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2007 DECEMBER
Dec. 26, 2007
Update
New Law Could Pardon Thousands in Iraq
Thousands of prisoners in U.S. and Iraqi custody could soon be released if Iraqi lawmakers pass a law offering general pardons, officials said.


Dec. 21, 2007
Debate
Experts Debate Privacy and Anti-Terrorism Measures
The NewsHour presents excerpts from a debate on privacy and anti-terrorism measures at the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs, part of an ongoing series of the Center on issues of national importance.

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Dec. 21, 2007
Analysis
Campaigns Launch Holiday Ads; Dems Assess Year in Power
As presidential candidates grappled with shifting polls and new strategies for a condensed primary season, Democrats in Congress squared off with a unified Republican minority over spending priorities. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks examine the week in the news.

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Dec. 21, 2007
Update
Judge Wary of Ordering Inquiry into CIA Tapes
A federal judge appeared hesitant Friday to order an investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes while the Justice Department is conducting its own inquiry into the matter.


Dec. 21, 2007
Update
Federal Judge Begins Investigation of CIA Tape Destruction
In a hearing Friday, a federal judge sought answers on the legality of the 2005 destruction of CIA interrogation tapes. The NewsHour discusses the current investigation of the tapes with Ari Shapiro, justice correspondent for National Public Radio.

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Dec. 19, 2007
Update
Recommendation Nears for Listing Polar Bear as 'Threatened'
One year ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took up a proposal to list the polar bear as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act -- a decision that enjoys public support but also stands to impact a range of players.


Dec. 19, 2007
Insider Forum
Steroid Report Raises Questions on Baseball's Future
Former Sen. George Mitchell released the results of his 20-month probe into the use of steroids in Major League Baseball last week. Dozens of players, including seven time Cy Young award winning Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Miguel Tejada, were named in the report. Two sportswriters answered your questions.

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FUNDED IN PART BY: The Knight Foundation


Dec. 18, 2007
Analysis
Energy Bill Puts Focus on Fuel Reform
The House passed an energy bill Tuesday that sets more demanding fuel efficiency standards for automobiles and calls for increased production of renewable sources of fuel. The bill was passed by the Senate last week. Energy and climate experts assess the tenets and impact of the bill.

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Dec. 14, 2007
Analysis
Steroid Report Puts New Focus on Baseball's Future
A report released Thursday exposing widespread steroid use in baseball's highest ranks caused a massive media storm. The NewsHour discusses the recent revelations with two baseball experts.

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Dec. 14, 2007
Analysis
Shields and Brooks Mull Iowa Election Push, Baseball Scandal
The final Republican and Democratic debates took place in Iowa this week ahead of the state's Jan. 3 caucus, a spending fight continued in Congress and a report brought new focus on the use of steroids in professional baseball. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the events of the week.

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Dec. 13, 2007
Newsmaker Interview
Mitchell Blames Players, Management in Baseball Steroid Investigation
A report released Thursday by former Sen. George Mitchell on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in pro baseball named many of the game's top athletes and cited both players and management for allowing the abuse. Sen. Mitchell discusses the 20-month investigation.

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Dec. 12, 2007
Analysis
New Drug Sentencing Rules Raise Questions for 19,000 Inmates
The U.S. Sentencing Commission, which sets guidelines for federal prison sentences, voted this week to make its recent reduction in sentences for crack cocaine offenses retroactive, making over 19,000 inmates eligible for sentence reductions. Legal experts examine the shift and the potential impact on the justice system.

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Dec. 11, 2007
Debate
Lawmakers Investigate CIA Interrogation Tape Disposal
The Senate Intelligence Committee questioned U.S. officials behind closed doors Tuesday about the destruction of CIA tapes of the interrogations of top terror suspects. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., and Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., discuss the congressional probe.

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Dec. 10, 2007
Analysis
Analysis of Justices' Revised Crack Sentencing Guidelines
A report on the Supreme Court's two recent rulings revising sentencing guidelines, then an analysis of the decisions by Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal.

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Dec. 10, 2007
Update
Crack Sentences Can Be Lowered, Justices Rule
Judges who disagree with federal sentencing guidelines can issue lighter sentences for defendants in crack cocaine cases, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in two cases that will provide judges more leeway in determining punishments for drug violations.


Dec. 7, 2007
Update
Democrats Seek Probe of CIA Tapes' Destruction
Democratic lawmakers demanded a Justice Department investigation Friday into whether the Central Intelligence Agency obstructed justice when it destroyed at least two videotapes of two alleged terrorists being interrogated.


Dec. 7, 2007
Analysis
Shields and Brooks Weigh CIA Tapes, U.S. Policy on Iran
CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden said his agency had destroyed tapes of terror suspect interrogations, a new report revealed surprising information on Iran's nuclear program and presidential candidate Mitt Romney discussed his Mormon faith in a key speech. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week in the news.

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Dec. 7, 2007
Analysis
CIA Tapes Re-ignite Debate on Interrogation Tactics
Congressional Democrats called for an investigation Friday into whether a CIA decision in 2005 to destroy video tapes of the interrogations of two top terror suspects constitutes an obstruction of justice. Analysts offer insight on the potential fallout of the handling of the tapes.

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Dec. 5, 2007
Update
Gunman Kills at Least 8, Then Self, at Omaha Mall
A gunman killed at least eight people and wounded five, two critically, inside an Omaha, Neb., shopping mall Wednesday afternoon before turning the gun on himself, police said.


Dec. 5, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Testing Rights of Detainees
The Supreme Court considered Wednesday whether terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay have constitutional rights to challenge their detention in court. Legal experts evaluate the high court hearings and what a decision could mean for U.S. policy.

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Dec. 4, 2007
Report
Iraqi Refugees Find Safe Havens, Uncertain Futures in Sweden
Sweden has been a refuge for thousands of Iraqis displaced by the war. NewsHour special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how the country has handled the influx of refugees and what life is like for Iraqis in a new land.

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NOVEMBER
Nov. 30, 2007
Update
Sudanese Protest British Teacher's Sentence
A day after a British teacher was convicted of insulting Islam in a Sudanese court by letting her young students name a teddy bear "Muhammad" as part of a lesson, thousands of protesters called for more severe punishment - including her execution.


Nov. 28, 2007
Insider Forum
Political Turmoil in Pakistan
On Wednesday, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigned as head of the army. The move came weeks after he imposed an emergency rule and dismissed part of the Supreme Court. The new court, handpicked by Musharraf, quashed legal challenges to his re-election. Two experts answered your questions.

