To the Point

President Obama wants to revoke "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," but Congress will have to repeal the ban on gays in the military. We hear about morale and civil rights in the military. Also, more troops for Afghanistan, and the Senate Finance Committee on healthcare reform.

Does al Qaeda in Afghanistan threaten US security? What about the Taliban? What will it take to establish a credible civilian government? Should the US send more troops or begin conducting a graceful withdrawal? We look at some of the questions facing the latest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Also, insurers suddenly push back against the healthcare reform bill, and football, concussions and memory-related disease. 

President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize today for what the prize committee called "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."  Also today, corporate America is divided over climate change.  Will regulations that raise costs for some create profits for others?

Technology and economics are working big change on the business of entertainment.  What are the opportunities for content with quality—and the risks of Hollywood dumbing down more than ever? Also, loan modifications are starting to slow foreclosures, and Republicans strike back on Congressional ethics.

Almost 16 million Americans are unemployed, more than the populations of 46 of the 50 states. Should a second stimulus put checks in the mail? What about tax credits for employers who create new jobs? Will developing markets overseas lead to more or less employment in the US? Also, President Obama agonizes over Afghanistan, and a new wrinkle for the "public option" in healthcare reform.

Healthcare reform is finally headed toward the floors of the House and the Senate, presuming Democratic leaders can cobble together five different proposals. Can they do it by next week? What are the likely issues once debate finally gets under way?  Also, NASA gets ready for its Moon crash mission. On Reporter's Notebook, a new solution for New Orleans: houses that float.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor began her first full term on the US Supreme Court today.  Will the conservative majority come out swinging this year or sit back to avoid confrontations with Congress? Also, the Senate finally begins debating healthcare reform, and vaccination is now available against swine flu. Will Americans want it?

The International Olympic Committee today granted the 2016 Summer Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro, with Chicago eliminated in the first round of voting. The historic decision takes the games to the South American continent for the very first time. Also, unemployment continues to climb, and re-writing the book on evolution, based on a startling new discovery in the African desert. Conan Nolan guest hosts.

It is being called one of the most serious terrorist threats since 9/11. Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year¬old Afghan entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ this week to charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. His arrest came amidst a number of other terror related cases. How serious were these threats? Are they the result of improved law enforcement? What role did the Patriot Act play? Also, the US and its allies talk to Iran about its nuclear program. On Reporter's Notebook, could massive earthquakes thousands of miles apart impact other faults around the globe? Conan Nolan guest hosts.

In Geneva tomorrow, the United States will sit down for direct negotiations with Iran for the first time in three decades. The US, France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany will push for greater transparency on Iran's nuclear program, and threaten sanctions if President Ahmadinejad refuses to cooperate. What can the West hope to achieve at the talks? Will Russia and China agree to stepping up the pressure on Iran? Also,  earthquakes and tsunamis strike Samoa, and pitching the Olympics. The Obamas take Chicago's case to Copenhagen. Sara Terry guest hosts.