 |
 | 2006 DECEMBER Dec. 28, 2006
 Chavez, Aided by Oil Exports, Remains Larger Than Life on World Stage Fueled by a call for a renewed independence in dealings with the United States and aided by massive oil reserves, Hugo Chavez has built a growing coalition of states and partners bent on standing up to the policies of the Bush administration.

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 21, 2006
 Report Charges FEMA Wasted Funds After Hurricane Katrina The Federal Emergency Management Agency is under fire for wasting taxpayers' money on illegitimate disaster aid claims in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, though the agency contends it had to streamline procedures to send aid quickly to those in need.

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 18, 2006
 Communities Divided after Meat Plant Immigration Raids Residents of Greeley, Colo., like many towns affected by raids on meat plants last week that led to the arrest of more than 1,000 allegedly undocumented workers, are debating the impact of immigrants on their communities.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 15, 2006
 Outgoing Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Receives Farewell at the Pentagon The Pentagon held a farewell ceremony Friday for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He has been the only person to hold the job twice. While he was praised today by the president and the vice president, he has received heavy criticism because of the war in Iraq.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 13, 2006
 Low Public Support for Live-fire Drills In an attempt to increase security after 9/11, the U.S. Coast Guard has conducted over two dozen live-fire drills using their new deck-mounted machine guns in the Great Lakes region. A reporter discusses the public's reaction to this new program.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 13, 2006
 Immigration Crackdown Results in 1,300 Arrests An immigration raid of meat plants in six states resulted in nearly 1,300 arrests of illegal immigrants Tuesday. Julie Myers, of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Mark Lauritsen, of the United Food and Commercial Workers, share their views on the surprise raid.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 12, 2006
 New Orleans Crime Wave Taxes Louisiana's Police, National Guard In the midst of trying to rebuild, New Orleans faces a murder rate that exceeds that of Compton, Calif., in the latest FBI statistics. Officials have relied on the state's National Guard to help police, but at some point the troops will need to leave the city.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 5, 2006
 Medicare Participants Face Changing Drug Plans With rising up-front deductibles and widening coverage gaps, Medicare beneficiaries search for plans that will include their prescription drugs. A report looks at the changing Medicare benefits and what reforms newly elected Democrats may pursue.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 5, 2006
 Defense Secretary Nominee Gates Says U.S. Not Winning in Iraq Defense secretary nominee Robert Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the United States was not winning the war in Iraq. The NewsHour reports on the unfolding confirmation process for Donald Rumsfeld's replacement.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Dec. 4, 2006
 U.S. Ambassador to U.N. John Bolton to Resign U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his temporary appointment expires in the coming weeks, a White House spokesman said Monday.

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | NOVEMBER Nov. 30, 2006
 Presidio National Park Must Become Self-sufficient The Presidio of San Francisco, a former military base, is the only national park mandated by Congress to become financially self-sufficient.

   

 |  |

 |
 | Nov. 23, 2006
 New Orleans Homeowners Seek Federal Aid to Rebuild Thousands of homeowners in New Orleans have applied for federal funding to rebuild under a program called "The Road Home," but only a few dozen have received help.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Nov. 15, 2006
 Watchdog Finds Many Iraq Reconstruction Projects Subpar Reviews of the Iraq rebuilding program show many sub-standard facilities, but construction companies say they face unusual challenges in a war zone. The NewsHour presents a report.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Nov. 14, 2006
 New Senate Leaders Prepare for Next Term The newly elected members of the House had their freshman photograph taken Tuesday on Capitol Hill, while Senate Democrats elected their new leaders. Expert analyze the upcoming changes in the House and Senate.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | OCTOBER Oct. 31, 2006
 NASA Announces Repair Plans for Aging Hubble Telescope NASA announced Tuesday that it would send a final repair mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, tentatively in 2008, to extend the life of the orbiting observatory to at least 2013. Hubble's senior project scientist discusses the history and future of the telescope.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Oct. 24, 2006
 Author Discusses Bush Administration's Faith-based Initiatives President Bush began a faith-based initiative office in the White House. The former deputy, David Kuo, now accuses the administration of manipulating its religious base for political purposes in a new book, "Tempting Faith."

     

 |  |

 |
 | Oct. 5, 2006
 Public Housing Tenants Evicted If Unable to Meet Volunteer Rule According to federal law, each member of low-income families in the United States living in subsidized housing must perform 96 hours of volunteer service every year. If any member falls short, the whole family is removed. A report looks at this controversial law.

   

 |  |

 |
 | Oct. 2, 2006
 Defense Analysts Debate Whether Secretary Rumsfeld Should Go Bob Woodward's new book "State of Denial" presents the struggle between the military and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over decisions made in the Iraq war. Analysts debate whether Rumsfeld should remain at his post.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | SEPTEMBER Sept. 27, 2006
 Declassified Report Details 'Key Judgments' on Iraq War The White House allowed declassification of portions of the National Intelligence Estimate -- an assessment of the effects of the Iraq war on terrorism -- after parts were leaked to the media earlier in the week. Counterterrorism analysts Daniel Benjamin and Michael Rubin discuss the report's findings.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Sept. 25, 2006
 Intelligence Report Finds War Increasing Terrorist Threat Following the leak of the National Intelligence Estimate, a report from U.S. intelligence agencies that found the Iraq war is fueling Islamic radicalism and emboldening terrorists, Democrats reiterated the call for a new plan in Iraq. A CIA veteran discusses the report.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Sept. 14, 2006
 Officials Propose New Regulations to Prevent Rollovers Federal regulators are proposing new car safety rules designed to prevent rollovers. An official at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety explains the new regulations.

