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President Obama's Second Address to the UN General Assembly Sep 23, 2010

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President Obama made his second major speech to the UN General Assembly today. We hear different opinions about what he said about US engagement with the rest of the world and what he left out. Also, Republicans unveil their "Pledge to America," and breast cancer and mammograms.

Another High Water Mark for Drug Violence in Mexico Sep 22, 2010

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The awful details of deadly drug wars often are not reported by the Mexican media, because editors and reporters fear for their lives. We get a progress report on President Calderon's military offensive and what it could mean north of the border. Also, insurers drop child-only policies as Obama touts health reform, and the DREAM Act, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and military spending.

Afghanistan Elections and Rethinking the War Sep 21, 2010

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Afghan officials are still counting the votes from this weekend's parliamentary elections, marked by violence, a low turnout and widespread fraud. What are the possible consequences for US policy with troop strength rising to nearly 100,000 troops. Also, the LA District Attorney brings charges against eight officials in the blue-collar city of Bell, and Britain's new government cracks down on bank bonuses.

Census Bureau Says One in Seven Americans Lives in Poverty Sep 20, 2010

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Poverty in America increased last year to 44 million people. One longtime advocate calls it a "national emergency." Will Washington treat it that way? How many poor people vote? Also, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's in New York, and new help for buried miners in Chile.

Elizabeth Warren Appointed in End-run Around the Senate Sep 17, 2010

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After fighting hard for finance reform, how serious is the Obama Administration about consumer protection? Why will Elizabeth Warren be a White House advisor instead of heading the new agency that will make rules for mortgages, credit cards and other consumer lending? Also, police in London arrest five in alleged terror plot against the pope, and competing rallies to "Restore Sanity" and "Keep Fear Alive."

The GOP and the Tea Party after the Big Win in Delaware Sep 16, 2010

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Tea-Party candidates, many backed by Sarah Palin, have toppled Party-establishment favorites in Republican primaries this year. But veteran operatives have an ace in the hole: big money. Also, America's highest poverty level in a half century, and the American reporter who recently interviewed long-time Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

How Safe Are America's Natural-Gas Pipelines? Sep 15, 2010

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There are 2.5 million miles of natural gas pipelines in the United States, enough to circle the Earth one hundred times. Last week's deadly explosion near San Francisco raises a troubling question: are Americans living with unacceptable risk? Also, the US steps up drone attacks in Pakistan, and the Pope visits Great Britain.

Does the Growing Income Gap Threaten the Middle Class? Sep 14, 2010

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The income gap between the rich and the poor makes America comparable to some banana republics. What are the causes? What needs to be done? Also, Iran releases one of three imprisoned US hikers; and France, the Roma and outrage in Europe.

Midterm Elections and Congressional Paralysis Sep 13, 2010

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Back in session today, Congress has about 14 working days left before the November elections. With a lot of major work yet to be done, is Washington politically paralyzed? Also, the largest international arms deal in US history, and opponents of health care reform get their day in court.

Did 9-11 Turn America into a National-Security State? Sep 10, 2010

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Nine years after the attacks of September 11, are hundreds of new intelligence bureaucracies making America safer? Are they a wasteful over-reaction that’s counterproductive? Also, President Obama sounds a campaign note in this morning's press conference, and he gets passionate about Islam in America.

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