To the Point
To the Point
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Hosted by Warren Olney, To the Point is a fast-paced, news based one-hour daily national program that focuses on the hot-button issues of the day, co-produced by KCRW and Public Radio International.
Photo credit: Marc Goldstein
UPCOMING SHOWS
President Obama Visits Russia
In talks with Dimitri Medvedyev in Moscow, President Obama says he wants to "reset" America's relationship with Russia. What are the prospects? Monday, two new presidents face tensions over NATO expansion, the planned US missile shield, and nuclear disarmament. Will Vladimir Putin be in the wings?
RECENT SHOWS
Hollywood, Smart Power and Public Diplomacy
As they celebrate the Fourth of July, Americans don't see their country in the same way it's seen by the rest of the world. We talk about what's called "smart power" and the entertainment industry as an instrument of public diplomacy.
Human Rights, the Law and the Ongoing Threat of Terror
The transition from Bush to Obama has not eliminated the threat of terrorists who want to attack the country. Is Obama being forced to adopt some of the same counter-measures he criticized in last year's campaign? We hear about indefinite detention, rendition and what some refer to as "torture lite." Also, a new American military offensive in Afghanistan, and what Saddam Hussein told the FBI.
Will the Recession Force State Government Shutdowns?
Six states failed to pass spending plans last night in time for the new fiscal year, which started today. The biggest state in the union plans to pay its bills with IOU's. Others barely made the deadline by cutting services and raising taxes and fees. Are bloated expenditures being brought under control or are states balancing budgets on the backs of the poor? Also, Al Franken's win gives Senate Democrats a super-majority. On Reporter's Notebook later on, should the painkillers Vicodin and Percocet be banned?
Gay Rights and the Obama Administration
Gays and lesbians who supported Barack Obama are demanding action from the Obama White House. We hear how the President has addressed their growing impatience and what it could mean for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Act and other federal policies. Also, US troops pull out of Iraqi cities, and the ousted President of Honduras vows to go home.
The US Supreme Court and Reverse Discrimination
By a one-vote majority, the US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of white firefighters who claimed they were victims of reverse discrimination. Will the decision clarify the rules on race and employment or lead to future confusion? What will it mean for the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor? Also, Bernard Madoff is sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, and Latin America's first military coup in 16 years.
US Troop Withdrawal to Test Iraq's Stability
The new wave of bombings continued today in Iraq. With US troops leaving cities and towns next Tuesday, is the country faced with sectarian civil war? Also, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, and the world mourns Michael Jackson.
Healthcare Reform: Competition and the 'Public Option'
The debate over healthcare reform is coming down to the wire at the White House, in Congress and in the media. We look at the pros and cons of the so-called "public option" and at the influence of ideology and money. Also, the Supreme Court rules strip search of student is unreasonable. On Reporter's Notebook, the missing governor, the mistress and the GOP.
President Obama and the Effort to Find Common Ground
It's reported today that -- before Iran's disputed election — the Obama Administration sent a letter to the Supreme Leader proposing “cooperation in regional and bilateral relations.” Today, we talk about the President's pattern of seeing “common ground” with his adversaries. Also, more bloodshed on the streets of Tehran, and the Governor of South Carolina is no longer missing.
Obama Talks Tough on Iran; North Korea Vies for World's Attention
North Korea has escalated tensions with the US and the United Nations. We look at the provocations and possible options for the US and the UN. Also, at this morning's press conference, President strongly condemned the killing of election protesters in Iran. On Reporter's Notebook, what the President had to say about the economy and healthcare.
More Protests in the Streets of Iran
This weekend's deadly violence may have reduced the size of demonstrations on the streets of Tehran, but significant numbers did turn out today to face tear gas and police batons. We hear the latest and assess international relations in the Middle East and the West, including the US. Also, US air strikes in Afghanistan will be restricted.
Iran's Supreme Leader Just Says 'No'
Iran's Supreme Leader has dashed any hope of changing the official results of last week's disputed election. We look at the likely consequences from Tehran to Washington, including the possibility of violent confrontations if protests continue. On Reporter's Notebook, we get the reaction of Iranian expatriates and organizers here in the United States.
President Obama Wants New Rules for Wall Street
President Obama's proposed regulatory reforms are designed to avoid another financial meltdown, but they're already under fire for doing too much -- and for not doing enough. We hear how the debate is shaping up. Also, another massive turnout of anti-government protests in Iran, and a conversation with a veteran journalist who struggles to understand that country.
Global Warming and the Energy Bill
As Congress debates a new energy bill, the Obama White House releases dramatic new warnings about the increased impact of global warming. We hear about the latest report and the prospects for legislation. Also, the President proposes a financial regulatory overhaul, and continued defiance of the official crackdown today in Iran. We have the latest.
In Iran, the Struggle for Power Continues
Demonstrations for and against the government continued today in Iran. We hear about the most serious challenge to the central government since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Also, South Korea's President is in lockstep with President Obama on North Korea, and Western states are challenging federal authority on education, civil rights, land use and gun control.
President Obama, America's Doctors and Healthcare Reform
President Obama was interrupted many times by applause today in a speech asking the American Medical Association for help in enacting healthcare reform. He included a pitch for the so-called “public option” to compete with private insurance. We get a progress report and the prospects for reducing skyrocketing medical costs. On an extended Reporter's Notebook, the latest on political protest in Iran.
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Host
Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well.
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