To the Point

Israel is railing at the Obama administration for not vetoing a UN vote last week condemning settlements in the West Bank. In retaliation, it's pulling envoys and advancing plans for new settlements in East Jerusalem, where Palestinians envision a future capital. Guest host Barbara Bogaev talks about the Kerry plan, gets reaction from Jerusalem, and considers where US-Middle East policy is headed under the Trump Administration.

Reports of Anti-Muslim harassment and intimidation have risen sharply since November's election, and the FBI tracked nearly a 70% increase in hate crimes against Muslims during the ramping up of the presidential campaign in 2015. Guest host Barbara Bogaev looks at what 2017 might bring, with an administration focused on heightened security, tighter borders, and prone to a harsher rhetoric on terrorism.

Creating synthetic humans sounds like science fiction, but genetic science has advanced so fast that the possibility is becoming a fact. On this special rebroadcast of To the Point, we talk with the geneticist who's leading the way and hear about ethical and religious objections.

For the first time, it's possible to measure "the American Dream." The results are sobering — especially for the middle class.  We hear about the failures of government — and some individuals — and the role of income inequality. 

News, politics and democracy in a post-truth world. It's an old problem that's worse than ever before. Guest host Barbara Bogaev explores what mainstream media, tech companies, and educators are doing to raise media literacy in a post-fact world.

Guest host Barbara Bogaev considers what China’s seizure -- and return -- of a US naval drone means for the relationship between Beijing and a Trump White House. With the incoming administration pivoting towards Russia and taking a harder line on China, is a confrontation brewing?

Guest host Barbara Bogaev follows up on yesterday's deadly attacks in Germany and Turkey, and looks at the ripple effects this spate of holiday violence could have far beyond Berlin and Ankara.

Donald Trump comes into office with more potential conflicts of interest than any other President-elect in history and his cabinet follows in the same mold. Guest host Barbara Bogaev explores the blurring of lines between business and politics, and how Democrats are gearing up to challenge a President apparently unwilling to divest himself of a global empire.

During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to bring back millions of manufacturing jobs—but they aren't going to be there. We hear what kinds of new employment are being created—and what the new economy will mean for today's blue-collar workers. 

Donald Trump's victory has provided new energy to the pro-life movement. We hear about new state abortion restrictions and Trump's written promises to sign federal laws — including complete de-funding of Planned Parenthood.