  

 |  |

 |
 | Sept. 5, 2006
 Congress Returns with Spending as Top Priority Lawmakers return to Washington this week after a month-long recess to focus on an agenda that includes increases in spending for defense and homeland security.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | AUGUST Aug. 30, 2006
 Number of Americans without Health Insurance Hits Record High According to a new U.S. Census Bureau report, the number of uninsured people in America has increased by 1.3 million to 46.6 million, including 400,000 more children. Health Correspondent Susan Dentzer discusses the story behind the alarming numbers.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 29, 2006
 Anniversary Raises Questions about Aid to Katrina Survivors President Bush marked the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans Tuesday with a speech where he admitted problems in the federal response to the disaster and pledged more funds for rebuilding efforts.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 29, 2006
 New Orleans, President Bush Mark Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina New Orleans commemorated the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with church services and jazz processionals while President Bush met with Mayor Ray Nagin and promised a better response to future hurricanes during a speech Tuesday. The NewsHour looks at the day's events.

 

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 28, 2006
 Lawmakers Use Line Items to Fund Projects for Own Districts NewsHour Congressional Correspondent Kwame Holman reports on how Congress funds its own pet projects.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 28, 2006
 President Bush Visits Gulf Coast for Katrina Anniversary President Bush arrived in Biloxi, Miss. Monday to survey the region's recovery effort in the year since Hurricane Katrina. His next stop is New Orleans. The city's leaders and residents discuss the changes that have taken place since the hurricane hit.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 22, 2006
 Debate over Welfare Reform Lingers 10 Years Later Ten years ago, then-President Clinton signed into law major welfare changes that tightened restrictions on who could receive welfare and for how long. Experts assess the impact the law has had over the years.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 18, 2006
 Political Analysts Discuss Iraq, Anti-Wal-Mart Strategy and Allen Comments Analysts Mark Shields and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss the changing political support in Iraq, the growing movement against Wal-Mart, and Virginia GOP Sen. George Allen's controversial comments made during a campaign appearance.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 18, 2006
 President Defends NSA Wiretapping After Court Calls It Unconstitutional President Bush said Friday he believes other U.S. courts will uphold the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program a day after a federal judge in Detroit ruled it unconstitutional.

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 16, 2006
 National Border Control Council Head Discusses Immigration In the second in a series on immigration in the United States, National Border Patrol Council President T.J. Bonner shares his views.

   

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 14, 2006
 Government Adjusts Airline Passenger Screening Rules The Transportation Security Administration eased restrictions on airline passengers Sunday, while the Department of Homeland Security moved the terror threat level down a notch on flights from Britain. TSA chief Kip Hawley discusses the new security measures.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 7, 2006
 Focus on Fuel Standards Increases Along with Price of Gas As the price of oil balloons and trips to the gas pump cost more, U.S. fuel economy standards are coming under renewed scrutiny for their impact on global warming.




 |  |

 |
 | Aug. 7, 2006
 Fuel Economy Chart View fuel economy standards and actual road results for cars and light trucks since 1978.




 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | JULY July 27, 2006
 Report Finds Abuse of Homeland Security Contracts A congressional report to be released Thursday has found dozens of Homeland Security Department contracts worth $34 billion were prone to wasteful spending, overcharges, and abuse stemming from an increase in no-bid deals and a shortage of managers.

     

 |  |

 |
 | July 27, 2006
 Housing Woes in New Orleans Continue Nearly a Year After Katrina More than 75 percent of public housing in New Orleans is unfit for human habitation after Hurricane Katrina. Rebuilding plans for these homes are underway but will take time, even though residents are ready now to return home.

     

 |  |

 |
 | July 25, 2006
 After Faltering for Months, Global Free Trade Talks Suspended After several months of acrimonious debate and failed negotiations, international trade representatives officially suspended the Doha round of free trade talks, marking a major setback to efforts to reduce trade barriers throughout the globe.

 |  |

 |
 | July 19, 2006
 President Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Bill President Bush issued his first veto Wednesday on a bill that would have eased restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Two political analysts discuss the use of the presidential veto.

     

 |  |

 |
 | July 18, 2006
 Senate Questions Attorney General Gonzales on Wiretapping Program Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday that President Bush refused to grant security access to investigators looking into the National Security Agency's phone-tapping program.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | JUNE June 27, 2006
 Surgeon General Concludes There is No Safe Level of Second-Hand Smoke The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona discusses the report released Tuesday confirming that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke. The report reveals that the only way to protect non-smokers is to ban smoking in public places.

     




 |  |

 |
 | June 23, 2006
 Analysts Discuss Congress' Iraqi War Debate and Immigration Legislation Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the Iraq war debate in Congress over the deadline for withdrawal and the immigration issue.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 23, 2006
 U.S. Government Monitors International Banking for Counterterrorism The Treasury Department has been using internet banking programs containing transactions of thousands of Americans to track terrorism money since September 11, 2001. The lead official at the Department of Treasury explains the need for the program.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 15, 2006
 President Bush Declares National Monument in Hawaii President Bush on Thursday announced the designation of a vast chain of Northwestern Hawaiian islands as a national monument, now the largest marine sancutary in the world. Ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and Joshua Reichert of the Pew Charitable Trusts discuss what the new designation will mean.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 14, 2006
 Increase in Consumer Prices Raises Fears of Inflation A Labor Department report released Wednesday shows an increase in consumer prices due to significant raises in energy and gas costs, prompting concerns that the Federal Reserve will again raise interest rates to fight inflation.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 12, 2006
 Costly New Orleans Levee Repairs May Be Inadequate In the first month of a new hurricane season, the Army Corps of Engineers has completed almost $800 million in repairs to the New Orleans levee system, repairs some say still leave the battered city vulnerable.

     




 |  |

 |
 | June 7, 2006
 House Approves Increase in FCC Fines for Indecency The House of Representatives authorized the Federal Communications Commission to fine over-the-air television and radio broadcasters up to $325,000 for violating decency standards, a tenfold increase over previous penalties. President Bush is expected to sign the measure.

