To the Point

With voters outraged about Wall Street's perceived role in the financial crisis, Democrats and Republicans appear to be playing "chicken" over finance reform. We look at the likely product of sausage-making in an election year.  Also, Goldman Sachs in the hot seat, and challenges to Arizona's new immigration law.

After a disappointing conference last year in Copenhagen, this was billed the year for the US to get tough about global warming. But a US Senate compromise may be on the rocks, and the nation's breakthrough state law is under challenge in California. Also, a massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico, and for the first time since the 1930's Britain may see coalition government.

It's conventional wisdom that Democrats will be taking it on the chin come November, but divisions within the GOP have political forecasters taking another look. Will Republican nominees be so far right they repel Independents who can be the final "deciders?" Also, hopes of finding 11 missing workers fades after an oil rig sinks in the Gulf of Mexico, and free speech, death threats and censorship.

This week's volcanic eruption is a wake-up call for the airline industry and regulators unprepared to deal with the consequences.  It's also a lesson in humanity's inability to control nature. How likely is a much bigger eruption? Is there any way to get ready? Also, President Obama is in New York pushing financial reform. On Reporter's Notebook, is Earth Day a great time to go shopping? 

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the US does not have long-range plans in case Iran develops the capacity to build a nuclear bomb. Gates denies that it was a "wake-up call."  So, what was he up to? What are the options? Also, Obama meets with senators on Supreme Court picks. On Reporter's Notebook,  is Detroit making a comeback?

Democrats and Republicans are trying to use public anger at Wall Street to boost their chances in this year's elections. We hear how Goldman Sachs has become the poster child for finance reform. ALso, flights resume but the European travel chaos continues, and the US Supreme Court and cruelty to animals.

Like George W. Bush before him, Barack Obama wants immigration reform. But that's a third rail on the track to November's elections. Arizona's a border state where traffic in guns, drugs and people is increasingly violent — and Republicans are demanding a crackdown. We hear the pros and cons. Also, a rescue for travelers stranded in Europe, and trust in government hits a new low.

Prescription drug abuse is being called "epidemic," even in rural Ohio and West Virginia.  How do we get the benefits of modern pharmaceuticals without giving in to the dangers? Also, the SEC sues Goldman Sachs for securities fraud, and the politics of gay rights and hospital visitation. 

President Obama is trying to promote his vision for human space flight today. Opponents claim he has no vision at all. Will cancelling a return to the Moon mean getting to Mars both cheaper and faster? Also, taxes: the protests and the realities.

Russia's Medvedev calls Obama's nuclear summit a "complete success," but adds, "I hope we won't just go home feeling happy."  What will it take to sustain agreements to "lock down" nuclear materials?  Is the threat of nuclear terrorism overblown? Also, a major earthquake strikes the Dalai Lama's hometown, and climate change and a tax on gasoline.