How did the Islamic State become so powerful, seemingly overnight, terrorizing the region, and catching the U.S. government off guard? That's the question Frontline seeks to answer in the new PBS documentary "The Rise of Isis." Forum talks to producer Martin Smith about the program.

Egyptian Bassem Youssef modeled his popular news show "Al-Bernameg," after "The Daily Show." But unlike Stewart, when Youssef mocked Egyptian leaders, he ended up behind bars and eventually canceled his show. A former heart surgeon who tended to the wounded during the Arab Spring, Youssef joins us to talk about his varied career and the power of satire.

As part of our California Election Watch 2014 series, we talk to incumbent Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is seeking a second term. Harris, a Democrat, is running against Republican Ron Gold, who was previously on the show.

In a speech Tuesday, Pope Francis said belief in prominent scientific theory such as evolution does not contradict a belief in God. Echoing church statements from as far back as 1950, Francis noted that God "created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one" and that God is not "a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything." Forum discusses the ramifications of the Pope's comments and how they frame the emerging picture of his papacy.

Celebrated Irish writer Colm Toibin joins Forum to talk about his new novel, "Nora Webster," a story about a woman who loses her husband in 1960s Ireland. The Guardian calls the book "a rare and tremendous achievement." We'll also ask Toibin about American Conservatory Theater's staging of his controversial play "Testament." Catholic groups are calling the play blasphemous for its portrayal of the Virgin Mary and are demanding the show be canceled.

The Oakland City Council has approved expanding the city's nuisance eviction ordinance to include suspected sex workers. Critics say the new rules give too much power to landlords, and the city, to evict tenants without proving a crime has been committed. Forum discusses the newly expanded nuisance ordinance, which also allows property owners to evict drug dealers and people with illegal weapons.

Brazilian voters re-elected Worker's Party candidate and incumbent Dilma Rousseff on Sunday. The election split voters along geographic and economic lines: the country's poorer regions supported Rousseff, while the wealthier southern states supported her challenger, Aecio Neves. Many view Rousseff's victory as support for her social policies that have lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty. The business community, however, reacted less favorably -- Brazilian financial markets plunged 5 percent amid fear that Rousseff cannot restore consumer confidence. Forum discusses the election and some of the challenges ahead for Rousseff: the sluggish economy, political corruption and weak ties with the U.S.

As Californians head to the polls, we'll take the pulse of the state's initiative process. Critics say that the state ballot is filled with too many confusing propositions that ultimately lead to voter apathy. Supporters say that the process circumvents an often-dysfunctional Legislature. We'll look at the state's long-standing direct democracy system and how, if at all, it should be reformed.

A handful of local restaurants are planning to get rid of tipping, opting instead for a 20 percent service charge that would be automatically included on the bill. The restaurant owners say it would help spread the revenue more evenly amongst waiters and cooks, while critics say it reduces the incentive to provide good service.