To the Point

A renowned geneticist claims a major advance toward creating life in a laboratory. We look at the possible benefits and drawbacks, as well as ethical and religious questions raised by "synthetic biology." Also, stocks dive on financial and political worries, and South Africa and the World Cup.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has advised President Obama to veto spending for projects the Pentagon doesn't want. But Gate's own proposals mean the Defense Budget might not decline after all. Are tough questions about the growing deficit going unanswered? Also, South Korea seeks UN Action against Pyongyang, and Facebook, sharing and privacy.

As thick ooze begins to wash up on the Gulf coast, tensions are rising between BP, the Obama Administration and independent scientists.  What’s in store for marine life, human health - and regulatory authority? Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate’s finance reform means, “the joyride on Wall Street will come to a screeching halt.”  Will the House go along?  And, with jittery investors looking on worldwide, Germany today agreed to spend almost a trillion dollars to bailout the rest of Europe.

Brown oozed has begun to show in marsh grass on the coast of Louisiana, and part of the oil slick has entered the “loop current,” which could take it around Florida and up the East Coast. Felipe Calderon got a standing ovation today from a joint session of Congress when he pledged to continue his all out war against violent drug cartels, however critics say his actions could be counterproductive. Also, another major art theft in Europe.

President Obama called Arizona’s immigration law “misdirected,” and said it’s the federal government’s responsibility to pass what he calls “comprehensive immigration reform. Also, did Tea Partiers in Kentucky send a message to Republican Party leaders in Washington?  Did President Obama get a slap from organized labor in Arkansas?  Did Democrats in Pennsylvania demonstrate more strength than expected—at the same time showing a preference for new blood as opposed to the old? And on Reporter's Notebook - Is BP coming clean with information on the oil spill and worker safety? 

After the House passed finance reform last year, it was widely assumed that the Senate would produce a kinder and gentler measure. But, think again. Incumbents of both parties are facing tough challenges in this election year, and Goldman Sachs has been charged with consumer fraud. Also, We'll talk about the the US Supreme Court and justice for juveniles.

BP has been able to siphon up some of the crude oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing.  Meanwhile, has Iran found a solution to its nuclear standoff with Western nations - or only another tactic aimed at derailing new sanctions? 

If Elena Kagan’s nomination is confirmed, it’ll be the first time in history there’s no white, Anglo-Saxon protestant on the US Supreme Court. There will be 6 Catholics and 3 Jews and nobody who did not go to law school at Harvard or Yale. Do religious background and education determine how a judge sees the law? What about ideology, legal philosophy—and sexual orientation? Does the high court’s changing makeup mark the end of white, Anglo-Saxon protestant domination of a country founded by WASP’s? Lastly, what happened to LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers?

Because of the Gulf oil spill, polls show increased support for climate change legislation among American voters. But Senate Republican leaders say they’ll oppose a compromise measure unveiled yesterday by Democrat John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman. The bill would provide incentives for offshore oil exploration—while also allowing states to veto drilling in the waters of neighboring states. What else would it do? We’ll hear more today about nuclear power, so-called “clean coal” and consumer protection. Also, Why is the “Peace Process” more process than peace?

After a campaign of tough love that appeared to go nowhere, President Obama has turned on the charm for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Has this visit produced a plan for what happens next? Also, a House committee in Washington probed the cause of the Gulf oil spill, a new containment box was lowered over the gusher 5000 feet down. And, a day after cobbling together an unlikely coalition, Britain’s new Prime Minister pledges “a government that will last.” How long?