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Nov. 27, 2007
Report
Philadelphia Makes New Effort to Combat Urban Violence
Rising murder rates in Philadelphia have led community activists to organize efforts to curb the city's crime. Kwame Holman talks to local activists about their fight against violent crime.

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Nov. 27, 2007
Report
Politics of Pakistan: Government Profile
Pakistan was founded as an Islamic state on Aug. 14, 1947 through the division of former British India.


Nov. 20, 2007
Analysis
Probe Sheds Light on Working Conditions in China
Reporter Loretta Tofani spent fourteen months in China researching working conditions in Chinese factories. Tofani details her investigation and the risks some Chinese workers face in the manufacturing sector.

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Nov. 20, 2007
Update
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Gun Control Case
The U.S. Supreme Court set the stage for a major ruling on the Second Amendment Tuesday when it agreed to take a case weighing the constitutionality of a ban on handguns in Washington, D.C. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal details the significance of the case.

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Nov. 16, 2007
Analysis
Democrats Square-Off in Vegas Debate; U.S. Envoy Puts Pressure on Pakistan
Democratic candidates debated their policy views in heated exchanges in Thursday's Las Vegas debate and political turmoil engulfed Pakistan, straining its relations with the United States. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks look at the week's news.

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Nov. 16, 2007
Analysis
Baseball Star Bonds Indicted over Steroids Probe
Barry Bonds, who holds the all-time homerun record in baseball, was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice Thursday in connection with an investigation on steroid use in professional sports. An investigative sports journalist assesses the implications of Bonds' indictment.

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Nov. 14, 2007
Forum
Experts Discuss Waterboarding
The interrogation tactic known as waterboarding, or simulated drowning, has grabbed headlines in recent weeks and stirred legal and ethical debates. Malcolm Nance, a former Navy Seals instructor and Neil Livingstone, CEO of Executive Action, answered your questions on the controversial technique.


Nov. 9, 2007
Analysis
Shields, Brooks Consider Mukasey Vote, Kerik Indictment
Michael Mukasey was sworn in as Attorney General on Friday after a divided Senate confirmation vote and former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news.

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Nov. 9, 2007
Update
Divided Senate Confirms Mukasey as Attorney General
The Senate voted 53-40 late Thursday night to confirm retired judge Michael Mukasey as the new attorney general. Mukasey succeeds Alberto Gonzales, who resigned in September.


Nov. 8, 2007
Analysis
Mukasey Nomination Intensifies Debate on Waterboarding
A House panel heard testimony Thursday on the controversial interrogation technique of waterboarding, which simulates the experience of drowning. A former Navy instructor and an intelligence expert discuss the legality and effectiveness of the procedure.

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Nov. 7, 2007
Insider Forum
Supreme Court Renews Death Penalty Debate
The Supreme Court has delayed at least three executions since agreeing to hear a case questioning whether lethal injections constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Virginia Sloan of the Constitution Project and Kent Scheidegger of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation answered your questions.

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Nov. 6, 2007
Update
Mukasey Nomination Advances to Full Senate Vote
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted 11-8 in favor of Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey, sending his nomination to the Senate floor and virtually ensuring his confirmation.


Nov. 2, 2007
Analysis
Mukasey Questioned on Torture, Clinton Attacked by Opposition
This week, lawmakers questioned Attorney General-nominee Michael Mukasey's stance on torture tactics and Democratic presidential hopefuls stepped up attacks on front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton. Analysts Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss the week's developments.

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Nov. 1, 2007
Conversation
Book Takes Closer Look at Duke Lacrosse Rape Case
Legal journalist Stuart Taylor discusses his new book, "Until Proven Innocent," which takes a deeper look at the controversy surrounding the Duke University Lacrosse team rape case.

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OCTOBER
Oct. 31, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Stays Execution Ahead of Pivotal Case
The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to stay an execution by lethal injection in Mississippi, the third such decision halting an execution ahead of a case that will test the constitutionality of lethal injections. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle discusses the implications for capital punishment policy.

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Oct. 31, 2007
Debate
Torture Tactic Questions Dominate Mukasey Confirmation
Attorney General-nominee Michael Mukasey's responses to questions on the constitutionality of torture tactics troubled some Democratic senators during his confirmation hearings and have slowed the next steps in his nomination. Two members of the Senate Judiciary panel discuss Mukasey's bid.

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Oct. 31, 2007
Update
Court Clears Alleged Ringleader, Convicts 21 in Madrid Bombings
A Spanish court Wednesday convicted 21 people of involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people, but in a surprising move, acquitted an alleged mastermind.


Oct. 30, 2007
Report
Voting Rights Head Apologizes for Comments on Minorities
The Justice Department's voting rights chief apologized Tuesday for comments he made about minority voters, raising questions about civil rights and voting protections in the United States.

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Oct. 30, 2007
Update
High Court Mulls Free Speech Implications of Porn Law
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case evaluating whether a law that bans the promotion of online child pornography infringes too broadly on free speech rights and could limit some legitimate forms of creative expression.

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Oct. 18, 2007
Analysis
Attorney General Nominee Mukasey Questioned on Torture Views
Michael Mukasey, President Bush's nominee for U.S. attorney general, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second day Thursday and was closely questioned on his views on interrogation tactics and torture. Legal experts assess the confirmation hearings.

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Oct. 17, 2007
Report
Senate Judiciary Questions Nominee Mukasey in Confirmation Hearing
The Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday finished its first day of questioning of attorney general nominee Michael Mukasey, asking him about issues of national security. The NewsHour reports on Mukasey's confirmation hearing.

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Oct. 15, 2007
Report
California Grapples with Polices on Marjuana
NewsHour contributor Jeffrey Kaye reports from Los Angeles on California's conflict between state and federal legislation when it comes to regulating medical marijuana facilities.

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Oct. 10, 2007
Analysis
High Court Rules on Special Education Law, Hears Death Row Case
The Supreme Court affirmed Wednesday that New York City must pay private school tuition for a special education student and considered whether a Mexican man on death row should be granted a new hearing to comply with international law. A reporter provides an update.

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Oct. 9, 2007
Analysis
High Court Mulls Corporate Fraud Liability, Rejects Torture Case Appeal
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday about the liability of company banks and accountants in corporate fraud cases and rejected an appeal by a German man who claims the CIA kidnapped and tortured him. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal provides an update.

