To the Point
The Threat to America — from Our Own Nuclear Weapons
America's nuclear arsenal has been subject to a terrifying number of accidents, miscalculations and inexplicable blunders, without a devastating catastrophe — so far.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenAmerica's nuclear arsenal has been subject to a terrifying number of accidents, miscalculations and inexplicable blunders, without a devastating catastrophe — so far. We talk with investigative reporter Eric Schlosser about how close we've come, how little the public's been told, and whether we're safer now than we used to be. Also, the Washington stalemate and how it happened, and the latest hot-button issues heading to the US Supreme Court in its new term.
Banner image: Various nuclear missiles. Photo: tommytex2001
In this episode
3 storiesSocial Issues Central in Supreme Court’s New Term
The US Supreme Court opened its new term today, having accepted a group of cases that could produce new precedents on a series of hot-button issues. Jess Bravin covers the court for the Wall Street Journal.
Read the story8 minUS Nuclear Weapons, Past and Future
During the Cold War, atomic bombs fell out of the sky over North Carolina. A missile tipped with a hydrogen bomb blew up in Arkansas. Most Americans never knew about 700 "significant" incidents that could have produced historic catastrophes — here in the US.
Read the story32 minThe Shutdown was Months in the Making
The government shutdown may have taken most Americans by surprise. But the New York Times reports it’s the consequences of long-term planning by more than three dozen conservative groups. Molly Ball covers politics for the Atlantic. Sheryl Gay Stolberg covers the personalities, ideas and culture of Washington for the New York Times.
Read the story11 min
