To the Point

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The "Teacher Wars" in America's Public Schools Sep 02, 2014

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America’s “failing education system” has become a cliché of contemporary journalism—and it’s most often blamed on the teachers. As another school year gets under way across the country, we’ll hear how today’s controversies reflect the history of a crucial profession.

General Motors is Still in the Hotseat, but Sales are Soaring Sep 01, 2014

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On this rebroadcast of To The Point: General Motors risked its reputation by instituting a record number of recalls after news of deaths and injuries due to faulty ignition switches. The company has admitted it failed for years to address safety problems. So why are sales back to where they were before the recession?

The Resegregation of America's Public Schools Aug 29, 2014

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For the first time, a majority of public-school students are ethnic minorities—but that doesn’t mean greater diversity in the schools. It’s been 60 years since the US Supreme Court ruled that separate could never be equal, but segregation is back. What does that mean for the quality of education?

Will Policing Ever Be Colorblind? Aug 28, 2014

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Michael Brown’s killing was not an isolated incident. The FBI reports that a white police officer kills a black person almost twice a week. A new poll shows both blacks and whites believe cops are not held accountable for excessive force or for racial discrimination. We’ll hear calls for police reform, and a new kind of federal assistance.

The Islamic State and America's War on Terror Aug 27, 2014

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The US reportedly is mobilizing a coalition of allies for possible military action in Syria, raising uncomfortable questions. The target is not the Assad dictatorship, which the US opposes, but the extremist Islamic State—Assad’s mortal enemy. Which side is America on?

Can the US Hit the Islamic State Where It Really Hurts? Aug 26, 2014

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President Obama’s looking at airstrikes in Syria to slow the advance of the ultra-extremist Islamic State—a growing threat to America and its interests. But that could help Syria’s brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad, stay in power, by helping him against his most effective enemy.

Race in America: The President’s Changing Strategy Aug 25, 2014

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A White House delegation attended today’s funeral for Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Missouri. He was the unarmed, young black man killed 2 weeks ago by a white policeman. Did the President miss an opportunity by not going himself?

Social Media: A Marketing Tool for Extremism Aug 22, 2014

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Osama bin Laden used grainy videos and scratchy audiotape to address the world from inside a mountain cave. The Islamic State has mastered social media to disseminate shocking propaganda, attracting instant attention worldwide. The video of James Foley’s execution is just one example. We hear what might be next.

Arrest Records and the Expanding Movement to “Ban the Box” Aug 21, 2014

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Target, Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath & Beyond are among the companies that no longer ask job applicants if they’ve ever been arrested. We hear why the “ban the box” movement is spreading across the country.

Is College Still Worth It? Aug 20, 2014

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Does college pay off? It’s top of mind for parents and students… especially since 2012, when total student debt passed the mind-boggling landmark of one trillion dollars. Is it possible to make college more affordable for more students? We’ll grade new alternatives to traditional ivy-covered brick and mortar classrooms.

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