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Oct. 5, 2007
Analysis
Track Star Jones Pleads Guilty to Steroids Use
Olympic track star Marion Jones pleaded guilty to the use of steroids before competing in the 2000 summer games. The NewsHour talks to a reporter following the story for an update.

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Oct. 5, 2007
Update
Bush Defends Detention Policy, Says U.S. 'Does Not Torture'
President Bush defended his administration's detention and interrogation policies Friday and denied the use of torture against terrorism suspects.


Oct. 4, 2007
Analysis
Congress Debates Shield Legislation
Congress debated a shield law Thursday that would regulate journalists' relationships with their sources. The NewsHour talks to a legal expert and a former Justice Department official about the proposed legislation.

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Oct. 3, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Justice Thomas Speaks Out in New Autobiography
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has authored a new autobiography, entitled "My Grandfather's Son," which has put his road to the high court back in the spotlight. A newspaper columnist and a former law clerk for Thomas discuss reactions to the new tome.

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Oct. 1, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court to Weigh Education Law, More in New Session
The U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term Monday with a docket that includes cases on reimbursement for private education, election law and the rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle previews the term and potential challenges for the court.

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SEPTEMBER
Sept. 28, 2007
Update
Pentagon Offers Lawyers to 'High-Value' Guantanamo Detainees
Fourteen "high-value" terrorism suspects held at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -- including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks -- may now request attorneys, the Pentagon said Friday.


Sept. 25, 2007
Conversation
Desegregation Pioneers Reflect on Education Milestone
Fifty years ago, nine black students entered Little Rock Central High School, marking a critical moment in the efforts to desegregate the nation's schools. Seven of the "Little Rock Nine" recall their experiences.

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Sept. 25, 2007
Update
Supreme Court to Consider Lethal Injections, Voter IDs
The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to decide whether lethal injection amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and whether voter identification laws unfairly deter the poor and minorities from voting.


Sept. 21, 2007
Analysis
Democrats Debate Health Care; Senate Weighs Iraq Measures
As Democrats debated health care policy Thursday night, the Senate hit a snag on the defense authorization bill. Analysts Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss the week's political news.

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Sept. 21, 2007
Report
Violence, Legal System Drawbacks Lead to Detainee Buildup
As the Iraqi government struggles to reach agreements crucial to its survival and grapples with violence and police corruption, approximately 25,000 Iraqis are being held by coalition forces without a public trial.


Sept. 20, 2007
Analysis
Thousands Protest in Support of Jena Six
Thousands marched in Jena, La. Thursday to protest charges against six black students accused of beating a white classmate. A reporter and an NAACP representative discuss the ramifications of the case.

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Sept. 20, 2007
Analysis
Hsu Charged with Campaign Finance Violations
Democratic fund-raiser Norman Hsu was indicted Thursday on charges of campaign finance violation and business fraud. Experts consider the role of "bundlers" like Hsu and how campaigns vet their contributions.

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Sept. 17, 2007
Analysis
President Bush Nominates Mukasey for Attorney General
President Bush announced Monday his nomination of retired federal judge Michael Mukasey to replace Alberto Gonzales as attorney general. Two former U.S. attorneys discuss the selection.

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Sept. 13, 2007
Report
Los Angeles Police Department Finds New Ways to Recruit
Aging baby boomers and the heavy military recruitment have put strains on police personnel. The NewsHour looks at how Los Angeles police are handling the challenge.

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Sept. 12, 2007
Conversation
Freed Iranian-American Describes Detention in Tehran
Haleh Esfandiari, an Iranian-American from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, spent 105 days in an Iranian prison on suspicion of trying to undermine the government before her release last month. She speaks of her ordeal with Gwen Ifill.

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Sept. 6, 2007
Update
Pakistani Lawyers Protest Musharraf's Government
Pakistani lawyers boycotted court Thursday, demanding that President Pervez Musharraf step down. Musharraf has seen his popularity decline since he tried to dismiss the Supreme Court chief in March. Margaret Warner reports from Pakistan on the political tensions.

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Sept. 5, 2007
Report
PBS Documentary Examines Lives, Opinions of Generation Next
As a follow-up to January's documentary on the challenges facing young Americans, Judy Woodruff and the team have put together another hour of reporting, set to air on most PBS stations Wednesday night. "Generation Next 2.0" profiles seven unique young adults.

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Sept. 5, 2007
Update
Germany Thwarts Plan to Bomb U.S. Facilities
German officials on Wednesday arrested three men accused of plotting to bomb American facilities in Germany. A reporter in Berlin provides further details on the incident.

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AUGUST
Aug. 30, 2007
Analysis
Virginia Tech Panel Raises Questions About Mental Health, Law
An investigation into the Virginia Tech shootings criticized the university for failing to respond to the behavior of Seung-Hui Cho and for communication problems. Two mental health experts explain the legal challenges of providing information about students' mental conditions.

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Aug. 30, 2007
Analysis
Report Faults University for Response to Cho, Shootings
An investigation into the Virginia Tech shootings criticized the university for failing to respond to the behavior of Seung-Hui Cho and for communication problems. Panel member Tom Ridge discusses the findings.

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Aug. 29, 2007
Update
Senators Call for Craig to Resign After Bathroom Arrest
Following revelations about the arrest of Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, on a disorderly conduct charge, several key Republicans called for his resignation. A political writer from one of Idaho's largest newspapers explains the impact in his home state.

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Aug. 28, 2007
Analysis
Gonzales Leaves Vacancies, Low Morale at Justice Department
The successor to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will inherit a Justice Department with several top-level vacancies, low staff morale, and more than 100,000 employees. Two attorneys who served in Republican and Democratic administrations discuss the department's future.

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Aug. 27, 2007
Analysis
Shields and Brooks Discuss Gonzales Resignation
Pressure had been building for months in Washington surrounding the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and his departure was finally announced on Monday. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the politically-charged announcement.

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Aug. 27, 2007
Analysis
Attorney General's Resignation Raises Legal Questions
The resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales came suddenly with a brief statement on Monday morning. Two attorneys from the Bush and Clinton administrations discuss the legal and political ramifications of his departure.

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Aug. 27, 2007
Update
Embattled Attorney General Gonzales Resigns
Following intense criticism over the firings of nine U.S. attorneys and his handling of a secret domestic wiretapping program, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced his resignation Monday.


Aug. 24, 2007
Update
Virginia Tech Heightens Security Measures
An internal panel at Virginia Tech University released a set of recommendations to improve security on the campus after the April 16 massacre of 32 victims by student gunman Seung-Hui Cho, who also took his own life.