 

 |  |

 |
 | June 7, 2006
 The Repeal of the Estate Tax Ignites Debate in Congress The Senate has been debating the possible repeal of the tax on high-value estates that are to be handed down to heirs. If Congress does not act, the threshold for qualifying for the tax will rise to $3.5 million for an estate and continue increasing until 2010, when it returns to pre-2002 rates.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 7, 2006
 European Investigator Details Web of Secret CIA Prisons and Transfers Fourteen countries helped the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency build a network of secret flights and detention centers to fight the war on terrorism, according to a Council of Europe investigator's report released Wednesday.

 |  |

 |
 | June 6, 2006
 Dow Continues Dive After Fed Chief Expresses Inflation Concerns Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke this week expressed concerns over core inflation and noted a slowing economy, cooling housing market, and lower consumer spending, leading investors to expect another interest rate hike.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 6, 2006
 Harvard Researchers Start Cloning Human Embryos with Private Funds Harvard researchers announced Tuesday that they have begun efforts to clone human embryos to create stem cells by using private funding to get around federal funding restrictions.

 |  |

 |
 | June 5, 2006
 Global Warming Presents New Business Opportunities As various groups push to raise awareness of the adverse effects of global warming and energy prices continue to rise, companies are advertising greener, cleaner products that may cost a little more.

     




 |  |

 |
 | June 1, 2006
 Immigration Reforms Could Change Hiring Practices Proposed immigration reforms in Congress could change hiring practices.

     

 |  |

 |
 | June 1, 2006
 Homeland Security Chief Says U.S. Prepared for 2006 Storm Season On the first day of the 2006 hurricane season, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff discusses the federal government's preparedness for another storm season after the devastation and chaotic response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | MAY May 26, 2006
 Senate Confirms Hayden as CIA Director By a 78-15 vote, the Senate on Friday confirmed Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden as the Central Intelligence Agency chief.

 |  |

 |
 | May 24, 2006
 New Orleans Tests Revamped Hurricane Evacuation Plan New Orleans officials enacted an updated plan Tuesday, under which an evacuation will be ordered up to 36 hours before a Category 3 or stronger hurricane hits the city. Local emergency responders used the test to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 19, 2006
 Political Analysts Shields and Brooks Discuss Immigration, Hayden Hearings Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss immigration reform, the Hayden CIA confirmation hearing and President Bush's popularity ratings.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 18, 2006
 Gen. Hayden Defends NSA Surveillance Program at CIA Nomination Hearings Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden, President Bush's nominee for CIA director, fielded questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee about the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance program created after Sept. 11th while Hayden was head of NSA.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 18, 2006
 Senators Press CIA Nominee on Legality of Surveillance Efforts In the face of close questioning by senators, Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden, President Bush's nominee for CIA director, strongly defended a domestic eavesdropping program Thursday, saying it protected the country against terrorism and did not violate Americans' civil rights.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 17, 2006
 Former NSA Head Michael Hayden Prepares for Confirmation Hearings to Run the CIA Former National Security Agency chief Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden is expected to face tough questioning Thursday during his confirmation hearings to run the Central Intelligence Agency. Kwame Holman reports on the political issues that will play out in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 16, 2006
 Attorney General Rebuffs Critics of President's Immigration Plan Amid continued debate over immigration reform, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales hopes to see an immigration bill pass through the House and Senate by the end of the year. Gonzales comments on the criticism against President Bush's immigration plan and the NSA.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 16, 2006
 Conservatives, Liberals Take Aim at President's Immigration Plan President Bush's five-point immigration plan proposed in a national address Monday, drew criticism from both sides of the aisle as the Senate continued debate over its immigration reform bill. Two members of Congress debate President Bush's five points and current legislation.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 15, 2006
 President Deploys Troops to Border, Calls for Reform In a nationally televised address, President Bush introduced a five-point, $1.9 billion plan to secure the U.S.-Mexican border that includes deploying 6,000 National Guard troops and creating a "temporary worker" program.

 |  |

 |
 | May 15, 2006
 Seniors Rush to Sign Up for Medicare's Drug Benefit Before Deadline The Bush administration made one last push Monday to persuade seniors to sign up for Medicare's drug benefit before a financial penalty kicks in. Two experts discuss the deadline and what it means for seniors and others struggling to pay for drugs.

  

 |  |

 |
 | May 15, 2006
 Chinese Investment Sparks Economic Boom in Sudan With a 40 percent stake in Sudan's oil industry, China has become Sudan's largest investor, financing part of a major economic boom and in exchange exporting one-third of the resource-rich African nation's oil output. Margaret Warner reports from Khartoum about the challenges facing Sudan's economy.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 15, 2006
 President Faces Political Pitfalls in Immigration Address A White House spokesman announced the National Guard will patrol the Mexican border as part of a broader immigration plan that President Bush will outline in a speech to the nation Monday night. Then, syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks preview the president's speech.

 

 |  |

 |
 | May 12, 2006
 Red Cross Criticizes Lack of Access to U.S. Secret Prisons The International Committee of the Red Cross criticized the Bush administration Friday for denying access by neutral visitors to those held in secret detention.

 |  |

 |
 | May 11, 2006
 Senate Votes to Extend Tax Cuts For Five Years The U.S. Senate voted to extend $70 billion dollars in tax cuts, first enacted in 2003, for five years. While Republicans credit these tax cuts with a surging economy, Democrats believe a majority of Americans are being left out.

  

 |  |

 |
 | May 11, 2006
 NSA Wire Tapping Program Revealed An article in Thursday's USA Today reported that three of the largest U.S. phone companies have been providing the National Security Agency with phone records from millions of Americans since 9/11. Two senators discuss the program's legal and security issues now that the public is aware of it.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 9, 2006
 Post-Katrina Home Insurance Hard to Get Nine months after Hurricane Katrina destroyed homes in Mississippi and Louisiana, real estate agents and residents of the area are having big problems obtaining homeowners insurance.

