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To The Point (Current Affairs)

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Next available on Klassic 535 St. George's, Grenada in 1 day 19 hours 22 minutes
Listen locally on KCRW 89.9 Mon, Sep 8 at 12pm (Pacific)
Find another station or time for this program on one of 87 other stations & times
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: Current Affairs, Magazine
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Language: English
Networks: NPR, PRI

Last updated 69 days ago Update program info

Recent Topics

To Drill or Not to Drill

Mon, Jul 21

John McCain and other Republicans say it's time to start drilling for oil off the shores of America. Barack Obama leads those Democrats who say, not so fast. Also, a war-crimes trial gets underway in Guantnamo Bay, and Barack Obama visits Iraq.

Muslims, Arabs and the Obama Campaign

Fri, Jul 18

When Barack Obama says it's a "smear" to call him a Muslim, Muslim supporters have second thoughts. He's had kind words for the Palestinians, but his hard line for Israel has Arab Americans worried. Does Obama's message of unity have limits? Is he distancing himself from voters who could make a difference? Also, the Bush Administration on Iran and climate change.

Economic Crisis: Reality and Psychology

Thu, Jul 17

Institutions put in place after the Great Depression are supposed to insure that no such thing can happen again, but major financial institutions are in big trouble. Also, former Attorney General Ashcroft testifies on interrogation before Congress, and gasoline prices, offshore oil and global warming in an election year.

What's Really Happened in the War on Terror?

Wed, Jul 16

A new book called The Dark Side compiles evidence that "enhanced interrogation" has made America more vulnerable, rather than safer. Is it torture? Did those who ordered it commit war crimes? Was it counter-productive to the war on terror? Also, rising inflation, and confidence in the economy.

McCain and Obama on Iraq and Afghanistan

Tue, Jul 15

McCain and Obama today went head to head on Iraq and Afghanistan. We hear about the "surge" and a timetable for troop withdrawals. Is the Iraq war a distraction from terrorist threats in another part of the world? Also, Bush and Bernanke on the economy, and the growth in medication for pet mental illness.

Bolstering Confidence in America’s Finances

Mon, Jul 14

Last week Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae lost almost half their stock value—a real blow to the two companies that hold almost half all US mortgages. Bankers, federal officials and members of Congress spent a busy weekend on a bailout that could mean billions in taxpayer money. Also, the President got what he wanted from the Democrats who run Congress including Barack Obama, who promised a filibuster but then voted “yes.”

Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Political Expectations

Fri, Jul 11

Barack Obama is the first African American to secure the nomination of a major political party. Black leaders and public intellectuals--who never thought that would happen—are struggling over how to respond. Also, the Secretary of the Treasury seeks to assuage new mortgage fears, and the president of Sudan may face criminal charges at the International Criminal Court.

The World's Biggest Challenge: Feeding Humanity

Thu, Jul 10

Some 800 million people around the world are already hungry and millions more face starvation due to the rising price of food. Also, a possible government bailout for two mortgage lenders, and war powers conflicts between the White House and Congress.

Saber Rattling from Tehran, Tel Aviv, Moscow and Washington

Wed, Jul 9

Iran today test-fired nine ballistic missiles, including one which it says has the capacity to strike an Israeli city. Also, the candidates and the economy.

Newspapers in Big Trouble, Should Americans Care?

Tue, Jul 8

The Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times are facing serious financial trouble, and local newspapers are cutting back all over the country. Also, the Fed's new rules to crack down on shady lending practices, and 500 tons of uranium have been shipped from Iraq to Canada.

Troop Withdrawal and Campaign Promises

Mon, Jul 7

Reports of decreasing violence in Iraq are having repercussions on the presidential campaign. Obama says he'll revise his troop-withdrawal strategy to meet existing conditions. Is that a flip-flop? Does less violence mean that McCain is right to insist that troops stay until "victory" has been achieved? Also, today's suicide bombing outside the Indian embassy in Kabul, and the US may be keeping potential winners out of the Beijing Olympics.

The Beijing Olympics: Promises and Realities

Fri, Jul 4

Athletes from all over the world are preparing for next month's Beijing Olympic Games. But, as always, it isn't just about sports. Has China made good on its promises of clean air and open media access? Will production spectacles have to compete with protests over suppression of human rights? Also, a tour extension for Marines in Afghanistan, and patriotism and the presidential campaign. NOTE: This edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday...

The Politics of Healthcare on a Holiday Weekend

Thu, Jul 3

Doctors and insurance companies will be exchanging angry TV spots this holiday weekend. At stake are 10% cuts in Medicare payments that could affect 52 million Americans. Also, Ingrid Betancourt is freed in a daring rescue in Colombia, and celebrating the Fourth…historically.

Can America's Big Three Automakers Survive?

Wed, Jul 2

Auto sales in the US dropped to a ten-year low last month, and America's Big Three are in trouble. GM, Chrysler and Ford make big profits on big vehicles with big engines, but customers are thinking small, and $4 a gallon gasoline may signal the end of an era. Also, President Bush challenges G-8 leaders to make good on the promise to developing nations, and Barack Obama's version of a faith-based initiative.

Does Gun Control Have a Future?

Tue, Jul 1

The US Supreme Court says governments cannot ban guns, that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to self defense. So what happens to gun control? Also, the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel, and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe at the African Union Summit.

Can the Rest of the World Save Zimbabwe?

