government

The design of the National Mall involved converting tidal flats, forests and farmland into the major landmarks we see today. Designer Pierre Charles L’Enfant placed major landmarks on high points, with the Capitol Building on the highest spot.

Watch the story of James A. Baker III, a remarkable politician and statesman who represents a time when a divided Congress got things done, and when presidents and politicians worked together. Baker, now 84, helped get three presidents elected, served in top posts for two of them and was a central player in some of the most momentous events of the late 20th century.

In Utah, the death penalty can now be carried out by firing squad, but only as a backup method if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. The state’s governor signed in the new law amidst a nation-wide shortage of these drugs, and other states are eyeing similar execution methods. Judy Woodruff talks to Andrew Novak of George Mason University and Jennifer Dobner of The Salt Lake Tribune.

Responding to concerns over her use of a personal email account to conduct official business while in office, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she wants the public to have access to her emails. The State Department says it will review messages for possible release.

A bill approving the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline was the first order of business for the Republican-led Congress this year, and today that bill was vetoed by President Obama. Gwen Ifill gets two views from Jeremy Symons of the Environmental Defense Fund and Robert Bryce of the Manhattan Institute.

A Texas jury reached a guilty verdict in the murder trial of Eddie Ray Routh, the ex-Marine charged with killing former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, author of the memoir American Sniper.

House of Cards is a political drama that is set in current day Washington DC. Main Character Frank Underwood, played by actor Kevin Spacey, displays the power of manipulation in the political world. Because of the shows popularity and the debut of Season 3 this week, Sesame Street displayed their own version known as “House of Bricks.” 

For many years, people have discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life in the universe. Scientists such as Stephen Hawking have stated the probability of life existing on another planet, other than earth, is favorable... especially when considering the size of the universe.

Today is the 70th year anniversary to the beginning of the Battle of Iwo Jima. It began on February 19, 1945 when the United States fought the Japanese Empire for Iwo Jima.

The House Education Committee passed a bill on Wednesday to limit the decision-making powers of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. This bill would not allow the Association to create a policy regarding sexuality or gender identity with high school students.