To the Point

At a Senate hearing in Washington today, three companies pointed fingers at one another for what’s shaping up as a world-class disaster. Democrats, as well as Republicans, said offshore oil drilling still makes sense—if it’s made safer. Forensic investigators now report there were warnings of trouble and arguments over how to proceed before the deadly explosions 3 weeks ago. In the Gulf itself, the oil slick continues to grow as changing winds are pushing it west toward Louisiana. And on Reporter's Notebook.... will other states follow Arizona’s example?

Stock markets were up all over the world today on news that Greece and other European economies won’t be allowed to fail—at least for the moment. Over the weekend, almost a trillion dollars was pledged to protect the Euro. Has a potential global crisis been resolved—or only postponed? Also today, President Obama has named Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace John Paul Stevens on the US Supreme Court.Liberals say she’s not progressive enough.  Conservatives don’t like her record on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  Republicans could filibuster if they wanted to. What are the prospects for Senate confirmation

President Obama has increased the number of CIA-drone strikes in Pakistan.  Insiders claim they’ve taken out hundreds of militants dangerous to the US. But has that apparent success created a new threat—on American soil?  Was Faisal Shahzad’s failed bombing in Times Square attempted revenge? Supporters of the drone program concede there’s a toll on innocent Pakistanis.  Nobody really knows how much collateral damage there is. What do American Muslims—Pakistanis and others—think about that?  Is short-term alienation worth it if the strikes produce long-term gains?

More today on desperate efforts to limit potential damage from the Gulf Oil spill that could extend from the Mississippi Delta all the way to the Eastern seaboard. We’ll also hear about unsettling questions being raised in Washington.

The failed bombing of Times Square led to speedy arrests in the US and Pakistan. It's also raised many questions about how the incident came about and how it's been handled. We look for answers. Also, one leak has been sealed off in the Gulf oil spill, and yesterday's political primaries and November's general election.

The merger of United and Continental will leave the US with just four major airlines. Will the combined carriers stop losing money? Will they reduce passenger options and charge higher fares? Also, the FBI arrests a suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing, and the US Supreme Court and courthouse security.

BP says it's responsible for whatever cleanup the Gulf oil spill requires. As the oil slick moves closer to show, we hear what could be in store for wildlife, economic interests and America's continuing appetite for energy. Also, the US and Iran joust over nuclear nonproliferation, and Greece gets a bailout. Will it save the Euro? 

The use of un-manned, remote-control aircraft by the Pentagon and the CIA has created bitter controversy overseas.  What's in store for the same technology applied here in the US for border control, local law enforcement and other civilian applications? Also, the battle to stop oil coming ashore in Mississippi River Delta, and an infamous increase in medical insurance rates has been cancelled.

Arizona officials claim that federal inaction required the state to crack down on illegal immigration. Does it have that power? Does a new state law provide needed protection or violate civil rights and interfere with federal authority over foreign policy? Also, the White House steps up involvement in oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and Europe's financial crisis and the US economy.

After nine years of divisive argument, the Obama Administration has approved America’s first off-shore wind farm in the waters off Cape Cod. Supporters hail a new, green industry. Opponents say the cost is destruction of a national treasure: Nantucket Sound. Also, the US Coast Guard tries to burn the oil spill nearing land, and the US Supreme Court and the separation of church and state.