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2009 NOVEMBER THURSDAY, November 19, 2009 Senate Gears Up for Showdown Over Health Reform Bill The Senate on Thursday inched closer to debating Majority Leader Harry Reid's $848 billion health care reform bill, despite stiff GOP resistance. After a report from Betty Ann Bowser, Susan Dentzer explains the details.    2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997 News Wrap: House Rejects Cuts to Medicare Payments In other news, the House voted to spare doctors from a 20 percent cut in their Medicare payments, and Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term as president of Afghanistan.      Complex U.S.-China Ties Took Center Stage on Obama's Asia Trip President Obama concluded a four-nation Asian tour Thursday that marked a potential turning point in relations between the U.S. and an increasingly influential China. A panel of Asia experts discusses the trip's high points and low points with Jeffrey Brown.      Gates: Fort Hood Probe Raises 'Troubling Questions' on Warning Signs As a Senate Committee began the first hearing into the shooting attack at Fort Hood, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the launch of a Pentagon review of the circumstances around the shootings. Judy Woodruff speaks with two reporters for an update.      Wu Man's Music Aims to Bridge East and West Whether playing folk music with villagers in China, or performing scores written just for her by top classical composers, musician Wu Man has emerged as one of the world's foremost musical ambassadors. Jeffrey Brown reports.      WEDNESDAY, November 18, 2009 Karzai Vows to Stamp out Corruption in Afghanistan Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the eve of his inauguration to discuss corruption. Gwen Ifill reports.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Senate Health Bill Estimated at $849B In other news, Senate Democrats learned that the Congressional Budget Office estimated that their health reform bill would cost $849 billion over a decade and insure another 31 million Americans.      Afghan Corruption Complicates U.S. War Review Gwen Ifill speaks with Afghanistan experts about the government's corruption and what that could mean for U.S. war strategy there.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Palin Takes 'Going Rogue' on U.S. Book Tour Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is taking her new book, "Going Rogue," across the country. Judy Woodruff gets reactions.      Holder: 'We Need Not Cower' Facing 9/11 Suspect U.S. Attorney General appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday to defend trying 9/11 suspects in New York. Kwame Holman has the story.      Author Auletta Dissects Global Impact of Google Jeffrey Brown speaks with author Ken Auletta about his new book on Internet powerhouse Google called 'Googled: The End of the World as We Know It.'      In Bosnia, Tension Reigns Years After War's End Although Bosnia and Herzegovina has repaired physically from its bloody civil war, its citizens are experiencing political and social challenges. The report is part of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting's Fragile States project, a partnership with the Bureau of International Reporting.      TUESDAY, November 17, 2009 Chinese President Vows Cooperation on Climate Change Talks between President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao yielded a promise of slowing down climate change and nuclear proliferation, but fell short of making progress on human rights. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions Up 2% In other news, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that global carbon dioxide emissions rose 2 percent in 2008, and Iran sentenced five people to death for inciting June's mass protests.      In China, a Struggle for Rights, but Hope for Future Jim Lehrer speaks with a human rights activist and a China expert about the state of the struggle for human rights in China.      Co-author: Mammogram Study's Advice 'Misinterpreted' The vice chair of a government health panel that released controversial new recommendations for mammograms says the study's findings have been "misinterpreted" and apologized for a "lack of clarity."      Financial Woes, Layoffs Plaguing D.C. Schools John Merrow of Learning Matters revisits the Washington, D.C., public school system, which is struggling with budgetary constraints and teacher layoffs amid reform efforts.      More Americans Facing Hunger, Report Finds A new report found that almost 15 percent of U.S. households had trouble finding enough food in 2008. Jeffrey Brown speaks with experts for more.      MONDAY, November 16, 2009 In China, Obama Pushes for More Freedoms During his visit to China, President Obama urged the government to scale back its censorship, but he also called for more cooperation with the U.S.      Other News: Iran on Track for New Enrichment Plant In other news, the U.N. nuclear agency reported that Iran plans to open a uranium enrichment plant by 2011, and the head of French forces in Afghanistan narrowly escaped a rocket attack in Kabul.      U.S., China Explore Deeper Ties as Partners, Contenders Jim Lehrer speaks with a panel of China experts about the political and economic implications of U.S.-China relations.      Beijing Residents React to President Obama's Visit GlobalPost correspondent Josh Shin gets reactions from Beijing residents about President Obama's three-day trip to China.      GM to Repay Government Loans Early, Cites Profit Progress Despite reporting more than a billion-dollar loss since July, General Motors says it expects to pay the federal government's bailout money back five years early. Gwen Ifill speaks with David Shepardson of the Detroit News for more.      Canadian Oil Sands Produce Economic Benefits, Environmental Costs Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW-Chicago looks at the economic benefits and the environmental costs of oil production in Canada's Alberta province.      