analyze Strain After a report from Betty Ann Bowser on the CDC's latest efforts to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu, Margaret Warner talks to health experts about what's being done to better understand how the virus works and why it has proven deadly in some cases.    Global Health Watch For Those With Low Incomes, Help Creating a Credit History Spencer Michels reports on a program that helps low-income people with no credit gain access to loans and financial counseling.      Brewing Court Battle, Specter's Switch Top Week's News Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks mull the implications of Supreme Court Justice David Souter's retirement and Sen. Arlen Specter's decision to join the Democratic Party.    Political Wrap 2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997

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