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To The Point (Magazine)

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Next available on KERA 90.1
in 8 hours 36 minutes
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Host: Warren Olney
A fast-paced, news-based, one-hour daily national program that focuses on the hot-button issues of the day. Featuring three discrete segments - Newsmaker, Defining the Story, Reporter's Notebook - the program presents informative and thought-provoking back-and-forth discussion.
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Genres: Magazine, Current Affairs
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Language: English
Networks: PRI, KCRW

Last updated 124 days ago Update show info

Recent Topics

Afghanistan and the 'Civilian Surge'

Tue, Dec 8 Listen

The President's escalation of force in Afghanistan will have a civilian component, although he's left it to others to explain the details. Is it "nation building" by another name? We hear about the hope for success and the risk of failure. Also, the growing threat of homegrown terrorism.

Copenhagen, Climate Change and Stolen E-Mails

Mon, Dec 7 Listen

Fifteen thousand delegates, 5,000 reporters and 98 world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to talk about climate change as the basic science faces a new challenge. We hear about economics, technology and stolen e-mails. Also, the EPA declares carbon emissions a danger to public health.

It's Still the Economy, Stupid

Fri, Dec 4 Listen

Yesterday's White House jobs summit was good PR, but what's the Obama Administration doing to get the economy rolling again? We hear from a senior White House advisor and others. Also, a better than expected jobs report, and the green light for solar energy panels -- based in space.

Iraq: That 'Other' War

Thu, Dec 3 Listen

With much of the world now focused on Afghanistan, what about the war in Iraq? Could the failure of civilian government lead to renewed violence and pull US troops back into action? What would that mean for the surge in Afghanistan? Also, the Senate votes to safeguard coverage for mammograms, and Cable giant Comcast takes over NBC Universal.

The Speech Is Over, the Campaign Begins

Wed, Dec 2 Listen

President Obama laid out his new strategy for Afghanistan last night, and the all-out effort to sell it got underway today on Capitol Hill with testimony from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Afghanistan Becomes the Battlefield for Obama's War

Tue, Dec 1 Listen

At 8pm East Coast time today, President Obama will outline a stepped-up process for escalating the US commitment to Afghanistan. We get a preview. Also, the collapse of Dubai. What happened to due diligence by investors around the world. Is this a test of Islamic financing under Shariah law?

Another Landmark for Healthcare Reform

Mon, Nov 30 Listen

Healthcare reform has finally made it to the Senate floor, and there's a chance that both houses might pass their different versions by the end of this year. As Senate debate gets underway we look at what's at stake for America's families. Also, video games move out of the dorm rooms and into the classroom.

The Credit Card Economy Comes Home to Roost

Fri, Nov 27 Listen

When the great recession got under way, credit card companies began changing their rules, making it harder for struggling consumers to pay their bills. Congress enacted reform in May, but gave the industry nine months to clean up its act. What we told you in March, when this discussion originally aired, will still be valid until after this Christmas. Also, retailers are facing a weak holiday system, and two and a half million Muslim pilgrims descend on Mecca.

On Thanksgiving, It's All about Food

Thu, Nov 26 Listen

Farmers' markets are all the rage and school lunches are more nutritious than they used to be, but some urban American neighborhoods are ?food deserts? with no grocery stores. We hear good news and bad news, and get some surprises today about how food and the way we eat it are changing. Also, investigating the Mumbai attacks, one year later, and an international video project on Democracy.

Football and the Cost of Concussions

Wed, Nov 25 Listen

Do concussions on the football field cause brain damage? Have coaches, team doctors and players themselves been in denial? We hear about growing evidence and some new signals of seriousness from the National Football League. Also, President Obama goes to Copenhagen, and feeding the hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Are you really needed?

Americans Are Too Fat and Too Hungry

Tue, Nov 24 Listen

Despite America's obesity epidemic, recent studies say tens of millions of people, including children, go hungry. What's the Obama Administration doing? What can you do? Is ?food insecurity? a matter of politics as well as economics? Also, President Obama meets with India's Prime Minister Singh, and Europe's soccer scandal.

America's Airlines: Stuck in Traffic

Mon, Nov 23 Listen

Existing technology could make air travel faster, more fuel efficient and cheaper, but the control system won't be updated until 2025. We hear why and what passengers can expect in the meantime. Also, getting healthcare reform through the Senate, and US bases and escalating tensions between Colombia and Venezuela.

Religion and Warfare: Does God Choose Sides?

Fri, Nov 20 Listen

The Fort Hood shootings have raised disturbing questions about Islamic radicalism in the US military. What about Evangelical Christianity? Does it pose its own kind of dangers, especially with US troops on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan? Also, the first EU president, and Oprah Winfrey calls it quits ? at the same time she plans for the future.

Will Healthcare Reform Get to the Senate Floor?

Thu, Nov 19 Listen

Democrats finally have a healthcare reform bill they want to get to the Senate floor before next week's Thanksgiving vacation. Republicans will use all available parliamentary maneuvers to prevent that from happening. We hear how the bill compares to the House version and assess its chances. Also, Afghan President Karzai's inauguration, and a judge says the disaster following Hurricane Katrina was man made. Will the federal government be on the hook for billions in damages?

Global Warming: Can it Still be Turned Around?

