Talking Points

Flag Burning

Trying to keep the issue alive

A constitutional amendment to allow a ban on burning Old Glory failed by one vote to pass the Senate last week. Ban backers plan to play up the issue before the November elections. But is this a burning question for most voters?

Nuclear Countdown

Waiting to hear back from Iran

The G-8 nations expect Tehran to respond this week to an offer of incentives for halting its nuclear program. Whatever its reply--a hearty yes isn't likely--look for Iran to be high on the agenda at next week's G-8 summit in Russia.

We're Having a Ball

Kudos to the World Cup host

It's a Cinderella-free, all-soccer-power battle for July 9's final. Whoever lifts the trophy, Germany has won: its Willkommen has been warm, and after decades of postwar ambivalence, its people have worn their colors with pride.

Ahoy, Again

Pirates of the Caribbean 2 opens

Undead pirates aside, Captain Jack faces a new peril in the sequel, Dead Man's Chest, out July 7: living up to audience expectations after the original hit of 2003.

A Dynamic Duo

ABC breaks ceilings at breakfast

Wake up to the sound of shattering glass. Charlie Gibson is off to the evening news, leaving Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts to say Good Morning America and make history as a.m. network TV's first male-free team of anchors.