To the Point

As the US government prepares to hand out more than 250 million free doses of vaccine for the H1N1 virus, health officials are confronting fear and misinformation. What is the H1N1, or swine flu, as it's commonly known? Who should take a vaccine against it? By taking early precautions to combat the flu, has the government caused more anxiety than necessary? Also, Also, terror suspect, Najibullah Zazi, enters a plea, and startling news about the placebo effect.  Sara Terry guest hosts.

As President Obama weighs his options on the war in Afghanistan, public support for his policies there is on the decline. What can a troop surge accomplish? How will politics in Afghanistan -- and in Washington – affect what the United States does? Does Obama face a new Vietnam in the making? Also, Iran's "preventative and defensive operations." On Reporter's Notebook will Roman Polanski be extradited to the US on a 32-year-old statutory rape charge? Sara Terry guest hosts.

One year after the global recession hit its peak, the leaders of 20 nations are meeting in Pittsburgh to talk about preventing the same thing from happening again. But is the current "recovery" real for millions of people? Is the G-20 likely to make things better or worse? Also, covert evidence of an Iranian nuclear facility, and persuasive evidence of a real terrorist plot on American soil.

In another departure from the policies of George W. Bush, President Obama has put a ban on nuclear weapons back on the agenda for the US and for the United Nations. We hear about today's unanimous resolution by the UN Security Council. Will its provisions be verifiable? Will it make the world safer? Also, Ted Kennedy last wish granted as a temporary senator is named for Massachusetts, and a hoard of gold and silver that goes back to the days of Beowulf in 7th Century England.

President Obama has made his first address to the UN General Assembly, with more than 120 world leaders on hand. We hear some of the highlights.  On Reporter's Notebook, will US forces in Afghanistan be increased or scaled back?

On his first day at the United Nations, Barack Obama addressed a multitude of issues, starting with climate change. Can he help set the stage for international action? Is it already too late to prevent life-changing developments all over the world? Also, Obama urges Netanyahu and Abbas to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and new rules for net neutrality. 

Recent reports say healthcare reform is in trouble, but the American Medical Association has done an about face. After decades of opposition, why is Washington's most potent lobby running TV ads that favor a government overhaul? Can the doctors get the public on board? Also, an urgent need for more troops in Afghanistan, and three arrests in what might or might not be a terrorist plot linked to Al Qaeda.

Vladimir Putin calls it "right and brave."  John McCain says it is "seriously misguided."  President Obama's decision not to locate a missile shield in Eastern Europe.  What are the military consequences?  What about Iran?  Is it time for a "new beginning" for relations with Russia? Also, The soft sell of First Lady Michelle Obama, and the flap over ACORN.

Attacks on America's first black President and his proposals have inflamed America's ongoing controversy about race and politics at a time of economic anxiety. We look at the possible consequences. Also, the US drops the proposed missile defense shield in Eastern Europe, and public lands and public trust during the Bush Administration. 

It's been a year now since Lehman Brothers was allowed to go bankrupt, and the financial meltdown really got under way. Since Barack Obama took over, has there been more continuity than change? Could it happen all over again? Also, Senator Max Baucus releases his long-awaited healthcare bill, and mysterious "double eagles" have turned up again.