  

 |  |

 |
 | May 9, 2006
 Amid Widespread Criticism, Government Prepares for Next Hurricane Season The Senate has recommended the dissolution of FEMA and every level of government has come under fire for its handling of Hurricane Katrina, government organizations are launching initiatives to deal with another potentially active hurricane season.

 |  |

 |
 | May 8, 2006
 Deadline for Prescription Drug Enrollment Plan Approaches The clock is ticking for Medicare beneficiaries wishing to enroll in a prescription drug coverage plan by the May 15 registration deadline. Susan Dentzer of the NewsHour's Health Unit reports on the prescription drug coverage countdown.

  




 |  |

 |
 | May 8, 2006
 President Nominates Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to Head CIA President Bush nominated Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to serve as the Central Intelligence Agency's next leader, sparking debate over Hayden's military background and his role in the NSA domestic surveillance program. Two members of the House Intelligence Committee discuss the nomination and the CIA's new direction.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 8, 2006
 Former Head of NSA Nominated as CIA Chief President Bush nominated Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to serve as the next leader of the Central Intelligence Agency Monday, re-igniting the debate over domestic surveillance efforts that Hayden oversaw as head of the National Security Agency.

 |  |

 |
 | May 5, 2006
 Porter Goss Resigns as Head of CIA Central Intelligence Agency Director Porter Goss resigned without reason Friday after less than two years on the job. Two intelligence experts discuss possible reasons.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 3, 2006
 President Bush Theatens Veto of Senate's Emergency Spending Bill A $92 billion emergency spending bill already has the support of President Bush and approval by the House. However, the Senate has added $14 billion dollars for projects they consider emergencies, and the president is threatening to veto the bill. Kwame Holman reports on putting a price tag on emergencies.

 

 |  |

 |
 | May 3, 2006
 U.S. Government Releases New Plans for Pandemic Flu The White House released an updated pandemic flu plan as fears continue that the bird flu virus that has infected birds in 48 countries and humans in nine arrives in the United States. A homeland security adviser outlines what the federal government is doing to prepare.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 2, 2006
 Senagalese Student Lands in Public Eye Over Pending Deportation Amadou Ly, a Senegalese 18-year-old living alone in New York City, now faces deportation after revealing his illegal immigrant status on his way to his high school's robotics competition.

  

 |  |

 |
 | May 2, 2006
 Bolivia Moves to Nationalize Oil and Gas Industries Bolivian President Evo Morales sent troops to gas fields on Monday after nationalizing the gas and oil industries. The European Union warned the move could put additional pressure on energy markets. Two policy researchers discuss the reasons behind the decree and Bolivia's future.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 1, 2006
 Immigrants Organize Economic Boycotts Across United States Hundreds of thousands of immigrants participated in economic boycotts across the United States. Two guests discuss the motivations of the protesters and the future of illegal immigrants in the U.S.

     

 |  |

 |
 | May 1, 2006
 Thousands Rally in Washington for More Darfur Aid Thousands of people poured onto the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Sunday to show their support to end the ethnic and political conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.

 |  |

 |
 | May 1, 2006
 Immigrants Protest Across U.S. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants protested across the United States in response to congressional battles over immigration reform. Correspondents from Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. report on the protests and workplace boycotts.

  

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | APRIL April 28, 2006
 Republicans Struggle Ahead of Fall Election NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss challenges facing the Republican Party ahead of November's midterm election, high gasoline prices and President Bush's appointment of new White House Press Secretary Tony Snow.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 27, 2006
 Lawmakers Struggle to Respond to Rising Gas Prices As oil companies report huge profits for the first quarter of 2006, lawmakers have responded to rising gas prices with varying proposals including rebates and increased fuel efficiency standards. Two experts discuss the connection between oil, gas prices and profits.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 27, 2006
 Oppenheimer Biography Garners Pulitzer Prize Authors Martin Sherwin and Kai Bird won this year's Pulitzer Prize in biography for their book, "American Prometheus." Robert Oppenheimer, the subject of their work, was the director of the Manhattan Project -- the secret government effort that culminated in the first nuclear bomb.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 27, 2006
 Senators Propose Eliminating FEMA, Creating New Agency The senators who investigated the administration's performance during last year's Hurricane Katrina recommended the government dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency and create a new, stronger agency in its place.

 |  |

 |
 | April 26, 2006
 20 Years Later, Chernobyl Still Weighs on Nuclear Efforts Twenty years after Chernobyl, the world's worst nuclear disaster, debate resumes over the use of nuclear power. Two experts discuss the what happened at Chernobyl and current concerns over nuclear power.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 25, 2006
 President Bush Outlines Plan to Lower Rising Gas Prices President Bush set forth plans to temporarily halt deposits into the nation's emergency reserve of oil, ease environmental standards and investigate price gouging in an attempt to lower gas prices.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 25, 2006
 Leak Case Highlights Tensions Between Government and Media Central Intelligence Agency employee Mary McCarthy was fired Thursday for a pattern of leaking information. The firing of McCarthy and the clampdown on leaks comes amid new tensions between the government and the media.

 

 |  |

 |
 | April 24, 2006
 CIA Cracks Down on Leaks, Fires Senior Official Central Intelligence Agency employee Mary McCarthy was fired for leaking information about CIA secret prison camps to the Washington Post. Two former CIA intelligence experts discuss the implications of the firing and the future of security at the CIA.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 21, 2006
 Growing Drug Abuse by Women Pose New Challenges For decades, far more U.S. males than females have been substance abusers, but the gender gap is now shrinking. A report on the growing dependency in woman and the approaches to treat the problem.

