Here are the big stores we’ll be talking about today.

• America heads to the polls.  The results in a number of key states could signal how voters feel about President Obama, his policies and whether they think Republicans can do better.  We're live in one of the battleground states.
• A little measure on the ballot in Denver has the nation's attention this morning.  It makes it mandatory for cops to take your car if you can't produce a license.  But is it about safety or a backdoor way to enforce illegal immigration? You will hear from both sides right there.
• We don't know how many there are, where they are or what they're doing.  A new report says the U.S. can't keep track of thousands of contractors on the payroll in Iraq and Afghanistan. Where is the accountability?  And how much could they be costing us.
• They started before he was a candidate.  Then they realized a guy named Barack Obama was running for president.  It’s an incredible case of being in the right place at the right time for a group of filmmakers who ended up being eyewitnesses to history.  HBO will debut that documentary tonight.  Actor Edward Norton is among the producers.  Our Alina Cho talked to him and has a sneak peek.

Here are the big stores we’ll be talking about today:

• “It’s hard to believe” they can’t find Osama bin Laden.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with a not-so-diplomatic message to Pakistan this morning.  Our Jill Dougherty sat down with Clinton during her trip.
• Hijacked on the high seas.  A British man and his wife being held hostage by Somali pirates.  For the first time we're learning just what happened the moment their yacht was attacked, in a dramatic phone call from captivity.
• Signs the economy has turned the corner, Stocks soaring and stimulus dollars providing a spark... but is it all an illusion?  Where are the jobs?  Our experts tell us when all this will make a difference on main street?
• Why did that 90 dollar room you booked online end up costing you 175 bucks?  Small, sneaky hidden fees are becoming big business for the hotel industry.  But there's a way to stop being nickel and dimed, if you know how to play the game. Gerri Willis will show you how to beat the house.

Here are the big stories on the agenda today:

• Breaking news this morning in two very important countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The United States has a lot riding on each one of these nations and is making that clear, especially in Pakistan, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is on the ground this morning.  She flew in overnight on an un-announced trip.  Her arrival comes at a time when anti-American sentiment is growing fast.  A brand new attack overnight there killed dozens.  A car bomb tore threw a packed market in Peshawar, killing least 90 people, many of them women.
• One month ago, an earthquake-triggered tsunami swept across American Samoa.  The wall of water killed 34 people.  One is still missing.  Now a CNN investigation is uncovering evidence this natural disaster was in many ways a man-made tragedy.   Why millions that we paid for an early warning system were never used for that purpose.
• “Sex for World Series tickets.”  Police say a Phillies fan took her passion to a whole new level in an ad on Craigslist that read: "Diehard Phillies fan… gorgeous tall buxom blonde-in desperate need of two world series tickets… price negotiable.  I’m the creative type!”  Police say they then made contact with the woman and she offered to perform various sex acts in exchange for the tickets.  That Phillies fan is now charged with prostitution.  Game one tonight!

Here are the big stories on the agenda today:

• Two Northwest Airlines pilots insist they were not asleep – just distracted – when they overshot their landing last week in Minneapolis.  So what exactly were they doing when air traffic controllers were trying in vain to radio them for more than an hour?  We have the pilots' side of the story.
• A major turnaround in the battle over your health care.  This morning  the bill heading to the Senate floor includes a public option.  But does it have the votes to get to the president’s desk?  We're live in Washington to break down the risks.
• War and a critical decision.  President Obama on the campaign trail today as the top general in Afghanistan waits to see if he'll get the troops he says he needs.  A man who almost became the Commander in Chief is now saying sending more troops is the wrong call.
• Well if they'd just listen….then i wouldn't have to yell!  That's what many parents will tell you about why they raise their voices to their children.  But now there are new concerns about yelling at your kids and that it could be doing just as much harm as spanking, on the inside.  Well ask a mom whose written about parenting, and a clinical psychologist whether shouting is the new spanking.

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.

Here are the big stories on the agenda today:

• The Senate Finance Committee will vote on its $829 billion dollar version of health care reform in just a few hours.  Supporters say it matches key parts of the president's wish list without busting the budget, but the insurance industry is launching a last-minute attack.
• Pressure is building on the battleground. The call for more troops in Afghanistan is kicking up a lot of debate.  Right now it's all about the numbers.  The general says he needs 40,000 more to win this war.  But is that even enough?  Our military experts weigh in.
• Concern about Iran’s nuclear ambitions has secretary of state Hillary Clinton meeting with Russian leaders in Moscow.  She also summed up her political aspirations in one word.  We'll tell you what she's saying.

Here are the big stories on the agenda today:

Two big breaking stories on tap...

• Stunning news this morning that made every jaw in the newsroom drop.  President Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize... Less than nine months into his presidency.  The announcement coming a little more than an hour ago from Oslo.  We're reaching out to the White House to see whether anyone there even knew this was coming.  Our experts are weighing in all morning long about what this means, if anything at all, in places like Iran and Afghanistan.
• NASA bombs the moon.  The space agency fired a rocket at the lunar surface in hopes that the fallout will reveal signs of water.  It’s an extraordinary mission to see if the moon could sustain life… maybe a real estate opportunity too.

Here are the top stories we’ll be breaking down for you this morning:

Breaking news: The Taliban is reportedly claiming responsibility for a suicide car bombing this morning near the Indian embassy in Kabul. At least 12 people were killed and 60 were injured in the attack. The explosion shattered car windows and knocked down walls. Paramedics are digging through debris searching for survivors. Read more

Deciding the next move in Afghanistan… An official request for more troops is now on President Obama's desk. It comes from his top general. Our Barbara Starr is live at the Pentagon where there are new questions this morning about the president's approach to the war.

And Washington is still looking for a fix on the make or break push for health care reform. We know insurance premiums and co-pays are going up, but what's the reason? The cost of care or greedy insurance execs? One case in Maine is taking that question to court. CNN's Jim Acosta has that story.

Here are the big stories on the agenda today:

• Eight years in Afghanistan for U.S. troops and the general now in charge says we need 40,000 more to win this war. The president is making it clear withdrawal is not an option right now.  But after a rare bi-partisan meeting with congressional leaders, something else is clear: the president is not ready to commit to a war strategy just yet.
• You're already paying more for peanuts, blankets and leg-room.  Now the airlines are finding another way to make money.  Several carriers are now hitting you with a 10 dollar peak-travel surcharge.  The added fee goes into effect between Thanksgiving and New Years.  You'll also have to pay more if you're traveling around the typical spring break season and Mmemorial Dday.
• If you live in New York City and have been through the drive thru in the past year, now you know why they call it a Whopper.  The city was the first to start making chain restaurants post calorie counts on their menus.  Others followed. It's forced some people to do a double take. But has it stopped them from “super sizing?” There’s a surprising new study that says some people are actually eating more!
• To catch a predator.  Our Rob Marciano is on the hunt for 20-foot sharks off Virginia Beach with scientists who are trying to find out why they’re behaving differently… and what that could mean for their next meal.

Here are the top stories we'll be breaking down for you this morning:

A CNN exclusive: Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sit down for a rare joint interview with Christiane Amanpour. Both Cabinet members insist that our troops are staying in Afghanistan. Our Barbara Starr is live from the Pentagon with insight on the interview. Read more

David Letterman's first show since admitting he had sex with members of his staff – The Late Show host publicly apologized to his wife and staff. It was part comedy, part crisis management. Our Alina Cho has the report. Read more

And dramatic news this morning about America's top military commander in the Middle East. General David Petraeus has undergone radiation treatment for early stage prostate cancer. Our Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on what this diagnosis means. Read more