As Congress considers banning earmarks altogether, Seattle Times reporters continue to dig deep into earmarks, uncovering stories of waste and abuse in Washington, on Exposé on Bill Moyers Journal. Watch the follow-up report to “Mr. Heath Goes to Washington“. (Originally aired: 1/9/2009).

As violence continues in Gaza, religious leaders discuss the idea of a “just war” in the region. Rabbi Jack Moline explains: “War is very bad business…But when those without that ounce of compassion promote suffering, heartbreak or terror, then the only inappropriate response is no response at all.” Read more….

Moyers talks with Leo W. Gerard, president of the United Steel Workers (U.S.W.), the largest industrial union in North America, about what organized labor wants in the middle of an economic crisis and the future of American manufacturing. Watch.

Should updating the electrical grid be part of an economic stimulus package? This panel discussion, from Oct. 14, 2008, addresses the potential and challenges in creating an efficient, modern national electric power grid. Watch now.

* Israel, Hamas defy UN call for ceasefire
* Day 14 of the war on Gaza
* A new study out of Britain gives Alzheimer’s warning
* Freedoms and constraints in Iranian university life
* What would Darwin say?
Watch.

Will efforts to make hospital costs more transparent pay off for patients? NBR Correspondent Jeff Yastine reports on hospital pricing and other emerging trends in healthcare. Watch a video about hospitals that are testing a new type of radiation treatment for cancer patients. (Originally aired: 9/25/2008).

Tavis Smiley interviews Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, star of “The Wrestler”, about her aspirations before deciding on acting as a career. The Brooklyn-born actress was attending Boston University when she was asked to co-star on a daytime drama. Watch. (Originally aired: 1/6/2009).

* Militants fire rockets into Northern Israel
* Red Cross: Israel accused of blocking medical aid
* A tale of two hospitals in Israel and Gaza
* Russia and Ukraine feud over natural gas
Watch.

Charlie Rose interviews Joseph Stiglitz, a professor of economics at Columbia University and author, and Harvard economist Martin Feldstein about President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package, on Jan. 6, 2009.

The first episode of the new weekly series includes these interviews, conducted by host NY Times correspondent Andrew Ross Sorkin:
* Steve Forbes on bailouts and the stimulus package
* Richard Parsons on NY State’s financial woes
* Ellen Zimiles on the Madoff Ponzi scheme