     




 |  |

 |
 | April 21, 2006
 Analysts Consider Political Implications of Hu Visit Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry speak about the shakeups at the White House, and the impact of President Hu's U.S. visit on trade, diplomacy and the media.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 21, 2006
 Chinese Media Offers Controlled Coverage of Hu Visit A lone protester shouted at China's President Hu Jintao as he spoke Thursday on the White House south lawn. The protesters disruption was seen all across the world except in one place: China. Two experts on Chinese affairs discuss the Chinese government's censorship of the media.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 20, 2006
 CDC Chief Responds to Mumps Reappearance in Eight Midwest States The largest mumps outbreak in more than two decades has hit the Midwest with confirmed cases in at least eight states. Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control, offers an update on efforts to contain the virus.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 19, 2006
 Chinese President's Visit Focuses on Trade Issues Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with President Bush this week to discuss issues ranging from trade to piracy. Paul Solman discusses the issues facing the two leaders in a conversation with Jim Lehrer.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 19, 2006
 Staff Changes in White House May Indicate Change in Direction Major changes in the White House staff were announced Wednesday. Scott McClellan resigned as press secretary and deputy chief of staff Karl Rove is giving up his policy role. White House experts discuss how the staff changes will affect the President's polls and the next election.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 18, 2006
 China Continues Efforts to Limit Access to the Internet In Northern California, a Chinese-born computer scientist is waging a technological war on the Chinese government's Internet restrictions. Following a report on their efforts, two regional experts assess the Chinese government's efforts to control information within its borders.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 18, 2006
 President Supports Rumsfeld At a Pentagon news conference, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged that he's heard the criticisms of a group of retired generals but that he has not considered resigning. A report on Rumfeld's critics and supporters.

 

 |  |

 |
 | April 18, 2006
 Rumsfeld Defends Himself as Criticism from Generals Mount At a Pentagon news conference Tuesday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged that he's heard the criticisms of a group of retired generals but that he has not considered resigning. A discussion with two experts on Rumsfeld's declaration to stay and the fallout of the retired generals' criticisms.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 17, 2006
 Paper Chronicles New Orleans Recovery, Advocates for City's Survival The 169-year-old New Orleans Times-Picayune has found itself tested by Hurricane Katrina in unprecedented ways. A report on the newspaper's changing role after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 14, 2006
 Old Tax Places New Burdens on Politicians, Taxpayers Created as a patch to the tax law in 1967, the Alternative Minimum tax law's growing complexity and effect on Americans has caused policy-makers and tax experts to reevaluate.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 14, 2006
 Rumsfeld's Tenure and Future at the Pentagon Debated Syndicated Columnist Mark Shields and New York Times Columnist David Brooks discuss whether Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will resign and debate possible U.S. responses to a nuclear Iran.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 14, 2006
 IRS Weighs the Status of Some Religious Organizations The Internal Revenue Service is reviewing the tax-free status of churches and ministers who preach politics from the pulpit. NewsHour correspondent Jeffrey Kaye of KCET-Los Angeles explores the issue in a report first aired in February 2006.

 

 |  |

 |
 | April 13, 2006
 Rising Gas Costs Increase Appeal of Biofuels Rising gas prices have increased the interest in alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel made from old cooking oil and ethanol made from corn. Paul Solman reports.

     




 |  |

 |
 | April 13, 2006
 Government Unveils New Orleans Rebuilding Documents Government officials released an analysis of flood risk in New Orleans and four nearby parishes Thursday -- the first such assessment since the 1980s -- and offered guidelines for rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 12, 2006
 Gas Prices Continue to Soar The U.S. Energy Department forecast Tuesday that gasoline will average two dollars and sixty two cents a gallon this summer. An expert explains what's behind the higher prices.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 12, 2006
 Library of Congress Launches Latest Attempt to Preserve its Music The Library of Congress is attempting to preserve the memorable words and music of history. Jeffrey Brown talks to James Billington, the head Librarian of Congress, about the National Recording Registry.

 |  |

 |
 | April 11, 2006
 Hurricane Evacuees Vote in New Orleans Mayoral Elections As post-Katrina New Orleans prepares for its mayoral election, candidates are contending with the city's changing demographics and officials are making sure evacuees can fill out absentee ballots.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 11, 2006
 The Spanish Media Organize their Listeners to React to the Immigration Bill The Spanish-language media played a prominent role in the recent immigration protests. Two journalists discuss the growing clout of the Latino media and its impact on the many immigration rallies throughout the country.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 10, 2006
 Latino Communities Rally Over Immigration Reform With a controversial overhaul of immigration laws stalled in Congress, demonstrators marched in record numbers across the country as the growing Latino community mobilized into action.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 7, 2006
 Immigration Deal Falls Apart in Senate The Senate's efforts to pass a bipartisan immigration reform bill fell apart as involved parties failed to agree on details of the new leglislation. Kwame Holman reports.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 7, 2006
 Levee Repair Costs Could Reach $6 Billion A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimate predicts an additional $6 billion will be needed to make the levees in Louisiana strong enough to meet the standards of the federal flood insurance program.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 7, 2006
 Analysts Consider Political Impact of the Immigration Deal Collapse Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the failed immigration deal in the Senate, the CIA leak case, former House Majority Leader Tom Delay and other stories of the week.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 6, 2006
 Senators Hopeful About Immigration Deal After a week of debate, the Senate reached an agreement on an immigration bill. Following a report on the Senate's proposed reforms, two senators debate the deal as well as the potential compromise with a House immigration bill.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 5, 2006
 Massachusetts Announces Universal Healthcare Plan The Massachusetts legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill Tuesday which will allow 99% of individuals in the state to obtain health insurance. An expert examines the state's unique approach to handle the problem with those uninsured.

     

 |  |

 |
 | April 5, 2006
 Massachusetts Seeks Insurance for All Residents Massachusetts lawmakers approved a landmark bill Tuesday creating a system under which all citizens will be able to obtain health insurance, regardless of financial status.

 |  |

 |
 | April 4, 2006
 America's Infrastructure Needs Crucial Repairs Ray Suarez discusses infrastructure problems and a new proposal that calls for significant investment and less politicization with Felix Rohatyn, a trustee at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

 

 |  |

 |
 | April 4, 2006
 French Youth Take To Streets Over Labor Law The strike against France's new employment law began peacefully Tuesday with more than a million people taking part in marches across the country. But late in the day, young men began throwing stones, tearing street signs, and scuffling with plainclothes police. Margaret Warner reports on the labor protests in France.

