KCRW's To the Point

Universal basic income is an idea people on both the Left and Right have kicked around for decades. But it has newfound currency because of the gig economy and automation replacing workers. On this special rebroadcast of To the Point, guest host Barbara Bogaev discusses the pros and cons of Uncle Sam cutting everyone a check.

In this tumultuous year for American politics, that wasn't the only thing to talk about. Every day we bring you a Talking Point about an issue or an event that's helping define the national conversation even though it's not leading the news.  Today, we bring you a collection of our favorites. 

The freelance workforce is growing exponentially, with companies like Uber, Lyft, and Etsy driving the trend, as well as corporations increasingly outsourcing work. Guest host Barbara Bogaev looks at what happens when we all become our own bosses -- especially as we near retirement.

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.

Even before he takes office, Donald Trump has picked a fight with the intelligence community. Is the President-Elect getting too close to Vladimir Putin's Russia? What's at stake for America's interests in Europe and elsewhere in the world?

Some key Republicans are already grumbling about the Russian ties of Donald Trump’s choice to be Secretary of State and his lack of diplomatic experience, raising questions about Senate confirmation. We hear more about Rex Tillerson and Trump’s concept of foreign policy as deal-making.