Aug. 23, 2007
Analysis
New Rules Could Shorten Death-Row Inmates' Appeal Time
The Justice Department is considering new rules that could give Attorney General Alberto Gonzales power to expedite death penalty cases. Legal experts discuss the proposed changes.

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Aug. 23, 2007
Update
Exiled Former Prime Minister Sharif Can Return to Pakistan
The Pakistani Supreme Court ruled that exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can return to Pakistan. Journalist Steve Coll, who served in South Asia, gives more details on the development.

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Aug. 23, 2007
Forum
House Leaders Debate Education Bill
The No Child Left Behind education law is up for reauthorization this year. The leaders of the House Education and Labor Committee answered your questions about it.


Aug. 21, 2007
Forum
Teachers Address Education Law
Three 2007 Teacher of the Year awardees answered your questions about how No Child Left Behind has affected their classrooms, as Congress considers renewing the law.


Aug. 16, 2007
Update
'Enemy Combatant' Padilla Convicted of Supporting Terrorists
A federal jury in Miami convicted Jose Padilla on all three counts of supporting overseas Islamic terrorist groups, including al-Qaida. A reporter who covered the trial provides an update.

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Aug. 15, 2007
Update
Constitutional Efforts Hit Snag with Sunni Walkout
Efforts to revise the constitution in violence-ravaged Iraq threatened to come off the rails when negotiations with key Sunni politicians ended after their largest bloc in parliament left the government Aug. 1.


Aug. 10, 2007
Debate
Bush Administration Pushes Enforcement of Immigration Workplace Laws
The Bush administration announced new measures to crack down on immigration laws in the workplace. An immigration liberalization opponent and a business trade association representative debate the move.

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Aug. 6, 2007
Debate
President Signs Law to Expand Wiretapping Program
President Bush signed a law granting the National Security Agency broader authority in monitoring communications among foreigners and Americans. A civil liberties advocate and a former National Security Council lawyer assess the new law.

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Aug. 1, 2007
Debate
President Bush Presses for Flexibility on Terror Surveillance
President Bush is calling on Congress to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to let the government monitor overseas terror suspects without warrants. Two lawmakers discuss the proposal.

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JULY
July 31, 2007
Update
Federal Agents Raid Alaska Home of Longtime Senator
FBI and IRS agents raided the home of Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, in an investigation into possible connections to an oil contractor indicted on bribery. An Alaska-based reporter provides an update on the probe.

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July 31, 2007
Update
Chief Justice Released from Hospital After Seizure
Chief Justice John Roberts was released from a hospital in Maine Tuesday morning, a day after he was admitted for suffering an unexplained seizure.


July 27, 2007
Analysis
Democrats Seek Perjury Probe for Attorney General
Senate Democrats requested a perjury investigation for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales after testimony from FBI Director Robert Mueller raised questions about his credibility. Former Justice Department officials discuss the situation.

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July 26, 2007
Report
Senate Democrats Arrange Perjury Charges for Gonzales
Senate Democrats are calling for a special counsel for investigation into the testimony of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The NewsHour reports on the counsel, designed to look into perjury charges brought against Gonzales.

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July 26, 2007
Update
Federal Judge Strikes Down Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Law
A U.S. District judge overturned an immigration law in Hazleton, Pa., that punished landlords who rented to illegal immigrants and businesses that that hired them, saying the law was unconstitutional.


July 24, 2007
Report
Gonzales Testifies Before Senate on Attorney Firings
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, fielding questions about his interaction with former Attorney General John Ashcroft and about the firings of U.S. attorneys.

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July 20, 2007
Update
Israel Frees 250 Palestinian Prisoners in Nod to Moderate Leadership
Israel released 256 Palestinian prisoners Friday as part of a plan to help bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his ongoing power struggle with Hamas militants who now run the Gaza Strip.


July 19, 2007
Update
Judge Dismisses Plame Lawsuit Against Government Officials
A U.S. District judge on Thursday dismissed the lawsuit former CIA agent Valerie Plame brought against Vice President Dick Cheney and other administration officials over the leak of her identity to the media.


July 11, 2007
Analysis
Security Cameras Coming to New York City
New York plans to install a London-style surveillance camera system in lower Manhattan by year's end. Guests outline the reasons behind the program and the privacy issues it raises.

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July 11, 2007
Debate
House to Debate Renewal of Gun Tracing Limits
More than 200 U.S. mayors are urging Congress to repeal a piece of legislation limiting the release of information that would allow authorities to track firearms. The original sponsor of the limits and a mayor discuss the law's merits.

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July 11, 2007
Report
New Testimony on Fired Federal Prosecutors
Former White House aide Sara Taylor testified before the Senate Wednesday on the firings of eight federal prosecutors in the Bush Administration. The NewsHour reports on new testimony from the trail.

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July 6, 2007
Report
Local Police Team Up with Federal Immigration Officials
In Phoenix, 10 federal immigration officers work with the local police department to investigate crimes that involve illegal immigrants. As more cities mull such collaborations, proponents say they help both agencies, but critics worry that they deter some crime victims from coming to police.

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July 3, 2007
Debate
Libby Prison Commutation Elicits Anger, Applause
President Bush refused to rule out a pardon for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Tuesday, the day after he commuted the former aide's prison term, evoking emotions from both sides of the aisle. Two experts give their views.

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July 3, 2007
Update
Libby's Cancelled Prison Term Evokes Strong Response
Reactions to President Bush's commutation of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's prison sentence ran the gamut from full support from some Republicans to outrage from Democrats.


July 2, 2007
Analysis
President Bush Commutes Libby 30-Month Jail Term
President Bush used his power of clemency Monday to spare I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence after a federal appeals panel refused to delay the jail term while it considers his appeal. His $250,000 fine and two years' probation remain intact.

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July 2, 2007
Analysis
Police Make Arrests in Failed British Bombings
A British probe into a string of attempted bombings in London and Glasgow, Scotland, netted eight arrests over the past few days. Experts discuss what British authorities have learned about the terrorist plots.

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JUNE
June 29, 2007
Analysis
Court Rulings Draw Fire; Senate Derails Immigration Bill Again
Politicians on both sides of the aisle reacted to a series of close Supreme Court decisions, while a controversial immigration bill died in the Senate. Political analysts Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss these developments.

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June 29, 2007
Analysis
Key Decisions Mark Shift in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Roberts, ended its term with several 5-4 rulings addressing cases about the freedom of speech and the use of race in school enrollment. Legal experts evaluate the term.