  

 |  |

 |
 | April 4, 2006
 Louisiana Struggles to Maintain, Improve Wetlands Even before Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana was losing miles of wetlands every year due to its systems of levees and canals. Now, the Army Corps of Engineers has asked the people of New Orleans to comment on a plan that includes restoration of some of the region's wetlands.

     




 |  |

 |
 | April 3, 2006
 Iranian Government's Reach Touches Rural Lives Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports on what Iranians in poor, rural villages want from their government.

     

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | MARCH March 31, 2006
 Immigration Debate Highlights Role of Low-skill Workers in U.S. The debate over immigration reform has called into question the role of low-wage workers in the U.S. economy. Two experts discuss the role of immigrants in filling important gaps in the American job market.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 31, 2006
 Immigration Threaten to Splinters GOP NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks debate the split among Republicans on immigration reform, the resignation of White House chief of staff Andrew Card and the guilty plea of a former aide to Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 30, 2006
 House Minority Leader Pelosi Blasts GOP's Iraq Policy House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi discusses the Democratic plan for Iraq, immigration, and plans to take back the House of Representatives in November of 2006.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 30, 2006
 Mexico Looks At The U.S. Immigration Debate Mexico is paying close attention to the debate in Congress over immigration reform. Following a report on the ongoing Congressional debate, analysts consider how the political fight looks to those south of the American border.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 30, 2006
 UAE and the United States Work to Mend Fences after the Failed Ports Deal A Senate committee began drafting legislation to change how business deals involving America's so-called "national security assets" are reviewed, in an effort to heal bruised relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. A report on the broader campaign to mend fences.

 

 |  |

 |
 | March 29, 2006
 New Report Concludes Many Black Men Are Strugging in Amerca A new report from the National Urban League concludes that many black Americans are struggling to live as well as white Americans. A report on the plight of black men, who have not kept up with the income, health, education, civil justice and civic engagement of other groups.

 

 |  |

 |
 | March 29, 2006
 Students Help Rebuild Houses After Hurricane Katrina Some teenagers chose to spend their spring break helping gut homes in Biloxi, Miss., that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 28, 2006
 Wiretap Revelations Spur Presidential Powers Debate The Bush administration came under intense scrutiny in December 2005 when The New York Times revealed that the NSA, under the authorization of President Bush, had been engaging in a wiretapping program without seeking court-ordered warrants.

 |  |

 |
 | March 28, 2006
 Investigators Slip Radioactive Materials Past U.S. Border Patrol Two teams of government investigators testing the effectiveness of radiation monitors at U.S. borders were able to smuggle in enough radioactive material to make two "dirty bombs," a federal report released Monday said.

 |  |

 |
 | March 27, 2006
 Paper Chronicles New Orleans Recovery, Advocates for City's Survival The 169-year-old New Orleans Times-Picayune has found itself tested by Hurricane Katrina in unprecedented ways. A report on the newspaper's changing role after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

  

 |  |

 |
 | March 24, 2006
 President Bush Launches New PR Offensive on Iraq Mark Shields and David Brooks analyze the Iraq war's impact on politics and public opinion. The two columnists also discuss President Bush's public relations offensive, and the debate over an immigration bill in the House.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 24, 2006
 Clashes Grow in France Over Labor Law Police clashed with hundreds of students in Paris Thursday during demonstrations over new laws passed in French parliament last month. Two guests discuss the causes of the latest unrest in France.

 

 |  |

 |
 | March 23, 2006
 P.S. 48 Struggles to Make The Grade NewsHour special correspondent for education John Merrow visits a highly praised New York City school that, due to regulations under No Child Left Behind Law, isn't making the grade.

  

 |  |

 |
 | March 22, 2006
 Minnesota Tackles Tough Immigration Issues Immigrant communities have grown to record levels in Minneapolis and St. Paul in recent years. NewsHour correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro of Twin Cities Public Television reports on Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's crackdown on illegal immigration and the debate over the issue in Minnesota.

  

 |  |

 |
 | March 20, 2006
 Pass Christian, Miss. Rebuilds After Katrina Private grants and state funding have allowed the Mississippi Gulf Coast town of Pass Christian to recreate itself. NewsHour correspondent Tom Bearden reports on a town in search of a new image after Hurricane Katrina.

 

 |  |

 |
 | March 17, 2006
 New FDA Cheif Inherits Old Problems The newly nominated commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration is being called upon to restore morale and confidence in the agency following its controversial handling of Vioxx and birth control known as Plan B. Two officials consider the state of the FDA.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 17, 2006
 Discontent Continues to Grow with U.S. Handling of Iraq War Columnist Tom Oliphant and New York Times Columnist David Brooks discuss a new book critiquing the Bush administration's pre-war planning, the continued drop in American support for the president's Iraq policy, the Feingold censure measure and more from the week's news.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 16, 2006
 FCC Fines Stations for $3.6 Million for 'Indecent' Programs A government crackdown on indecent programming has resulted in a proposed fine of $3.6 million against dozens of CBS stations and affiliates -- a record penalty from the Federal Communications Commission. Two advocates debate the FCC's move.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 15, 2006
 Guest Worker Program at Heart of Immigration Fight The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would focus enforcement efforts on illegal workers, which would include building 700 miles of physical barriers along the Mexican border. The Senate is considering a plan to let undocumented workers stay in the country as "guest workers."

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 13, 2006
 House Majority Leader Defends GOP Policies House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, discusses lobbying reform, the Dubai ports management deal, the future of the Republican party, President Bush's popularity and the war in Iraq.

