To the Point

Campaign spending by independent groups could set a record of $500 million in this year's mid-term elections.  Where is the money coming from?  Are multiple TV spots and the Internet allowing candidates to campaign and hide out at the same time? Also, Guantanamo detainee Ghailani goes on trial in New York City federal court, and the first test of embryonic stem cells on a human being.

What's now called "Obama's War" features three allies with different objectives. We hear about the conflicting interests of the US, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the conflict with the Taliban. Also, President Obama's infrastructure plan runs against the political tide, and Google's developing a car that can drive itself.  

Last year it was Barack Obama. This year it's imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. We hear about the Nobel Peace Prize, who gets it and why. Also, the Bank of America halts its foreclosures across the US, and the legacy of John Lennon. 

The bank bailout -- or Troubled Asset Relief Program -- has become the leading symbol for the current hatred of government, on the Left as well as the Right.  Was TARP the savior of the economy or the original sin?  Now that it’s over, what did it really cost? Also, the US waives health insurance minimums for 30 companies, and a perfect performance at just the right time.

After generations of world leadership, the US is falling behind in science and engineering. We look at the challenges and opportunities of a changing world. Also, Afghan officials talk peace with the Taliban, and business and cultural bankruptcy at the Tribune Company. 

A new film about the founder of Facebook and the suicide of a student whose sexual orientation was revealed online have focused attention on social networking. We talk about what it is and how it's changing the real world as well as the virtual world.  Also, the Times Square Bomber sentenced to life in prison, and a critical biography of Glenn Beck. 

In states they were counting on to maintain control of the Senate, Democrats are facing unexpected challenges.  We hear what’s typical, and what’s not, about Wisconsin, Connecticut and West Virginia, including some choice TV commercials. Also, the State Department issues a travel alert for all of Europe, and the US Supreme Court back opens today -- the first time in history with three women justices

The US may be a highly religions country, but atheists and agnostics know more about religion than Americans who consider themselves devout. We talk with representatives of several different faiths. Also, goodbye Rahm Emanuel and hello Pete Rouse.

Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is expected to leave the White House tomorrow to campaign for Mayor of Chicago. Other key aides are departing as well.  What will that mean for the Obama Administration, relations with Congress and public perception? Also, McDonald’s balks at healthcare reform, and the world’s top cyclist and performance enhancing drugs.

The Obama Administration wants new authority to eavesdrop on the Internet. We hear how the virus called Stuxnet has led to worldwide worry about cyber warfare. Also, the two Koreas to meet in the DMZ after key appointments in North, and an alleged terror plot against Europe and US drone strikes in Pakistan.