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June 29, 2007
Update
Police Defuse Two Car Bombs in London
London police defused two car bombs early Friday morning, one near Piccadilly Circus, the city's theater and entertainment district, and the other in the Hyde Park area.


June 28, 2007
Analysis
Experts Analyze Bush's Refusal to Release Subpoenaed Documents
The White House invoked executive privilege Thursday when it refused to release documents relating to the firing of nine federal prosecutors. The NewsHour talks with two former government officials, Doug Kmiec and Bruce Fein, about the controversy.

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June 28, 2007
Analysis
Court Strikes Down Racial Criteria in School Diversity Plans
The Supreme Court Thursday ruled against allowing race-based criteria in proposed diversity plans in two school districts. Following a report by Marcia Coyle on the ruling and the mood in the courtroom, Roger Clegg and Theodore Shaw, two experts in race relations analyze the likely impact of the Court's decision.

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June 25, 2007
Analysis
Experts Analyze Supreme Court Free Speech Rulings
The Supreme Court ruled to loosen restrictions on campaign ads and tighten limits on student speech Monday. Two law professors, Walter Dellinger and Richard Garnett, weigh in on what the rulings mean for the nation, and what they indicate about the justices' take on First Amendment rights.

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June 25, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Rules on Three Free Speech Cases
The Supreme Court ruled Monday on three First Amendment cases dealing with a high school student, campaign ads and faith-based initiatives. Legal expert Marcia Coyle talks about their implications.

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June 22, 2007
Update
Kurds Get Piece of Oil Wealth; Foreign Investment Questions Linger
Kurdish officials and Iraq's central government reached an agreement on conditions for sharing oil revenue Wednesday, clearing one obstacle for an oil law anxiously awaited by the U.S. government.


June 15, 2007
Analysis
Judge Denies Libby Request; Reid Criticizes Military Leadership
A federal judge ruled that I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby cannot delay his prison sentence while he appeals his conviction, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he had lost confidence in Gen. Peter Pace. NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss these and other headlines.

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June 15, 2007
Report
Victims of Sexual Violence in Darfur Face Stigma, Unresponsive Justice System
Reports of women raped during militia raids or while seeking supplies are widespread in the Darfur conflict, yet Sudan's government has denied it occurs and prosecuting the crime has remained virtually impossible in the Muslim country.


June 15, 2007
Update
Senators Agree to Reexamine Stalled Immigration Bill
Senate leaders agreed Thursday to send a new version of the foundering immigration bill back to the Senate floor, hoping a new commitment to border security and fewer amendments will generate greater support the second time around.


June 14, 2007
Analysis
Judge Denies Libby Request to Delay Prison Term
A federal judge ruled Thursday that Vice President Dick Cheney's former aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby cannot delay his prison sentence while he appeals a conviction related to the CIA leak investigation. Guests comment on the legalities of the case.

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June 12, 2007
Analysis
Senate Considers New Energy Package
The Senate began debating a new energy package, the target of energy, environmental and consumer lobbying. Two journalists talk about the groups that are invested in the issue.

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June 12, 2007
Debate
President Bush Pushes Senators to Revive Immigration Bill
As President Bush visited Capitol Hill Tuesday to push Senate Republicans to revive the immigration bill, many states were discussing local immigration policy. Two state legislators, Chip Rogers and Ben Miranda, talk about their visions for immigration reform in their areas.

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June 11, 2007
Report
Senate GOP Looks to Block No-Confidence Vote on Gonzales
Senate Republicans moved to block the no-confidence vote on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales proposed by Democrats. The NewsHour reports on what the resolution means for the White House.

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June 7, 2007
Report
Guantanamo Detainees Face Changing Legal Process
A Senate panel approved a bill Thursday allowing detainees in Guantanamo Bay to challenge their "enemy combatant" status. The NewsHour reports on the details of the current legal process available to detainees.

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June 5, 2007
Debate
Senate Debates Family Ties Provision in Immigration Bill
The Senate resumed debate of the immigration bill Tuesday, digging into a provision that would set limits on family members who can join immigrants in America. Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and Robert Menendez, D-N.J., discuss the issue.

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June 5, 2007
Analysis
Libby Sentenced to More Than Two Years in CIA Leak Case
I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence Tuesday for lying in an investigation into the leak of a CIA agent's name. Two journalists offer their perspectives on the case's impact on the media.

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June 4, 2007
Update
Louisiana Congressman Indicted on Bribery Charges
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., was indicted Monday on charges including bribery and racketeering. The NewsHour talks with a congressional reporter about the case and Jefferson's future.

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June 4, 2007
Update
Former Liberian Leader Boycotts War Crimes Trial
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who has been charged with atrocities in Sierra Leone, did not show up for the start of his trial in The Hague on Monday, saying he would not get a fair hearing in the U.N.-backed court.

MAY
May 31, 2007
Analysis
Immigration Debate Resonates Throughout U.S.
As the Senate takes a break from debating the latest iteration of the immigration bill this week, legislators have been trying to assess public opinion on the issue. The NewsHour explores the attitudes around the country through the lens of regional newspaper editors.

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May 31, 2007
Update
One of World's Top E-mail 'Spammers' Arrested
A Seattle man accused of being one of the world's top spammers through a business that generated millions of junk e-mails was arrested Wednesday following a 35-count federal grand jury indictment last week.


May 29, 2007
Analysis
Justices Limit Time Employees Can Sue over Pay Disparity
The Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling Tuesday limited workers' ability to sue employers for pay discrimination that results from decisions made years earlier. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal explains the ruling's significance.

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May 24, 2007
Analysis
House Moves on Lobbying Reform Provisions
The House on Thursday passed several measures aimed at curbing how lobbyists "bundle" campaign donations for lawmakers, among other activities. Two experts debate the proposed measures.

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May 23, 2007
Conversation
Book Chronicles Career of Justice Clarence Thomas
Authors Kevin Merida and Michael Fletcher discuss their book, "Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas," which explores the justice's trials and career.

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May 23, 2007
Debate
Former Gonzales Aide Denies Major Role in Attorney Firings
Monica Goodling, a former Justice Department official and aide to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, testified Wednesday that she did not play a major role in the firing of eight U.S. attorneys. Two members of the House Judiciary Committee discuss her testimony.

