To the Point

Corporations and politicians of both parties accuse the EPA of stifling the economy with excessive regulation. But crises are raising a different question: does the EPA have enough authority and sufficient resources to protect public health and the environment?

As the flow of refugees from Syria's civil war continues, peace talks have been delayed again. The Obama Administration is taking heat for not using military action against the Assad regime, which is supported by Russia. We look at the options.

The staying power of Donald Trump is posing a threat to the Establishment of the Republican Party. So is the campaign of rightwing Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Which of the "outsiders" do the "insiders" hate most… or do the "insiders" still matter?

Decades after President Richard Nixon declared "war on cancer," 600,000 Americans die from it every year. Vice President Joe Biden is guarding against unrealistic expectations with a "Moon Shot" aimed at doubling the rate of medical progress rather than promising a cure.

Reports of contamination in Flint Michigan's water supply were ignored or dismissed by local, state and federal officials…long enough to allow the spread of lead poisoning. We hear about cost-cutting, cover-ups and long term consequences for public health and trust in government.

Implementation of the nuclear deal and prisoner swaps highlighted a weekend of diplomacy between the US and Iran after 35 years of outspoken hostility. How much longer can the "good feelings" last? 

Once again, Hillary Clinton is facing an unexpected challenge in the Iowa caucuses… with less than two weeks to go. We hear how last night's debate with Bernie Sanders might effect the outcome -- in Iowa and other states as a long primary process finally gets under way.

Teddy Roosevelt tried to use primary elections to get back into the White House in 1912. But primaries didn't become the way both parties nominate their candidates until 1972. With just a few days until the state-by-state process begins again, does it really provide "the voice of the people?"

Open borders in Europe are closing again after reports that migrant men from the Middle East and North Africa sexually abused women on the streets of Cologne and other cities. We look at the consequences for innocent refugees and European unity.  

In a relentlessly positive speech last night, President Obama contradicted his Republican critics — but he also took note of widespread fear and uncertainty. We hear more about the State of the Union address and the campaign to elect the next president.