Here are the big stories on the agenda today:
- Investigators are trying to find out whether the crew of Northwest Airlines flight was asleep at the controls. The plane left San Diego last night bound for Minneapolis, but overshot its landing by 150 miles. The explanation is sketchy at best, so far. Why air traffic controllers briefly believed the plane may have been hijacked.
- The “optional” public option? Talk of a health care compromise on Capitol Hill. Sources say Senate Democrats and White House officials may let states "opt out" of a government-run health plan. Senators were at the White House yesterday. We're live in Washington with where we stand right now.
- The secretary of education gave a lecture to the people who teach teachers. He's hoping changes the administration has planned will trickle down to our kids. We’ll ask him why he thinks education programs in college are “mediocre.” He’ll also talk about swine flu and whether schools are ready.
- And – his stand on interracial marriage has earned a Louisiana justice of the peace a place in John Avlon's "hall-of-shame.” Find out who else earned “wingnut of the week” honors.