To the Point

Now that Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán has been captured again, Mexican authorities are talking of extradition to the United States before he escapes again. We hear about the likelihood — and the possible consequences for Guzmán and the impact on law and order South of the border. 

During his final year in office, President Obama will spend much of his time traveling—to Europe, Asia and South America. Tomorrow night, he'll emphasize foreign policy in his final State of the Union address and we get a preview.

A wildlife refuge in Southeast Oregon is the scene of the latest dispute over how to manage more than half the American West that's owned by the federal government. We update the armed protest in the context of the history of "sagebrush rebellions."

The repeal of Obamacare has finally reached the President's desk and a veto is certain. But, with or without the Affordable Care Act, the cost of healthcare is rising and millions of Americans are piling up medical debt. We hear what that means. 

Despite mass shootings, including the slaughter of children in Newtown, Connecticut, Congress has refused President Obama's demands for new gun control. This week's executive actions guarantee the issue will be part of a presidential campaign — for the first time since the year 2000.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are using religious differences to inflame their deep-seated rivalry for power and influence — creating new instability in the Middle East. We hear what's at stake for the Iran nuclear deal, Syria's civil war, the fight against ISIS — and America's interests.

The many Republican and Democratic candidates for president are finally about to be subject to the views of prospective voters, not just public opinion polls. The Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary could be crucial in shaping this year's campaign for the White House. 

Mark Zuckerberg has already changed the world we all live in.  Now he wants to change the world that future generations will live in, too.

Each day on our program we bring you a "Talking Point," about issues and events that help define the national conversation even when they're not leading the news. Today, a collection of our favorites.

The gold rush is on for the world's oceans and their resources. They promise not just oil, but precious minerals, potential biofuels, food sources, medical discoveries, and strategic advantages for the world's superpowers. Will this new Blue Economy stress the ocean's already fragile ecosystem beyond its breaking point?