   

 |  |

 |
 | March 10, 2006
 Companies, Countries Weigh Fallout from Dubai Ports Deal President Bush warned Friday of a potential international fallout after Thursday's announcement by Dubai Ports World that it would cede control of six U.S. ports. Two financial experts about what this announcement could mean for foreign investment in the United States.

   

 |  |

 |
 | March 9, 2006
 Dogs Join Search for Bodies in New Orleans NewsHour correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on specially trained dogs that search for those still missing in New Orleans.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 9, 2006
 Dubai Ports Pledges to Transfer Ports to U.S. Entity Under intense political pressure, Dubai Ports World announced Thursday it would transfer the operations of its U.S. ports to an American firm. Two experts assess the political and business forces shaping Thursday's announcement and what may be next in the ongoing fight over the control of American ports.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 9, 2006
 Patriot Act Renewed With Some Privacy Protections President Bush signed a renewal of the USA Patriot Act into law Thursday, a day before 16 major provisions of the law were set to expire.

 |  |

 |
 | March 8, 2006
 Domino Sugar Plant Reopens After Rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina Six months after Hurricane Katrina, Domino Sugar reopened its facilities after setting up temporary trailer parks to house its workers and their families.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 7, 2006
 America's Efforts to Improve Math and Science in Schools A special report on America's efforts to improve math and science in schools. A detailed look into California's statewide initiative to recruit more teachers and create innovative ways to teach science and math concepts.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 3, 2006
 South Dakota Law Bans Most Types of Abortion South Dakota, already the state with the strictest abortion regulations, has passed a controversial law that prevents doctors from performing an abortion except in cases where the mother's life is in danger.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 3, 2006
 President Faces Katrina Fallout, Pakistani Protests Mark Shields and David Brooks speak with Jim Lehrer about Hurricane Katrina and the briefing video with President Bush, the president's trip to India and Pakistan and other leading stories from this week.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 3, 2006
 Former CIA Official Derides Pre-War Intelligence Gwen Ifill discusses pre-war intelligence and what the Bush administration might have anticipated after the Iraq invasion with former senior CIA official Paul Pillar.



 |  |

 |
 | March 2, 2006
 Houston Struggles to Accomodate Katrina Evacuees NewsHour correspondent Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Broadcasting reports on Houston's growing pains from sheltering more than 150,000 evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 2, 2006
 U.S. and India Agree to Nuclear Partnership President Bush met with Indian Prime Minister Singh on Thursday and agreed to share nuclear technology despite reservations from some worried about the spread of atomic weapons. Three experts discuss if the deal will spur economic growth or reward a country that has opposed nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

     

 |  |

 |
 | March 1, 2006
 Senate Cracks Down on Mexican Border Crossings The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to start drafting comprehensive immigration reform with the hope of coming up with a plan that can gain a majority of votes in both houses of Congress. Congressional correspondent Kwame Holman reports on efforts to plug holes in the U.S.-Mexico border.

 

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | FEBRUARY Feb. 28, 2006
 Senate Holds Hearings on Dubai Port Deal Bush administration officials were questioned closely at two Senate hearings Tuesday about a seaport deal that would allow a Dubai company to take over shipping operations at six major U.S. ports. Kwame Holman reports on port politics at the capital.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 28, 2006
 Campaign Finance Law Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny The Supreme Court heard arguments about a Vermont law that would limit contributions towards state election campaigns, and released a decision on the regulations on anti-abortion protests. Gwen Ifill talks to Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal about Tuesday's action.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 27, 2006
 Debate Highlights Spotty Nature of U.S. Port Security The debate over allowing a company from the United Arab Emirates to run six U.S. seaports has raised questions about overall security inspections at America's major seaports. Two guests discuss current safety precautions.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 24, 2006
 Dubai, Iraqi Violence Dominate Political Debate Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the reaction to the Dubai port deal and sectarian tensions in Iraq.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 21, 2006
 High Court Agrees to Hear Late-term Abortion Case The U.S. Supreme Court heard challenges Tuesday to federal environmental laws and scheduled arguments on state abortion restrictions. Ray Suarez discusses the arguments as well as Justice Samuel Alito's first day on the bench with Marcia Coyle.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 17, 2006
 NewsHour Analysts Consider the Cheney Hunting Accident Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry discuss Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of his hunting companion, the latest on Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the National Security Agency and domestic spying, among other topics.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 16, 2006
 Bernanke Makes Inaugural Appearance Before Congress New Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke made his first appearance before Congress this week since taking over the job from Alan Greenspan.

  

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 16, 2006
 President Bush Proposes Health Savings Accounts In an effort to help people cope with higher costs and declining coverage, President Bush has proposed greatly expanding the use of health savings accounts with high deductibles. Following a background report on the president's proposal, two guests offer differing opinions on how to fix America's health care system.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 16, 2006
 Army Corps Races to Rebuild New Orleans Levees NewsHour correspondent Betty Ann Bowser provides a Science Unit report from New Orleans on efforts to rebuild the levee system before the next hurricane season.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 15, 2006
 Chertoff Discusses Response to Katrina Report Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff discusses the administration's response to Hurricane Katrina and what can be done differently in another natural disaster.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 15, 2006
 House Lawmakers Discuss the Katrina Report Members of the House Select Committee investigating the preparation and response to Hurricane Katrina discuss what they have learned.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 15, 2006
 Chertoff Grilled About U.S. Katrina Response Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff appeared before a Senate panel investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.

