WAMU-FM: The Diane Rehm Show: Friday News Roundup Podcast

President Barack Obama offers his 2014 budget plan. The Senate clears the way to debate gun control legislation. And the U.S. Postal Service will continue Saturday delivery. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top national news stories.

North Korean threats prompt the U.S. to boost missile defenses in the Pacific. Syria's civil war claims a record 6,000 lives in March. And the U.N. adopts a global arms trade treaty. A panel of journalists joins guest host Susan Page for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

Connecticut passes strict new gun laws. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel tells the Pentagon to brace for spending cuts. And the latest unemployment numbers are released. A panel of journalists joins guest host Susan Page for analysis of the week's top national news stories.

Cyprus banks reopen under tight controls. The Arab League recognizes the Syrian opposition. And a new government crackdown in Egypt. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

President Barack Obama urges lawmakers to pass gun control legislation as Republicans threaten a Senate filibuster. In Connecticut, unsealed search warrants for the Newtown shooter reveal a large stash of weapons and ammunition. The Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases involving same-sex marriage. Questioning by the Justices suggests the Court might strike down DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. The so-called "Gang of Eight" senators visits the U.S.-Mexico border. Housing prices reach the highest levels in six years but consumer confidence drops. And North Dakota passes the nation's strictest abortion laws. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top national news stories.

President Barack Obama meets with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. World powers probe unconfirmed reports of a chemical weapons attack in Syria. And banks in Cyprus remain closed. A panel of journalists joins guest host Tom Gjelten for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

Congress approves a measure to avert a government shutdown next week. The continuing resolution keeps agencies funded through September, but the big fiscal battle still looms. The House passed Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's 2014 budget; the Senate immediately rejected it. Democrats there are now preparing their own version. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduces a gun control bill with expanded background checks but without an assault weapons ban. And sales of previously owned homes in February increase to the highest level since 2009. A panel of journalists join guest host Tom Gjelten for the domestic hour of our Friday News Roundup.

The U.S. commander in Afghanistan cautions troops to brace for violence. The warning comes after a series of anti-American statements by Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Britain and France signal they will arm Syrian rebels unless the European Union lifts a blanket arms embargo of the country. European leaders meeting at a summit in Brussels stick to a course of austerity. China's new president promises to root out corruption in the Communist party. President Barack Obama names a new ambassador to Libya. And Roman Catholics wait to see what course the new pontiff, Pope Francis, will take. A panel of journalists joins guest host Susan Page for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

Conservatives are meeting here in Washington for their annual political action conference, and on the agenda is the direction of the GOP. Both parties unveil competing blueprints for the federal budget this week. President Barack Obama meets on Capitol Hill with lawmakers to seek a budget deal, as his approval rating dips below 50 percent. Intelligence chiefs warn that cyberattacks, not terrorism, are the most dangerous threats facing the U.S. A bill banning assault weapons passes the Judiciary Committee but faces strong opposition in the full Senate. And the New York Supreme Court overturns Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on big sodas. A panel of journalists joins guest host Susan Page to discuss the week's news.

North Korea raises threats over new U.N. sanctions. International support grows for Syrian rebels. Venezuelans mourn the death of President Hugo Chavez. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

President Barack Obama courts rank-and-file Republicans. The House votes to avert a government shutdown. The latest jobs numbers are released. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top national news stories.

Secretary of State Kerry announced a plan to provide the Free Syrian Army with food and medical supplies. The U.S. will also more than double humanitarian aid for rebel-controlled areas. But the administration's first public commitment of support for the armed opposition fell short of their request for weapons. Nuclear talks between six world powers and Iran ended with only an agreement to hold further meetings this spring. Pope Benedict officially entered retirement. And Italy's inconclusive election reignited fears about the European Union's debt crisis. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top international news stories.

A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week's top national news stories.

A deadly bombing in Syria targets the ruling party. Civilian deaths fall sharply in Afghanistan. And Secretary of State John Kerry delivers his first major foreign policy speech. Guest host Steve Roberts and a panel of journalists discuss the week's top international news stories.

Sparring over spending and taxes intensifies one week before sequestration. Details of immigration proposals emerge. And Florida's governor reverses course on Medicaid. Guest host Steve Roberts and a panel of journalists discuss the week's top national stories.