Wed, Nov 18 Listen

Closing Guantanamo: Easier Said than Done

Tue, Nov 17 Listen

To make good on his promise to close Guantanamo Bay, President Obama needs to re-locate more than 200 prisoners. One likely location in northwestern Illinois has set off a political firestorm, and there's ongoing dispute over how to clear up all those cases. Also, the President's trip to China, and British soldiers are ordered to pay off the Taliban.

'Job One' for the President: Creating Jobs

Mon, Nov 16 Listen

Bill Clinton won the White House by never forgetting that "it's the economy, stupid." Now unemployment looms as big or bigger for Barack Obama than healthcare or climate change. What more can the government to do create jobs? Can it happen before next year's mid-term elections? Also, President Obama's town-hall meeting in Shanghai, and Sarah Palin, the book the Presidency and the polls.

A Trial for Terrorists in New York City

Fri, Nov 13 Listen

Attorney General Eric Holder announced today that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the self-described mastermind of 9/11, will be tried in the federal court just blocks from where the World Trade Towers once stood in New York City. On Reporter's Notebook, former US diplomat Peter Galbraith reacts to claims he had a conflict of interest while helping to write Iraq's new constitution.

The President's Trip to Asia: Substance and Symbols

Thu, Nov 12 Listen

As President Obama visits Asia, the US is still in deep trouble while China is riding high. What does America want, and what can it provide in the newest world order? Also, the US ambassador to Afghanistan says hold that surge, and chimpanzees, human beings and the genetics of speech.

Iran: Complications and Contradictions

Wed, Nov 11 Listen

Political divisions inside Iran appear to be threatening a nuclear deal with the West, even though both Iranian factions may want it to happen. We ask, what are its chances?and what's liable to happen if it doesn't go through? Also, paying tribute to America's veterans, and the ravages of PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Could the Fort Hood Shootings Have Been Prevented?

Tue, Nov 10 Listen

Twelve American soldiers and one civilian were gunned down last Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas. Were they victims of terrorism? Could the incident have been prevented? What does it mean for military diversity in a world plagued by cultural and religious confrontations? Also, North and South Korean ships exchange fire, and nuclear disarmament produces nuclear power.

It Was 20 Years Ago Today: The Fall of the Berlin Wall

Mon, Nov 9 Listen

There are huge celebrations in Berlin, as world leaders gather to mark an event that changed the face of the world. It was twenty years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down. Guest host Sara Terry asks whether the past two decades have lived up to the promise of that moment, and how the end of the Cold War era shaped the political and economic realities of today. Also, the Supreme Court considers life sentences for children, and why pro-choice activists are upset with the vote on...

Stress in the Military

Fri, Nov 6 Listen

Two of the biggest issues faced by soldiers and combat veterans are stress and mental health. At Walter Reed Hospital, doctors have enlisted psychiatric service dogs to help treat soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. What role does man's best friend play in healing? What can be done to catch signs of an impending breakdown before it's too late? Guest host Sara Terry gets an update on yesterday's shootings at Fort Hood, looks at the role stress might have played and learns...

Global Warming and National Security

Thu, Nov 5 Listen

Nobody doubts that dealing with global warming will be expensive, so supporters of climate change legislation are raising questions of national security. Is that a diversionary tactic or will climate change increase terrorism, force mass migration and destabilize entire regions? Also, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas threatens to retire. On Reporter's Notebook, we ask the man who ran Barak Obama's "perfect" campaign what happened on Tuesday.

Local Elections and National Politics

Wed, Nov 4 Listen

Republicans took governorships from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey. A Democrat took a congressional seat from Republicans in upstate New York. Maine voters said "no" to same-sex marriage. What messages?if any--do so-called "off-year elections" carry about national politics? Also, an Italian judge convicts 23 Americans in a renditions case, and Warren Buffett and America?s railroads.

Settlements, War Crimes and Middle East Peace

Tue, Nov 3 Listen

In the Middle East, Hillary Clinton has walked into the familiar buzz-saw of Arab-Israeli politics, and Congress is about to condemn the UN's "Goldstone Report." What's happening to President Obama's "new start" with the Muslim world? Also, Afghan President Hamid Karzai takes office, and healthcare reform and "spiritual healing."

A 'Credible' Afghanistan?; The Cost of Renewable Energy

Mon, Nov 2 Listen

How clean are the "clean" fuels being subsidized by the Obama Administration? Also, Afghanistan and President Obama?s decision on whether to send more American troops.

Science, Religion and Public Policy

Fri, Oct 30 Listen

The Roman Catholic Church is conducting a campaign to show that the Bible is compatible with Darwin's theory of evolution. But polls show almost half the American people don't buy it. If belief in God means doubting science, what are the consequences for public policy? Also, the US brokers a deal to restore the deposed President in Honduras, and Capitol Hill ethics investigations are accidentally revealed.

The 'Public Option' Stays Alive for Another Day

Thu, Oct 29 Listen

Rumors that the "public option" was dead "were greatly exaggerated," according to one senior Democrat. Now, both the House and the Senate will debate healthcare reform bills including a government-run insurance plan. We hear about that, about cost control and other issues today. Also, the economy's improving, but still dependent on economic stimulus, and President Obama bears witness to the return of casualties from Afghanistan.

Swine Flu: Mixed Messages and Public Anxiety

Wed, Oct 28 Listen

Mixed messages about swine flu and the availability of H1N1 vaccine have led to confusion and unexpected public anxiety. We hear from parents, doctors and medical researchers today. Also, reports that the CIA is paying Hamid Karzai's brother. On Reporter's Notebook, will California be the first state to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana?