To the Point

The Senate is back in Washington, ready to take up finance reform. In this election year, will Democrats and Republicans re-play the debate over healthcare? We look at the similarities -- and the differences. We also get a progress report on the President’s summit on nuclear terrorism. Also, the former CEO of Washington Mutual testifies before Congress.

The Roman Catholic Church is an ancient institution in a fast-moving world. After the sex-scandal, what's next in America and Europe?  Is the future in Africa, Asia and Latin America? Also, President Obama's nuclear summit, and Poland's democracy on trial.

This week's disaster in West Virginia dramatizes the human cost of coal mining underground. Surface mining's already the subject of new environmental regulations. What's the future of coal in a country with a boundless appetite for energy? Also, Supreme Court Justice Stevens will step down, and modern politics and the Civil War.

In the Czech Republic today, the US and Russia signed a new treaty to cut back on nuclear weapons. Will it make the world safer? Is the diplomacy as important as the military strategy? Also, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner meets with Chinese officials today in Beijing, and the treatment of livestock in America’s food supply. 

President Obama's Nuclear Posture Review is drawing fire from both hawks and doves. How does it propose to deal with proliferation, the threat of terrorism and the ambitions of Iran and North Korea? Also, GM's loss following bankruptcy, and America's worst coal mining disaster in 25 years.

Are Taliban militants really on the run in Pakistan? Is President Karzai on the same side as the US and other countries providing Afghanistan with troops and money? We look for answers to some challenging questions. Also, President Obama proposes a shift in us nuclear strategy. On Reporter's Notebook, will the space program be privatized?

Apple has a knack for creating things we didn't even know we needed -- or wanted. Some three hundred thousand Apple lovers bought iPads this weekend. Guest host Sara Terry learns what Apple's latest device delivers and where it falls short. Also, the Taliban attacks the US Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Michael Steel Rocks the boat at the Republican National Committee.

The biotech industry has been shaken to its financial foundations by a judge's decision that human genes cannot be patented any more. We find out what could happen to the new world of genetic medicine if that decision is upheld.  Also, good news on the labor front, and a trifecta for sports fans between now and next Monday.

The President says his offshore oil-and-gas proposal is designed to "break out of the broken policies of the past," but he's set off a familiar debate over energy needs and environmental protection. Will it lead to another stalemate or a breakthrough on global warming — in an election year? Also, Afghan President Karzai weaves an international conspiracy theory, and Census Day is not an April Fool's joke.

The worldwide scandal of pedophile priests has reached into the Vatican. Lay Catholics are asking the Pope himself to reveal what he knew, when he knew it and how he responded. We look at the details in the context of 2000 years of institutional history. Also, the Obama Administration clears way for expanded offshore drilling. On Reporter's Notebook, has the Special Relationship between the US and Britain come to an end?