KCRW's To the Point

Political Change on Climate Change

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EDT

Americans were increasingly worried about climate change until last year, when there was a surge in skepticism that's still growing. Is it the economy? The news media? What are the consequences for public policy in the US and around the world? Also, settlement construction in Jerusalem will go on, and new violence in Mexico as Spring Break begins in the US.

Can Schools Aim High When Budgets Are Low?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EDT

Countries around the world are surpassing the US when it comes to education, and America could fall behind in the global economy. With schools beset by budget cuts and teacher layoffs, is this the moment to adopt national standards for English and Math? We look at proposals agreed to by the leaders of 48 states. Also, are the Democrats any closer to solving the healthcare crisis? Will Coffee Parties beat out the Tea-Party Patriots?

What's Happening to Gun Control?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:45 EDT

Starbucks ? where California liberals sip lattes ? has become a staging ground for carrying unconcealed weapons. What does that say about the future of gun control? Also, permanent cuts for oil refiners, and election-year promises to change the rules in Washington.

Is the Obama Administration Tough on Terror...or Not?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:58:24 EDT

Should terrorist suspects be tried in civilian courts or military tribunals? Should Justice Department lawyers be judged for the clients they represented in the past? Those questions are roiling political Washington today. We hear why. Also, Did Israel intentionally try to insult the US? On Reporter?s Notebook, the Chief Justice of the United States strikes back at the President.

Obama 'All Fired Up' Again, but Is It Too Little, Too Late?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:30 EDT

President Obama is back on the campaign trail, asking crowds to tell fellow Democrats to vote for healthcare reform. Can he rally his own party in the Senate and Congress? Will Republicans seize an advantage, either way? Also, Also, Vice President Biden pushes for renewal of peace talks. On Reporter's Notebook, are unemployment benefits becoming a new entitlement?

The Iraqi People Have Voted Again: What's Next?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EDT

Bombings and mortar attacks may have hardened the resolve of Iraqis to take part in yesterday's voting. But the results won't put an end to widespread corruption, and ? when US combat troops pull out in August -- there's no guarantee of stability. We look at the prospects. Also, Obama pushes for public support on healthcare, and The Hurt Locker. It was a big night for what Hollywood calls "a small film."

A Real Case of Murder Unfolds Like a Hollywood Thriller

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EDT

An official of the Palestinian group Hamas was murdered in Dubai. Dubai police call the killing a targeted assassination by agents of Israel. We look at the latest developments, and the worldwide controversy. Also, the Obama Administration considers a switch to military tribunals, and a preview of Sunday's broadcast of the Academy Awards.

Whatever Happened to Finance Reform?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:48 EDT

The taxpayer bailout of banks that were "too big to fail" was followed up with the promise of finance reform to prevent another Great Recession. Now Republicans in the Senate are threatening to kill a sweeping measure passed by the Congress. Would it go too far? Do Democrats have the strength ? or the will ? to revive it? Also, a national protest against education budget cuts, and a Senate bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

In South Asia: War and Diplomacy

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:58:55 EDT

Here appears to be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but such conclusions are always open to different interpretations. We hear about conflicting interests in those countries, in India and within the Taliban and what they might portend for the US. Also, President Obama's newest pitch for healthcare reform, and in Texas, just as it is in the rest of the country, the best politics is being anti-Washington.

Should Whales and Dolphins Be in Aquatic Parks or the Open Ocean?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EDT

When he killed his trainer at SeaWorld, was the Orca called Tilikum an enraged, wild animal out of control or just curious about her ponytail? We hear different answers to that and other questions about Orcas, dolphins and commercial whaling. Also, the Supreme Court takes up a gun control, and the Postmaster General tells Congress what it will take to save the US mail service.

Greece: A Country that's Too Big to Fail

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:55:00 EDT

Greece is on the brink of financial ruin, and proposed austerity measures have sparked strikes and street demonstrations. How did Wall Street banks help create the crisis? Will hedge funds reap profits by making things worse? Also, this weekend's magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile. On Reporter's Notebook, will Democrats pass healthcare reform at the cost of losing seats in Congress?

Unemployment: How Long Can This Go On?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EDT

With Fed Chief Ben Bernanke warning about the dangers of long-term unemployment, 13 Senate Republicans joined Democrats to support a jobs bill worth $35 billion. How does it look to small business and unemployed people themselves? Should the government spend even more to create jobs or get out of the way of the private sector? Also, New York's troubled politics, and from Canada to Russia, the Winter Olympics and the environment.

Healthcare: Policy and Partisan Politics

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:08:00 EDT

With Barack Obama presiding, Democrats and Republicans hashed out the details of healthcare reform for several hours across the street from the White House. We look at the possible impact of today's televised "summit." Also, the Afghan flag is raised over Marjah, and a gruesome incident at Sea World in Florida raises new demands to release whales from captivity.

Toyota: On the Capitol Hill Hot Seat

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:36:00 EDT

Before hearing from the CEO of Toyota today, members of Congress grilled the Secretary of Transportation about why regulators were so slow to act on sudden acceleration. We hear about auto safety, Toyota's future and the economy of Japan. Also, health insurers justify rate hikes, and a struggling Rhode Island high school fires all of its teachers.

Are the Democrats Going to Fall Out of Power?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:56:10 EDT

Unemployment, bank bailouts and government gridlock have created a nightmare scenario for the party in power. Some Washington pundits are suggesting the Democrats might lose control of either the House or the Senate. We get an early rundown of this year?s elections. Also, hearings on Toyota begin in the House, and President Hamid Karzai makes a political move that alienates his western supporters.