'Monuments Men' Explores Hunt for Art Stolen by Nazis Jeffrey Brown talks to author Robert M. Edsel about his new book "The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History."      FRIDAY, November 13, 2009 Alleged 9/11 Mastermind Among Detainees to Face Trial in N.Y. The Justice Department on Friday announced plans to try suspected 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and four other Guantanamo Bay detainees, in federal court. Ray Suarez reports.      Holder: 9/11 Trials Will Weigh 'Crime of the Century' In an interview with Jim Lehrer, Attorney General Eric Holder discusses the decision to prosecute the alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other Guantanamo Bay detainees in civilian federal court in New York, calling the stakes "enormous."      News Wrap: Bombers Strike in Afghanistan, Pakistan In other news, at least 24 people died in a suicide bombing near a U.S. military base outside of Kabul, and in Pakistan, a truck bomber killed at least 10 people outside the northwestern headquarters of the Pakistani intelligence services.      On Asia Tour, Obama Tests New Dynamic With Japan President Obama kicked off a nine-day trip to Asia on Friday with a visit to Japan, where the newly elected prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, is seeking a more "equal partnership" with the U.S. and the closing of an unpopular Marine base in Okinawa. Jeffrey Brown reports.      FDIC's Bair: Bank Bailouts Were 'Not a Good Idea' In an interview with Paul Solman, FDIC chairwoman Sheila Bair discusses lessons learned from the financial crisis, and looks back on the federal bailout of institutions deemed "too-big-to-fail," saying, "In retrospect, I think it was not a good idea."      Shields and Brooks Gauge 9/11 Trials, Afghan Troop Decision Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks break down the top political headlines of the past week, including Justice Department plans to try five Guantanamo Bay detainees in federal court in New York, and President Obama's Afghan strategy review.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, November 12, 2009 Competing Philosophies Emerge in Review of Afghan Strategy President Obama has ordered his top advisers to revise the Afghan war options they presented him. That word came after the top U.S. diplomat in Afghanistan warned against sending large new numbers of troops. Judy Woodruff talks to a reporter for more.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror News Wrap: Falling Oil Prices Pull Markets Down In other news, falling oil prices drove down U.S. stocks markets, and the Federal Reserve issued a new rule preventing banks from charging overdraft fees on ATM and debit-card withdrawals.      Fort Hood Suspect Charged With 13 Counts of Murder Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan has been charged with premeditated murder in last week's shooting at Fort Hood. Jeffrey Brown talks to a reporter for an update.      Connections Between Radical Cleric, Hasan Closely Examined Since the shootings at Fort Hood, authorities have focused not only on the accused gunman, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, but also on Anwar Al-Awlaki, a Muslim cleric Hasan knew. Margaret Warner reports.      10 Years After Independence, East Timor Still Rebuilding Special correspondent Kira Kay examines East Timor's ongoing effort to rebuild itself, 10 years after winning independence from Indonesia. The report is part of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting's Fragile States project, a partnership with the Bureau of International Reporting.      The Overload Factor: Is President Obama Too Busy? As President Obama departs for Asia, he leaves a full menu of unfinished business at home: two wars to manage, a struggling economy and his push for health care reform, to name a few. Jim Lehrer speaks to a panel of experts about the so-called "overload factor" for presidents.      WEDNESDAY, November 11, 2009 With Afghan Decision Looming, Obama Honors Veterans Just days after the deadly shooting at Fort Hood, President Barack Obama marked Veterans Day with an address at Arlington National Cemetery. Hours later, he met with military advisers to discuss a new strategy for Afghanistan. Kwame Holman reports.      Other News: Europe Marks Armistice Day In other news, leaders across Europe commemorated the 91st anniversary of the end of World War I, and 11 people died in a pair of attacks in northwestern Pakistan.      Fed's Regulatory Powers Challenged Under Senate Plan More than a year after the economic crisis hit, legislators continue to work on how to reform financial regulation and stave off a future crisis. The latest proposal comes from Sen. Chris Dodd of the Senate finance committee. Financial experts review the plan.      States' Budget Woes Threaten Broad Economic Recovery With the national economy beginning to see glimmers of a comeback, the budget woes of at least 10 states threaten to derail a broad economic recovery. Gwen Ifill reports.      For Some Veterans, the Battle Continues Against PTSD After returning home from Iraq, Marine Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Workman struggled with the memories of war. As Betty Ann Bowser reports, soldiers like Workman are finding that often time, returning home can mean a new battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.      Troops' 'Avalanche of Needs' in Treating Traumatic Stress Judy Woodruff speaks with a pair of experts about how the military helps treat soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.      TUESDAY, November 10, 2009 Obama: 'No Faith Justifies' Shooting at Fort Hood President Obama traveled to Fort Hood Tuesday to address a memorial service for the victims of last week's shooting rampage that left 13 dead and 29 wounded. Kwame Holman reports.      