From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Aaron Swartz and free speech on the internet.

Hello again, I'm Orman Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most. Last week, a celebrated internet genius committed suicide, having written

about the ravages of acute depression. Aaron Swartz also faced federal charges and possible

decades in prison. Some supporters say his indictment could have helped cause his death.

He was accused of wire fraud and unlawfully obtaining information in the course of crusading for Internet freedom.

Do 20-year-old restrictions infringe on a human right made possible by a rapidly changing technology?

On reporter's notebook later on, new gun control measures in the state of New York.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Warren Alney, back with To the Point.

The suicide of a crusader for Internet freedom has cast new light on old laws regulating a changing technology.

We'll hear about the late Aaron Schwartz, his contributions to the Internet, and his indictment for federal crimes.

On reporter's notebook, New York, is the first date to increase gun control in the

aftermath of the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. First, this news update. Defense Secretary Leon

Panetta says the U.S. will provide assistance to France against rebels in the vast African desert

country of Mali. There has been concerned about creating another conflict between Western nations and Muslim extremists,

...