To the Point

The audience for National Public Radio has been growing fast, but Republicans want to defund it, along with Public TV. We hear about ideological issues and about different consequences for urban centers and rural areas that don’t have alternatives. Also, President Obama holds forth on Egypt and budget cuts. On Reporter's Notebook, is the New York Stock Exchange being swallowed up?

President Obama calls his latest budget proposal a "responsible alternative" to massive cuts demanded by Tea Party Republicans.  Will the upcoming battle shut down the government? Also, a Middle East update.

Less than 24 hours after disappointing massive crowds of Egyptians, President Hosni Mubarak electrified his country tonight by stepping down after all.  One of the most entrenched dictators in the Arab world has been toppled by People Power.

Throughout the evening, Egyptians have been massing in Tahrir Square—anticipating that 30 years of repressive government may be about to come to an end.

Protests are spreading in Cairo and other cities. Workers have gone on strike—but it’s not clear if they share the goal of regime change.

Tahrir Square filled with protesters again today. We look at the role of the Internet in the ongoing challenge to Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak. Also, remember sudden acceleration?  We hear the latest report on Toyota.

Egypt's new vice president claims he's reached a "consensus" with demonstrators, but they still insist there's no compromise until Hosni Mubarak steps down. We hear what's happening on the streets and what the consequences might be for Egypt and the Middle East. Also, President Obama reaches out to business. On Reporter's Notebook, will AOL raise its profile by buying the Huffington Post?  

After yesterday's bloody crackdown, Friday prayers were followed by an uneasy calm in Cairo's Tahrir Square.  The military has increased its presence, and visitors have included Defense Minister Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, who was cheered while reviewing the soldiers.  Protesters are still calling this the "Day of Departure." Also, a conversation with Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, and some of her critics.

Violence escalated overnight in Cairo's Tahrir Square. During the day, journalists from NPR, the Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, al-Jazeera and other news outlets were detained and in some cases roughed up by the pro-government groups. But the new Prime Minister, a recent appointee of Hosni Mubarak, has apologized and promised that forces behind the violence will be held to account. Also, 1200 possible new planets in the Milky Way.

It's just after nine in the evening on the streets of Cairo, where trouble began about 2 o'clock in the afternoon.  Just a few hours after President Hosni Mubarak declared he would not run for re-election, pro-Mubarak forces attacked anti-government demonstrators in Liberation Square.