News Wrap: White House Disputes Reports of Afghan Troop Surge In other news, White House officials insisted President Obama has not decided how many more troops to send to Afghanistan, and a suicide car bombing in Pakistan killed at least 24 people.      Suspect's 'Radical' Views Examined in Fort Hood Investigation Gwen Ifill speaks with two reporters about the ongoing investigation into last week's attack at Fort Hood, including new revelations that the alleged shooter had ties to a radical cleric in Yemen known for his anti-American teachings.      Iraqi Refugees Discover Security Comes at a Price Nearly 32,000 Iraqi refugees have come to the United States over the past three years to escape violence and political uncertainty. But as Jeffrey Kaye reports, more refugees are learning that personal safety often comes at the cost of economic security.    Iraq in Transition Premiums 'Will Go Down' Under Health Bill, Orszag Says In an interview with Judy Woodruff, Peter Orszag, director of the White House's Office of Management and Budget, outlines how health care reform will reduce medical costs.    Rx for Reform Counting the Costs of Health Care Reform Can health care reform change the system and cut costs? Judy Woodruff gets one take from Gail Wilensky, a former administrator of the federal Medicare program.    Rx for Reform Big Bird Celebrates Big Day with 'Sesame Street' Anniversary On the 40th anniversary of 'Sesame Street," Jeffrey Brown explores how the classic PBS program has helped shape childhood education in the United States and around the world.      MONDAY, November 9, 2009 Battle Lines Emerge in Senate Over Health Care Reform After narrowly passing the House late Saturday, the focus of the health care reform push now moves to the Senate, where a range of issues, including the public option, and how the bill treats abortion, may prove contentious topics of debate.    Rx for Reform News Wrap: G-20 Stimulus Pledge Boosts Markets In other news, the Dow Jones industrial average closed at a 13-month high after G-20 nations pledged to continue stimulus efforts, and Iraq set a date for national elections.      Investigators Seek Motive in Fort Hood Rampage Gwen Ifill speaks with Spencer Hsu of the Washington Post about the investigation into last week's shooting rampage at Fort Hood.      Fort Hood Community Struggles to Make Sense of Tragedy Tom Bearden reports from Killeen, Texas, on how the Fort Hood community is reacting to last week's shooting at the U.S. Army base that killed 13 people and injured dozens more.      Karzai on Firing Corrupt Officials: 'We Have and We Will' In an exclusive interview with Margaret Warner, Afghan President Hamid Karzai discusses ending corruption in his country, his views on President Obama's rethinking of military strategy in the region, and more.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Extended Interview with Karzai: 'We Do What Is Right' for Afghanistan In an exclusive interview with Margaret Warner, Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledges there is corruption at different levels of government, but says the country is working to address it and that the international community must respect the decisions of the Afghan courts. Afghanistan and the War on Terror High Court to Rule on Life Sentences for Minors The Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases Monday over whether sentencing minors to life in prison without a chance for parole constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the cases with Jim Lehrer.    Supreme Court Watch Berlin Remembers Fall of Wall 20 Years Later On the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germans celebrated the event that came to symbolize the end of the Cold War. Jeffrey Brown reports.      FRIDAY, November 6, 2009 Fort Hood Army Base Reeling From Attack Kwame Holman reports from Fort Hood Army Base in Texas, which is reeling in the aftermath of a deadly shooting that killed 13 people.      Conflicting Portrait Emerges of Accused Fort Hood Gunman Ray Suarez digs into the life of suspected Fort Hood gunman Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan and possible motives for the attack on the Army base.      Unemployment Hits 26-Year High Despite Economic Growth The U.S. Labor Department announced that unemployment jumped to over 10 percent on Friday, the highest it's been since 1983. Jeffrey Brown talks to an economist for more.      Freelancers Struggle As Unemployment Worsens in U.S. As part of his Making Sen$e series on the financial crisis, Paul Solman looks at how freelancers are faring in the declining job market.      Democrats' Health Bill Nears House Vote Betty Ann Bowser speaks with key policymakers about the ongoing health care debate surrounding House Democrats' new reform proposal.    Rx for Reform Karzai Faces Western Pressure to Stamp Out Corruption British Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai that the Afghanistan government must wipe out corruption. Margaret Warner reports from Kabul.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Shields, Brooks Examine GOP's 'Morale Boost' Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks sort through the week's news, including impending health care legislation and a worsening job market.    Political Wrap THURSDAY, November 5, 2009 A Search for Answers Following Fort Hood Attack At least 12 people were killed and 31 wounded when a gunman opened fire at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas. Jeffrey Brown reports.      Other News: Stocks Rally on Falling Jobless Claims In other news, falling weekly jobless claims contributed to a Wall Street rally, and there are new warning signs that the U.S. might be facing a shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine.      