To the Point

The world’s biggest oil company is on trial in New York for defrauding investors out of $1.6 billion.  It’s accused of hiding the real value of fossil fuels in the era of climate change. Will the case set an example for court action by other states and cities?

Republican U.S. Senator Mitt Romney says President Trump’s withdrawal of soldiers protecting the Kurds violated “American honor.” The military action took the Pentagon by surprise, but it was good news for Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. What’s next for ISIS and America’s diplomatic authority?

Presidential campaigns aren’t just on TV anymore, they’re on countless digital platforms. While Democratic candidates debated on CNN, their strategists were on social media, nudging reporters and delivering instant analysis. And the ultimate nominee will face the maestro of Twitter in President Trump. 

Despite mounting evidence, Republicans in the House and the Senate are defending President Trump or keeping their heads down.  Veteran GOP conservatives accuse them of sacrificing morality for short-term political gain. Who do they fear most: Trump himself or the voters?

66 million years ago, an asteroid caused Earth’s Fifth Extinction, destroying the dinosaurs and most other life forms. Now Earth is facing another extinction, as fish, plants and animals vanish forever. But this time, it’s not the asteroid, it’s us. 

A cartoon on the cover of the Economist says it all: the elected leaders of the world’s two foremost democracies are scrambling to hold on. We’ll look at impeachment, Brexit and possible consequences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book, “Talking to Strangers,” is out, while he’s hosting the podcast, “Revisionist History.” In both media, Big Ideas reveal surprising connections between disparate events and actions. Warren talks with one of America’s most popular public intellectuals.

Greta Thunberg inspired Fridays for Future--school strikes around the world.  Were the leaders of major polluters paying attention? Not according to what they told the United Nations. We’ll hear how youthful protesters are reacting to business as usual. 

Students are cutting class, and workers are striking worldwide.   At the UN, governments will be held accountable for promises made in the Paris Accords. Multinational corporations are feeling international pressure. Will activism and awareness add up to action?

If Americans cut just one hamburger from their diet every week, it would be like taking 10 million cars off the road every year. After cutting energy use, less meat and more plant-based food add up to the easiest--and healthiest--way to reduce your carbon footprint.