Stories of the Week | PBS NewsHour Podcast | PBS

Researchers at University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California have found that robots can be less intimidating than humans to some patients. Ray Suarez reports on how researchers are using machines as nontraditional therapists to treat conditions such as autism in children and strokes for seniors.

While the White House considers how the U.S. military might best make its Afghanistan exit, Judy Woodruff gets two views on the topic from Bing West, author of "The Wrong War: Grit, Strategy and the Way Out of Afghanistan" and former Defense Department official Celeste Ward Gventer.

A new study shows most teenagers who think about or attempt suicide have already had mental health treatment. Gwen Ifill talks to Dr. Timothy Lineberry of the Mayo Clinic and Drexel University psychologist Brian Daly about concerns over the effectiveness of current clinical treatment programs to prevent adolescent suicide.

Ray Suarez talks to James Fallows of the Atlantic and Ming Wan of George Mason University about China's new leadership may approach government oversight of Chinese print and digital media.

As tuition costs continue to rise, it seems counterintuitive that professors at top universities would give away their courses for free. But that's exactly what they're doing, on web-based platforms known as "Massive Open Online Courses." Spencer Michels reports on how a boom in online learning could change higher education.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the week's top political news with Judy Woodruff, including the likely nomination of Chuck Hagel for secretary of defense, the failure of the latest budget deal to address larger fiscal problems and Washington's inability to make tough choices.

From pro-Israel groups to gay rights advocates, vested interests are already weighing in on speculated nominees for positions in President Obama's cabinet. Ray Suarez reports on the criticism leveled against Chuck Hagel, one of the front-runners for defense secretary.

Ohio is one of 14 states to put in place a retention rule that holds back students who are not reading at grade level. Special correspondent John Tulenko reports on the "reading guarantee," which educators say puts enormous pressure on them, and may not actually ensure educational success or lower dropout rates in the future.

As Syria's civil war nears the two-year mark, the United Nations reports an rapid uptick in casualties: Of the 60,000 mostly-civilians who have been killed, 90 percent died in 2012. Ray Suarez talks to NPR's Deborah Amos about the conflict, the stalemate and its human toll.

In other news Friday, the Food and Drug Administration proposed far-reaching new food safety rules to prevent deadly outbreaks of food poisoning each year. Also, President Obama's re-election was made official when the Electoral College were certified and tallied in a joint session of Congress.

The December jobs report showed positive but slow growth, while worries of imminent recession were calmed by the passage of a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff." Is the economy moving in a positive direction? Jeffrey Brown talks to public media journalists about economic concerns for the coming months.

In an attempt to reach a larger American audience, Al Jazeera English announced plans to purchase cable channel Current TV, first started by former Vice President Al Gore. Ray Suarez talks to Al Jazeera executive producer Robert Wheelock about the Qatar government-owned news organization's move and challenges going forward.

In an attempt to reach a larger American audience, Al Jazeera English announced plans to purchase cable channel Current TV, first started by former Vice President Al Gore. Ray Suarez talks to Al Jazeera executive producer Robert Wheelock about the Qatar government-owned news organization's move and challenges going forward.

As clean water regulations become tougher and sewer systems and water treatment plants become outdated, cities are struggling to stay compliant and safe. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien goes underground to discover the many ways America's sewer systems could be revamped to conserve water and save money.

Six men were arrested and charged with kidnapping, rape and murder after an attack caused the death of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi, India. The case sparked demands for stronger laws, tougher police action and a sustained campaign to change society's views on women. Independent Television News' Geraint Vincent reports.