  

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 13, 2006
 Chertoff Announces Changes for FEMA Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Monday that he plans to reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make it better prepared for disasters. Two experts discuss the possible changes.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 13, 2006
 Maryland Bill Requires Health Care Changes for Wal-Mart A Maryland law, scheduled to go into effect in 2007, aims to force large employers, and specifically the Wal-Mart chain, to improve health benefits for employees.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 10, 2006
 Former FEMA Chief Questioned by Congress As part of its investigation into failings in the federal government's Hurricane Katrina response, the Senate Homeland Security Committee heard the testimony of Michael Brown, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 10, 2006
 Senators React to Brown Testimony The Senate heard testimony from former Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown on the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. Two senators on the Homeland Security Committee discuss their reactions to Brown's testimony.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 10, 2006
 Analysts Weigh Fallout from Muhammad Cartoons Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the response to controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, the debate over surveillance programs and the government's Hurricane Katrina response.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 9, 2006
 Senate Debates Compensation for Asbestos Victims A proposed Senate bill would create a $140 billion trust fund to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah provide opposing viewpoints on the effectiveness of the plan to help around 700,000 people who have claimed health problems as a result of asbestos exposure.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 8, 2006
 New Orleans Health Care Struggles After Hurricane Katrina Susan Dentzer of the Health Unit reports from New Orleans about the city's broken health care system after Hurricane Katrina and the effort to assist the thousands of residents who are poor, uninsured and chronically ill.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 7, 2006
 Vice President Cheney Defends Government's Wiretapping Program In a wide-ranging newsmaker interview, Vice President Dick Cheney defends the government's program of warrantless wiretapping of suspected terrorist communications as well as addresses the diplomatic standoff with Iran and the overall effectiveness of the Bush administration.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 6, 2006
 President Submits 2007 Budget to Congress President Bush submitted his 2007 budget proposal to Congress on Monday. The $2.8 trillion plan includes increases in defense spending, provisions to make existing tax cuts permanent and reductions in entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Two guests discuss the administration's priorities.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 3, 2006
 Brooks and Oliphant Debate the Election of John Boehner David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss the election of John Boehner as House majority leader, the Senate hearings on domestic security, the State of the Union address, and the report by the GAO critiquing the Department of Homeland Security response to Hurricane Katrina.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 3, 2006
 IRS May Tax Politically Active Churches NewsHour Correspondent Jeffrey Kaye of KCET-Los Angeles reports on the Internal Revenue Service's recent scrutiny of churches and ministers who incorporate political messages into sermons

  

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 2, 2006
 Start to Medicare Prescription Drug Program Troubled Tens of thousands of seniors have encountered problems with Medicare's new prescription drug benefit program since its launch Jan. 1, prompting a debate over the plan's design, implementation and effectiveness.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 1, 2006
 Coal Towns React to Recent Fatal Accidents Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Broadcasting reports from West Virginia on the search for answers to last month's mining disasters.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 1, 2006
 Experts and Politicians React to Bush's State of the Union Address Excerpts from the State of the Union address and reactions from members of congress, followed by a panel discussion with three former presidential advisors.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Feb. 1, 2006
 Report Finds Federal Leadership Lacking in Wake of Katrina Congress-commissioned investigators faulted the Bush administration Wednesday for not designating a senior official to lead the overall federal response to Hurricane Katrina or establishing a clear chain of command.

 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 | JANUARY Jan. 31, 2006
 President Urges Fight on 'Tyranny', Steps to Keep U.S. Competitive President Bush, in his State of the Union speech Tuesday, said U.S. security depends on ending tyranny in the world, while maintaining U.S. competitiveness requires investments in technology and scientific learning.

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 31, 2006
 Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan Retires Three longtime Fed observers comment on the end of Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's 18-year tenure as the nation's chief architect of economic policy.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 31, 2006
 Analysts Preview State of the Union Columnists David Brooks and Tom Oliphant speak with Jim Lehrer prior to the president's State of the Union address.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 25, 2006
 White House Accused of Hindering Congressional Katrina Probe Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the committee investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina accused the Bush administration Tuesday of slowing the inquiry by refusing to provide key documents and officials for questioning.

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 23, 2006
 Attorney General Defends Domestic Wiretapping Program White House officials launched a public defense of the National Security Agency domestic wiretap program. At the center of the defense is Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who discusses the surveillance program.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 23, 2006
 Leahy Challenges Domestic Spying Program In response to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' defense of the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance program, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called the program illegal and said it threatens civil liberties in the United States.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 20, 2006
 Shields and Brooks Discuss Domestic Spying, Lobbying Reform Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks debate the White House's justification of domestic spying by the National Security Agency, a speech by former Vice President Al Gore condemning the program and lobbying reforms.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 18, 2006
 Reid Discusses Lobbying, Spying and Iraq Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid from Nevada discussed the Democratic plan to reform lobbying practices in Congress, the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, NSA surveillance and the war in Iraq.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 16, 2006
 Medicare Drug Program Suffers Technical Problems More than two weeks after its launch, technical glitches in Medicare's prescription drug program continue to prevent many low-income seniors from receiving much-needed prescriptions.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 13, 2006
 Lab Finds Mutation in Bird Flu Virus; EU Pledges $100 Million in Aid A British laboratory has found that two victims of Turkey's bird flu outbreak died from a slightly mutated strain of the H5N1 virus, raising fears the virus could start spreading more easily.

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 10, 2006
 Health Care Costs Doubled Between 1993 and 2004 The overall cost of health care doubled between 1993 and 2004, and in 2004, health care spending topped $1.9 trillion or 16 percent of the nation's economic output -- the largest share on record, according to a report released Monday by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

     




 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 6, 2006
 Abramoff Case Highlights Problems with Washington Lobbying The recent guilty plea of Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff has thrown the spotlight on lobbying in Washington. Three experts, including two former lawmakers who are now lobbyists, take a closer look at the lobbying industry.

     

 |  |

 |
 | Jan. 6, 2006
 Media's Timing Questioned on West Virginia Mining and NSA Eavesdropping Two recent news stories have raised questions about how the media operate: the media's premature announcement that some of the workers trapped in a West Virginia coal mine were alive, and the timing of stories on domestic spying by the National Security Agency.

     

 |  |
 |