To the Point

Benjamin Netanyahu won reelection last week after a campaign that disparaged Israeli Arabs and renounced a Palestinian State. How much has that widened the gap between Israel and the US — its most important historical ally? What's next at the United Nations?

Some of this year's biggest hits on prime time, network TV feature blacks, Hispanics and Asians in major roles. They're produced and written by staffs that reflect America's ethnic diversity. Is the world of popular entertainment really changing — or going through one stage in a familiar cycle?

A lot of unlikely food products include more sugar than occurs naturally -- including deli meats, bread and trail mix. Now the FDA wants labels to specify how much sugar is added — and that has the food industry up in arms. Why doesn't it want consumers to know?

America's growing income inequality is given a human face in a new book called, "Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis." Robert Putnam tells stories of how a Middle Class community has divided since he grew up in the 1950's. We hear from him and others about what might be done to restore the social mobility that's one of this country's defining characteristics.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership would be a truly big deal and a major component of the Obama Legacy. But it won't be a done deal unless Congress gives the President sole authority to complete it. We hear about a so-called "free" trade agreement that also includes intellectual property rights, environmental protection and the rights of workers.

Last week, Utah enacted a new law protecting the rights of lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and transgender people against some kinds of discrimination. We hear how the so-called "Utah Compromise" got the support of the Mormon Church, which dominates Utah and continues to oppose anything other than heterosexual lifestyles.

Benjamin Netanyahu was a hit with Republicans on Capitol Hill, but at home, voters appear to be looking for change.  Next Tuesday's election is too close to call and Israeli Arabs could make history by winning enough votes to prevent Bibi from a record fourth term as Prime Minister.

With Congress paralyzed by partisan divisions, states are choosing different options for guns at elementary schools and on college campuses.  There's a range from outright bans to concealed — and even open — carry.     

For 20 years world leaders have promised gender equality, but honor killings, rape and domestic abuse are still prevalent in many places.  We hear about this week's 59th session of the UN's Commission on the Status of Women, the progress that has been made and how much is left to be done.

Iran is helping Iraqi forces re-take territory from the so-called Islamic State—but the US is not part of the action. We update the battle for the city of Tikrit, potential conflicts between Iraqi Sunnis and Shiites and the possibility of Iraq becoming an even more divided country.