Obama Expected to Sign Extended Unemployment Benefits, Homebuyer Credit The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to extend aid to jobless workers and offer tax breaks to homebuyers. President Obama was expected to sign the measure on Friday. Ray Suarez reports.      Endorsements, Protests Mark Health Care Debate House Democrats' health reform plan received AARP's backing Thursday, but thousands of protesters rallied against the plan on Capitol Hill. Kwame Holman reports.    Rx for Reform U.N. Exits Afghanistan Following Deadly Suicide Bombing In Afghanistan, the U.N. announced that it is pulling back 600 employees after a deadly attack on staff. Margaret Warner has more from Kabul.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Hedge Fund World Rocked by Insider-trading Charges Judy Woodruff speaks with a Financial Times reporter about 14 people facing insider-trading charges for allegedly netting $20 million in illegal profits.      Teen's Rape Leaves California Community Stunned Spencer Michels reports from Richmond, Calif., where a teen girl was gang raped while dozens of people looked on without offering help.      WEDNESDAY, November 4, 2009 GOP Touts Different Sort of 'Change' in Va., N.J. Wins Judy Woodruff speaks with Amy Walter, editor of The Hotline, and Stuart Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Report, about the political implications of Tuesday's gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia.      Other News: Iranian Protesters Clash With Police In other news, thousands of Iranian protesters clashed with police in the streets of Tehran on the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy takeover, and the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether prosecutors can be sued for damages.      Taliban Link Explored in British Troop Deaths Nick Paton Walsh of Independent Television News reports on a fatal attack in Afghanistan against British soldiers patrolling Helmand Province.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Abdullah Calls for Legitimacy in Afghan Government Former Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah spoke with Margaret Warner in Kabul Wednesday to discuss his decision to drop out of the runoff election and allegations of electoral fraud shrouding President Hamid Karzai's new term.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror TV, Radio Talkers Shaping Political Discourse in U.S. Jeffrey Brown examines the impact of television and radio talk show hosts and how they affect the way Americans think about politics.      In Italy, Judge Convicts 23 Americans in CIA Kidnapping Case An Italian judge on Wednesday convicted 23 Americans in the 2003 kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric in Milan. Ray Suarez speaks with a Los Angeles Times reporter for more on the landmark case.      TUESDAY, November 3, 2009 Karzai Calls for Afghan Unity After Election Margaret Warner updates the situation in Afghanistan, where she has been reporting on President Hamid Karzai's victory after a disputed election.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror U.S. Policymakers See Potential Shift in Afghanistan Gwen Ifill speaks with policymakers about the American response to President Karzai's victory this week.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Gubernatorial Contests Held in Key States In other news, the Taliban denied that the Pakistani army has made gains against militants, and ballots starting rolling in as the key states of Virginia and New Jersey voted for governors.      Auto Industry on the Road to Recovery? The auto industry signaled recovery after GM reported a sales gain and Ford announced an unexpected profit. Jeffrey Brown reports.      Democrats Push New Climate Change Legislation Democrats started pushing climate change legislation a month before the U.S. participates in climate talks in Copenhagen. Kwame Holman reports.      How the Climate Changed Human Evolution NOVA explores the issue of climate change as it relates to human origins in part one of a three part series on evolution.      Madoff Accountant Pleads Guilty in Federal Court The consequences of Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme continue to trickle down as his accountant pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Judy Woodruff reports.      Stimulus Money Trickling Into the Classroom John Tulenko of Learning Matters Television explores how stimulus money is making its way into classrooms in upstate New York.      MONDAY, November 2, 2009 Afghanistan's Next Steps Unclear After Runoff Cancelation Afghan President Hamid Karzai won another term in office after his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, unexpectedly dropped out of the runoff election. Margaret Warner reports from Afghanistan.    Afghanistan and the War on Terror Other News: Bomb Kills 35 as Pakistan Violence Continues In other news, a suicide bombing in Pakistan killed 35 people, and Secretary of State Clinton was criticized by Arab states for her talks with Israel.      New York State Race a Showdown for GOP, Democrats The race for New York's 23rd Congressional District is offering a glimpse of where the political parties stand in voters minds in an off year.      Arrogance, Ignorance Recurring in Economic History Paul Solman speaks with economists Carmen Reinhart and Ken Rogoff about the financial crisis and how it compares to previous economic meltdowns.      Taxpayers' $2.3 Billion 'Gone' in CIT Bankruptcy The recession claimed another major financial institution, as lending giant CIT filed for bankruptcy after months of struggling to keep the company, which funds about 1 million small- to medium-sized businesses, afloat.      Kindle, Price War Changing the Way We Read Jeffrey Brown explores the shifting world of book publishing, and examines how technology and readers are changing the industry.      2009 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 1997

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