Mon, Jun 30

The western powers call Robert Mugabe's re-election a "sham," but the President of Zimbabwe is seeking legitimacy at today's summit meeting of the African Union. Also, President Bush sings a $162 Billion war-spending bill, and the rhetoric heats up in the presidential campaign.

America's Highest Court Is in Recess

Fri, Jun 27

In the final weeks of this year's term, the US Supreme Court was sharply divided on the death penalty, guns and Guantnamo Bay. But compared to last year, it's been an Era of Good Feeling between liberals and conservatives. Also, fear and voter intimidation in Zimbabwe, and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and unity in Unity.

Are Charter Schools the Answer to Education Reform?

Thu, Jun 26

The charter school movement is growing fast all over the country, but in New Orleans charters encompass no less than 53% of all public school students. Are charters the answer to education reform? Also, the Supreme Court shoots down the DC gun ban, and North Korea makes good on a promise.

Barack Obama: Who Is the Democrats' Nominee?

Wed, Jun 25

Just four months before the November election, Barack Obama is an unknown quantity to millions of voters. Also the Supreme Court winds down, and a "monumental" deal to restore Florida's Everglades.

Was the Iraq War about Oil After All?

Tue, Jun 24

Saddam Hussein kicked the big western oil companies out of Iraq in 1972. Now they're back, with no-bid service contracts that will put them inside Iraq's redeveloping industry. Will increased Iraqi production help postpone an energy crisis? Will US troops remain for security? Is that what the war in Iraq is really about? Also, another bad round of news on the economy, and myth and history in Homer's Odyssey.

Is the US Losing Track of its Nuclear Weapons?

Mon, Jun 23

Six nuclear missiles were missing for 36 hours until the Air Force discovered they had been flown across the United States. It was 18 months before nose cones turned up in Taiwan, where they’d been shipped as helicopter parts. The Air Force’s top military and civilian officers were fired this month, but now it turns out that hundreds—possibly thousands—of nuclear weapons components are missing. On Reporter's Notebook, comedian George Carlin remembered.

Are Political Spouses 'Fair Game?'

Fri, Jun 20

In this year's run for the White House, Michelle Obama has received more coverage than Cindy McCain. Why should a presidential candidate's spouse be the object of so much attention? Also, Congress agrees to re-write wiretapping rules, and entrepreneurial barons made the banana the most popular fruit in the US, and $4 for gasoline. What about $1 a pound for bananas?

Energy Costs, the Environment and the Presidential Campaign

Thu, Jun 19

John McCain has reversed himself on offshore oil drilling, and President Bush has joined McCain's call for ending the nationwide moratorium. Would that help bring gasoline prices down? What would it mean for the environment? With energy costs skyrocketing, is it good politics? Also, President Bush visits flooded Iowa cities, and Obama does an about-face on public campaign funding.

The Taliban in Afghanistan: Back with a Vengeance

Wed, Jun 18

NATO forces and Afghan soldiers have launched operations against what could be the Taliban's long-anticipated "Spring offensive." Also, the President asks Congress to lift the ban on off-shore drilling, and "Curveball" goes public.

Has Guantanamo Bay Been Holding the Wrong Men?

Tue, Jun 17

The US Supreme Court says prisoners at Guantnamo Bay can challenge their detentions in court. Has the prison for terrorists been holding the wrong men? Also, Israel is silent as Hamas announces that a truce is imminent, and McCain and Obama on oil and the environment.

Is Midwestern Flood Damage Worse than It Needed to Be?

Mon, Jun 16

This year's Midwest rainfall and flooding is the worst since 1993, which was the worst in living memory up until then. Has recent development guaranteed that the devastation will be more extensive than it needed to be? In Britain, Bush gets agreements to increase pressure on Iran, and same-sex marriage in California.

Do Political Labels Still Fit in an Era of Change?

Fri, Jun 13

Is Barack Obama a tax-and-spend liberal Democrat or is he not liberal enough? Is Republican John McCain a real conservative -- a "maverick" -- or something else? After decades of political polarization, both candidates claim they want to be agents of change. Do the familiar labels still matter at all? Also, rising flood waters wreak havoc in Iowa, and California's latest tourist attraction: same-sex marriage.

Immigration Reform: Outside the Beltway

Thu, Jun 12

Congress has dropped the ball on illegal immigration, leading states and cities to enact new laws and round up immigrants on their own. We hear about the impact on local business. When immigrants are driven out, where do they go? Will the issue take center stage in the presidential campaign? Also, Iowa residents flee as flood waters rise, and Guantnamo prisoners get legal rights.

Can Democrats Close the 'God Gap?'

Wed, Jun 11

John McCain has failed to inspire the religious right, while Barack Obama is reaching out to evangelical Christians. Can the Democrats win voters of faith away from the Republicans? What about the separation of church and state? Also, German's Chancellor backs President Bush’s call for sanctions against Iran, and more US trouble in Pakistan.

How Much Longer for US Troops in Iraq?

Tue, Jun 10

The Bush Administration promises no "secret deal" to keep US troops in Iraq, but Senators of both parties say confidential agreements could tie the next president's hands. Is the US trying to establish permanent bases? We'll hear what's being said in Iraq, elsewhere in the Middle East, on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail. Also, Senate Republicans vote against Democratic energy bill, and NASA has unexpected trouble on Mars.