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May 22, 2007
Analysis
Temporary Workers Program Challenged in Immigration Debate
Some senators on Tuesday challenged the part of the immigration bill that addresses temporary workers, with some vowing to limit or cut the program. The NewsHour takes a closer look at the interests surrounding the temporary worker program.

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May 22, 2007
Update
Panel Tours Virginia Tech Buildings, Seeks Records on Cho
The gubernatorial panel investigating the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech University visited the buildings where 33 people died and sought access to private records on the gunman Seung-Hui Cho.


May 21, 2007
Analysis
Senate Opens Debate on Bipartisan Immigration Package
The U.S. Senate opened debate Monday on a new immigration bill that has already faced criticism from both political parties. Two immigration policy analysts discuss provisions related to the path to citizenship.

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May 16, 2007
Report
Comey's Testimony Reveals Gonzales' Role in Wiretapping
Former Deputy Attorney General James Comey testified before the Senate Tuesday on a 2004 standoff between himself and then-White House counsel Alberto Gonzales over President Bush's wiretapping program. Margaret Warner reports on Comey's testimony.

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May 15, 2007
Report
Senate Considers Immigration Overhaul Bill
The Senate and President Bush are trying to revive efforts to pass an immigration reform bill, despite a push from some Republicans for more hard-line provisions. The NewsHour reports on the debate on Capitol Hill.

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May 9, 2007
Update
Immigration Charges Dropped Against Cuban Exile Suspected of Bombing
A federal judge on Wednesday threw out immigration fraud charges against Cuban exile Luis Posada Carriles, a fierce Fidel Castro opponent who is suspected in the 1976 bombing of a Cuban airliner. A reporter who covered the case explains.

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May 9, 2007
Report
Oregon Governor Signs Domestic Partner Bill
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed legislation Wednesday that will allow some legal rights for gay couples, joining nearly a dozen other states that recognize gay marriage or domestic partnerships. The NewsHour looks at the debate over same-sex civil unions.

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May 3, 2007
Report
Los Angeles Police Response to Immigration Rally Probed
Investigators plan to look into how Los Angeles police handled demonstrators at an immigration rally on Monday that turned violent. The NewsHour presents a report.

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APRIL
April 26, 2007
Update
New Hampshire Lawmakers Vote to Allow Civil Unions
The New Hampshire Senate voted Thursday to authorize civil unions for gay couples, paving the way for the state to join nearly a dozen others in offering domestic partnerships or other legal protections to couples of the same sex.


April 25, 2007
Report
Survivors of Virginia Tech Shootings Face Long Road to Normalcy
As classes resumed at Virginia Tech, survivors of the April 16 shootings worked to get back to their normal routines, a difficult task for communities affected by tragedy such as Columbine High School in Colorado. The NewsHour reports on the struggle to adjust.

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April 25, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Restricting Campaign Ads
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on a part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law that, under certain conditions, bars campaign ads by interest groups close to elections. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the case.

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April 20, 2007
Report
Virginia Tech Campus, Nation Observe Day of Mourning
Members of the Virginia Tech community in Blacksburg, Va., observed a day of mourning in remembrance of the 32 victims of Monday's shootings, while other vigils were held nationwide.

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April 20, 2007
Analysis
Shooter's Purchase of Handguns Raises Questions About Gun Control Laws
Virginia Tech shooter Seung-Hui Cho's ability to purchase two handguns despite a history of mental illness has raised questions about American gun control laws. Gun control and gun rights advocates discuss the regulations for background checks.

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April 19, 2007
Report
Virginia Tech Community Responds to Media Flurry
Virginia Tech continued to reel in the aftermath of Monday's rampage. On Thursday, many criticized NBC's decision to air excerpts of gunman Seung-Hui Cho's tirade while university officials defended the decision to allow Cho back after being hospitalized in 2005.

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April 19, 2007
Analysis
Gonzales Faces Tough Questioning in Senate
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales fielded tough questions about the firing of eight U.S. attorneys at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday. Committee leaders Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Arlen Specter, R-Pa., discuss his testimony.

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April 18, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Upholds Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday narrowly upheld a ban on the procedure known as partial-birth abortion. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the implications of the 5-4 decision.

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April 18, 2007
Analysis
College Officials Re-evaluate Handling of Troubled Students
Following revelations that professors at Virginia Tech had recognized gunman Seung-Hui Cho as troubled long before his rampage Monday, officials and experts consider the role of universities in handling such cases.

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April 18, 2007
Report
Virginia Tech Gunman Mailed Package to NBC Between Shootings
Seung-Hui Cho, the student at Virginia Tech University who killed 32 people Monday, mailed a package to NBC News between his two shootings. The NewsHour reports on these developments, including earlier stalking accusations against the gunman.

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April 17, 2007
Report
Impact of Virginia Tech Shootings Felt Worldwide
Several of the victims in Monday's mass shooting of 32 Virginia Tech faculty and students came from other countries. The NewsHour reports on the local and international reaction to the tragedy.

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April 17, 2007
Analysis
Experts Explore the Mind and Motivation of a Mass Killer
The 23-year old Virginia Tech gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, has been described as a troubled loner. A clinical psychologist and a behavior analyst discuss the profiles of people who commit major crimes.

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April 17, 2007
Analysis
University Campuses Face Security Challenges
Monday's deadly shootings at Virginia Tech University have sparked concern over security at many colleges and universities around the country. Three education officials discuss the challenges of keeping students safe at often sprawling campuses.

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April 17, 2007
Report
Campus Attempts to Deal with Shooting Aftermath
A day after mass shootings left 33 people dead at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., the students and faculty were working on dealing with the aftermath, even as more information about the shooter was becoming available.

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April 17, 2007
Update
Police Uncover More Information About Virginia Tech Shooter
Police officials released the name of the Virginia Tech shooter, 23-year old student Cho Seung-Hui, who shot and killed 32 students Monday before killing himself in the worst mass shooting in American history.

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April 17, 2007
Update
Professor Saw Suspected Shooter as 'Troubled'
Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old South Korean student from the western suburbs of Washington, D.C., has been identified as the gunman in the April 16 shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va.


April 17, 2007
Update
Virginia Tech Shooter Identified as 23-year-old Student
The Virginia Tech Police Department on Tuesday identified the gunman responsible for shooting 32 people on campus before taking his own life the previous day as a student at the university.


April 16, 2007
Update
Shooting at Virginia Tech Deadliest in U.S. History
At least 32 people were killed Monday during a shooting rampage in a residence hall and academic building at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. Two reporters give the latest on the situation.

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April 10, 2007
Analysis
President, Congress Spar over Iraq War Funding
President Bush continued to press the Democratic-led Congress to fund the war in Iraq without setting a timetable for troop withdrawal. NewsHour historians compare the current situation with past clashes over war powers.

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April 9, 2007
Analysis
President Bush Renews Push for Immigration Reform
In a speech Monday in Arizona, President Bush called on Congress to revive immigration reform efforts, touting an approach to secure America's borders and resolve the status of illegal immigrants. Past and current Arizona lawmakers share their reactions.

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April 2, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Says EPA Can Regulate Greenhouse Gases
In a defeat for the Bush administration, the Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency can regulate carbon dioxide emissions from cars under the Clean Air Act.

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MARCH
March 29, 2007
Analysis
Former Chief of Staff Contradicts Gonzales in Hill Testimony
Kyle Sampson, the former chief of staff to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday that his former boss gave inaccurate statements when he said that he wasn't involved in the firing of U.S. attorneys.

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March 27, 2007
Analysis
Editors Gauge Impact of Attorney Firings on Gonzales
Following the firings of eight U.S. attorneys and the revelations of possible White House ties, four editorial page editors give their opinions on the fallout and impacts on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

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March 26, 2007
Analysis
Prisoner Faces New Tribunal Process at Guantanamo Bay
Australian prisoner David Hicks faced charges of providing material support for terrorism before a revamped military tribunal system at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Miami Herald reporter Carol Rosenberg, who was in the courtroom, talks about the case, then analysts Neal Katyal and John Yoo discuss the future of the U.S. base.

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March 23, 2007
Analysis
Debates Continue in Congress over Iraq, Attorney Firings
Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the House bill passed on Friday requiring the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq by the fall of 2008 and the constitutional showdown between the president and Congress over the firing of U.S. attorneys.

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March 23, 2007
Update
Former Interior Department Official Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Case
Former Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice Friday for trying to conceal the nature of his relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.


March 21, 2007
Update
House Panel Authorizes Subpoenas for Bush Aides
A House panel Wednesday approved subpoenas for Bush administration officials, including Karl Rove, Harriet Miers and Kyle Sampson, in the investigation into the firings of eight U.S. attorneys, but held off issuing them in hopes of avoiding a constitutional confrontation with the White House.

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March 20, 2007
Analysis
Congress Scrutinizes Attorney General Gonzales' Role
President Bush and Congress edged closer to confrontation Tuesday over the firing of eight U.S. attorneys and the future of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. A panel analyzes the situation and the role of an attorney general.

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March 19, 2007
Analysis
Justices Weigh Free Speech for Students
The Supreme Court heard a case about free speech Monday after a Juneau, Alaska high school student was suspended for displaying a sign, "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" at an off-campus school activity. National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle discusses the case.

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March 16, 2007
Report
Plame Testifies About Her Covert Status
Former CIA operative Valerie Plame told a congressional committee Friday that her career ended when a columnist revealed her identity and that she did not recommend her husband for a trip to Niger. The NewsHour provides extended excerpts of her testimony.

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March 14, 2007
Analysis
Viacom Sues YouTube for Copyright Infringement
Media conglomerate Viacom Inc. sued video-sharing Web site YouTube for more than $1 billion Tuesday for copyright infringement. Google, which now owns YouTube, said it was confident the site respects copyrights. A law professor discusses the case.

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March 14, 2007
Analysis
President Supports Gonzales Despite Calls for Resignation
President Bush reasserted his confidence in Alberto Gonzales Wednesday, amid calls for the attorney general to resign over the firing of eight U.S. attorneys. Legal analysts discuss the implications for Gonzales.

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March 13, 2007
Analysis
Gonzales Acknowledges 'Mistakes' in Ousting U.S. Attorneys
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales admitted Tuesday that "mistakes were made" in the December firing of eight U.S. attorneys, but declined to resign over the controversy. Two senators discuss the day's developments.

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March 13, 2007
Update
Viacom Sues Video-Sharing Site YouTube for $1 Billion
Media conglomerate Viacom Inc. sued video-sharing Web site YouTube for more than $1 billion Tuesday for copyright infringement.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
The first woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor grew up intending to go into her family's business of cattle ranching.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Stephen G. Breyer
Stephen Breyer was pushed towards high levels of success at an early age.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Although Ruth Bader Ginsburg possesses a petite frame, her voice is a powerful force on the Supreme Court. Only the second female justice nominated to the country's highest court, she remains a trailblazer on the path of women's rights.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Clarence Thomas
Perhaps one of the most well known justices thanks to a highly publicized confirmation hearing, Thomas, the second African American to sit on the high court, has often been forced to endure increased media attention despite efforts to avoid it.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Anthony Kennedy
In 1988, President Reagan needed a rock-solid Supreme Court Justice nominee after two previous nomination attempts failed.


March 9, 2007
Update
Justice Antonin Scalia
One of the most outspoken and colorful justices of the Supreme Court, Antonin Scalia was born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1936.


March 9, 2007
Debate
Justice Department Audit Reveals FBI Misused Patriot Act
A Justice Department audit released Friday said that the FBI used the Patriot Act improperly and unlawfully to gain information about people in the United States. Two members of the House Judiciary Committee debate the audit's conclusions.

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March 9, 2007
Update
Justice John Paul Stevens
Justice John Paul Stevens, a native of Chicago, has been called a political uncertainty and a "wild card" on the bench.


March 9, 2007
Update
Chief Justice John Roberts
John Roberts Jr., a former federal appellate judge, won Senate confirmation Sept. 29, 2005 as the 17th chief justice of the United States. The 50 year old becomes the youngest chief justice in 200 years.


March 6, 2007
Analysis
Libby Convicted of Perjury, Obstruction of Justice
Jurors in the trial of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby delivered guilty verdicts on four of five counts of perjury and obstruction of justice Tuesday, following a four-year investigation into the leak of a CIA agent's identity.

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March 2, 2007
Update
Government Brings Charges of Insider Trading
Federal investigators announced multiple arrests and indictments Thursday in an insider trading scheme that involved four of Wall Street's biggest institutions. Margaret Warner reports, and then guests discuss the case.

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March 2, 2007
Update
New Orleans Files $77 Billion Claim Against Army Corps
The city of New Orleans filed a claim against the Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday, seeking $77 billion for damages sustained when the corps-built levees broke during Hurricane Katrina, flooding 80 percent of the city.

