Week in the News

24:08

July 03, 2009

(Left to right, clockwise) U.S. Marines in Hemland province, Afghanistan; Al Franken shortly after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in his favor; South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford; People wait in a job fair line in Seattle, Washington. (AP) — Clockwise from top left: U.S. Marines move into Afghanistan's Helmand province on Thursday; Senator-elect Al Franken on Tuesday, shortly after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in his favor; South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, in an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday; people wait in line at a job fair in Seattle earlier this month. (AP)

Jobs, jobs, jobs. And war. As Americans mark another Independence Day, the news at the end of the week reminds us where the nation stands.

In Washington, the White House responds to new unemployment numbers — now at 9.5 percent — and to critics of its stimulus plan.

In Afghanistan, 4,000 Marines move into Taliban territory. While in Iraq, U.S. troops move out of the cities — as bombings increase.

In Minnesota, the Democrats gain a 60th U.S. senator. In South Carolina, Republicans look to get rid of a governor.

This hour, On Point: Our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines.

Guests:

Steve Chapman, columnist and editorial writer for The Chicago Tribune.
Gebe Martinez, political columnist and contributor to Politico.
Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst and senior editor at The Atlantic.

This program aired on July 3, 2009.

week in the news