To the Point

We explore the microbiome, the bacteria that could save our lives.

Whatever you do on line — from filling out forms to making innocent requests for information — is subject to data mining.  That can lead to unflattering profiles or put you on lists that can be damaging — even though the data is often wrong. We hear calls for transparency and regulation.

America's charitable giving has reached only 2% of the GDP for many years now. Do Social Media and mobile devices offer new ways to raise it? How important is it for donors to know that the money they give is being used effectively?

Gluten-free food is crowding the grocery shelves, and food companies are raking in billions of dollars.  Many consumers insist it makes them feel better. But what's replacing the gluten? We separate fact from fiction. 

The state of America's middle class appears to be in continuing decline, despite surprisingly good news today from the Commerce Department. We hear about the under-employment of educated people, the bleak outlook for Millennials and the financial plight of racial minorities.

The US and North Korea have escalated their rhetoric, but there's still some question about North Korea's responsibility for the cyber-attack on Sony Pictures. Is the so-called "hermit kingdom" as sophisticated as the FBI says it is?  How does it compare to Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, which is so far the world's leader in cyber-warfare?

President Obama is reversing a US policy established before he was born, beginning to normalize ties with Communist Cuba. We hear what it might — or might not — mean in Cuba itself, and in the western hemisphere.

Declining oil prices and economic sanctions because of Ukraine have Russia's economy close to recession.  Vladimir Putin today reassured Russians about the economy and suggested the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Crimea.

Hillary Clinton is still playing it coy when it comes to another run for the White House.  Jeb Bush has beat her to the punch, becoming the first major player to say he'll “actively explore” a possible campaign.  We hear early assessments of what's in store between now and 2016. 

The cyber attack on Sony Pictures was so complete and so destructive that one security expert says the company should disconnect from the Internet. Is it the work of North Korea? Who else has the motive? What's the message about the risk to other networks that major private companies now depend on?