President Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the US Supreme Court, a Hispanic woman with 17 years of experience on the federal bench. Supporters emphasize her legal credentials and her common touch.  Opponents call her "an activist judge."  We hear both sides. Also, North Korea followed up on yesterday's nuclear test with more saber-rattling today, and the California State Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8, the voters' ban on gay marriage. 

Like other wars, the war in Iraq has produced its share of medical miracles that help repay the sacrifices made by wounded veterans. But some involve high technology that is very expensive. We hear about some developments, who pays to make it available and how it's decided which veterans qualify. Also, civil rights cases are in the spotlight at the Supreme Court, and a film festival that celebrates military achievements.

President Obama promised to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the ban on gays and lesbians in the military. Now many supporters are getting impatient. We hear about equal rights, military morale, conflicting court decisions and shifting public opinion. Also, balancing California's budget, and the price of gasoline is going up, but don't blame the oil companies. Blame the banks.

It's being called the debate that was lacking in last year's presidential campaign.  We hear the contrasting views of President Obama and former Vice President Cheney in dueling speeches today on national security.  Also, four arrests in conspiracy to use MWD in the US, and guns, credit cards and the Democratic majority.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has lost another round in his ongoing battle with his own Republican Party, the Democrats and the voters of

The astronauts are ready to come back to Earth on Friday. We hear about upgrading the Hubble Space Telescope, what age-old questions it's now prepared to address and whether manned space flight has a future. Also, President Obama announces the first-ever national emissions standards, and Britain's expense account scandal takes a political toll.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is at the White House today for the first in a string of meetings that will help define President Obama’s policies in the Middle East.  Also, Sri Lanka’s rebel Tamil Tigers are routed and their leader killed, and the Bush Administration and the Rumsfeld legacy.

The Grand Old Party is going through a bit of an identity crisis,

With new commanders and a focus on counterinsurgency, President Obama is making Afghanistan “his” war.  With al Qaeda now next door in Pakistan, what are the goals?  Will Democrats agree they’re sustainable and worth the cost in troops and money? Also, Nancy Pelosi and torture, and the inside story of Tiananmen Square.

During good times, credit card companies were denounced for offering easy credit. Now they're under fire for tightening up. We hear the pros and cons of a bipartisan credit reform bill President Obama says he wants to sign. Also, Senate hearings into torture allegations, and Predator drones in Pakistan.