FEBRUARY
Feb. 27, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Special Education, Police Rights
The Supreme Court heard two notable cases this week, one involving lawyer rights for parents of special education students and the other on the constitutionality of police tactics in high-speed chases. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle details the arguments.

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Feb. 27, 2007
Update
First Darfur War Crimes Suspects Announced
International Criminal Court prosecutors on Tuesday named a Sudanese minister and a militia leader as the first two official suspects of war crimes in Darfur.


Feb. 26, 2007
Debate
Congress Wary of Justice Department Firings
Evaluations of the U.S. attorneys recently dismissed by the Justice Department under a little-known USA Patriot Act provision described them as "well regarded" and "very competent." Analysts discuss the firings and congressional charges of political tampering.

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Feb. 23, 2007
Report
International Agreements Hallmark of Antarctica
It's the least hospitable place on Earth with its extreme cold and wind, and sovereign claims have been disputed for decades, yet Antarctica has become a model for international cooperation.


FUNDED IN PART BY: National Science Foundation


Feb. 23, 2007
Report
Released Audio Tapes Shed Light on Court Hearings
The Supreme Court has released the audio tapes of some of its highest profile hearings, granting the public unprecedented access to courtroom proceedings. NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman reports on the sounds of the Supreme Court.

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Feb. 22, 2007
Report
Mexican President Orders Crackdown on Crime
Mexican President Felipe Calderon has proposed a 12 percent increase in public security spending and ordered 10,000 soldiers transferred to the polic force in efforts to crack down on crime and drug trafficking. Saul Gonzalez of KCET-Los Angeles reports.

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Feb. 20, 2007
Update
Final Arguments Heard in Libby Perjury Trial
Prosecution and defense lawyers gave their closing statements on Tuesday in the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, who is charged with perjury and obstruction. A Washington Post reporter updates the trial.

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Feb. 20, 2007
Update
Supreme Court Overturns $79.5 Million Tobacco Award
The U.S. Supreme Court threw out a $79.5 million jury award levied against the Philip Morris tobacco company, ruling in a 5-4 decision Tuesday that the verdict was invalid because the jury had overstepped its bounds.


Feb. 7, 2007
Analysis
Libby Trial Brings Journalism Practices Under Scrutiny
The perjury trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby this week continued to examine his involvement in the leak of a former CIA operative's name to the press. The case has called into question the use of unnamed sources and other journalistic practices in Washington.

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Feb. 7, 2007
Update
Russert Testifies He Never Gave Libby CIA Agent's Name
NBC's Tim Russert testified Wednesday he never discussed Valerie Plame with I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, contradicting Libby's version to a grand jury in the CIA leak investigation. NewsHour reports on the latest in the Libby perjury and obstruction trial.

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JANUARY
Jan. 30, 2007
Update
Judith Miller Testifies Against Former Source in Perjury Trial
Judith Miller, the New York Times reporter who spent 85 days in jail protecting her source, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, in the CIA leak case, testified against Libby in his perjury trial on Tuesday. A Washington Post reporter explains the trial's latest developments.

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Jan. 29, 2007
Conversation
Experts Offer Glimpse into Workings of Supreme Court
The Supreme Court's responsibility as upholder of the Constitution at times puts it in the spotlight when controversy arises. Two authors of recent books Jeffrey Rosen and Jan Crawford Greenburg discuss the court's place in history and the makeup of the current bench.

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Jan. 25, 2007
Update
Jury Hears Testimony in Libby Perjury Trial
Testimony began this week in the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who is charged with perjury and obstruction of justice for lying to a grand jury about the leak of former CIA agent Valerie Plame's name to the media in 2003. A reporter discusses the trial.

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Jan. 22, 2007
Analysis
Supreme Court Strikes Down California Sentencing Rules
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down California's sentencing guidelines Monday, preventing judges from increasing prison time for convicted criminals based on factors not considered by a jury. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the impact of the decision.

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Jan. 22, 2007
Report
New Orleans Battles Rising Crime Rate
The crime rate in New Orleans has continued to rise since the beginning of 2007, with 10 murders occurring in the last two weeks. NewsHour correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on the latest increase in violence and crime throughout the Big Easy.

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Jan. 22, 2007
Update
Businesses Press President Bush, Congress on Climate Change
The chief executives of 10 major organizations joined environmental watchdog groups Monday to urge President Bush and Congress to enact mandatory caps on carbon dioxide emissions, which most scientists believe contribute to global warming.


Jan. 19, 2007
Newsmaker Interview
U.S. 'No Less Safe' After Spy Policy Change, Gonzales Says
Attorney General Gonzales defended the administration's decision to shift authority of its warrantless surveillance program to a secret court. Gonzales explains what happens next and said the country is "no less safe."

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Jan. 19, 2007
Update
Former Rep. Bob Ney Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
Former Ohio Republican Rep. Bob Ney was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison Friday for his role in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.


Jan. 18, 2007
Analysis
Senate Questions Gonzales on Spy Policy Change
The Senate Judiciary Committee grilled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Thursday about the administration's decision to shift authority of its warrantless communication surveillance program to a secret court. Guests discuss the implications of the policy change.

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Jan. 17, 2007
Update
Secret Court to Monitor Surveillance Program
The Justice Department said Wednesday a secret but independent panel of federal judges will oversee the government's controversial domestic spying program.


Jan. 16, 2007
Update
Libby Trial on Perjury, Obstruction Charges Set to Start
Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Libby is accused of perjury and obstruction of justice in the investigation into the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.

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Jan. 10, 2007
Update
Venezuela's Chavez Installed for Second Term
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was sworn in for a second six-year term Wednesday, vowing "socialism or death" in a move reminiscent of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as he pledged to continue the country's movement toward a socialist state.


Jan. 3, 2007
Update
Iraqi Official Arrested for Recording Saddam's Execution
The Iraqi official believed to have recorded Saddam Hussein's execution on a cell phone camera was arrested Wednesday. The recording revealed witnesses taunting the former dictator during his last moments. A reporter discusses the recording's effect in Iraq.

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Jan. 2, 2007
Analysis
Analysts Assess Upcoming Congress, Democratic Agenda
Democrats are hoping to push an ambitious agenda during Congress' first 100 hours. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the upcoming congressional session and House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi's plan.

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Jan. 2, 2007
Update
Massachusetts Lawmakers Vote to Allow Marriage Referendum
Lawmakers in Massachusetts voted Tuesday to allow a proposed constitutional amendment, which would essentially block gay marriages, to appear on the 2008 ballot.

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