KCRW's To the Point

It's often said that compromise gives something to everyone but leaves nobody happy. Case in point is the bipartisan effort to replace "No Child Left Behind" with a new, federal education reform called, "Every Child Succeeds." We hear where and how Republicans and Democrats agree to disagree.

The climate change summit in Copenhagen six years ago was over-hyped and finally perceived as a failure. So, as almost 150 heads of state converge on Paris today, there's an effort to manage expectations. But despite many obstacles to international action, the sense of urgency is greater than ever.

After a year of high-profile killings, the time is ripe for police reform, and departments around the country are in search of a model. We hear about racial profiling, "broken windows" and "community policing." 

Greece, France, Italy and Germany are all trying to accommodate an increased flow of refugees fro Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan and other countries. We focus on England as a microcosm of the migration crisis facing the European Union. 

America's crackdown on crime is giving way to concern about the high-cost of mass incarceration. President Obama wants to give Pell Grants for college to inmates in prison ? to find out if higher education makes them less likely to commit new crimes. Researchers say he already knows the answer.

The US has agreed to train and equip "moderate" Syrians in the fight against ISIS. But it's demanding that trainees agree not to make war on the oppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad. Is that policy doomed to failure?

Nine other candidates were the supporting cast last night as Donald Trump dominated the Republican presidential candidates first confrontation on prime-time TV. We hear they tried to challenge him for the lead.

Conservatives and liberals may never agree about the details of American history, but there's only one College Board. Now conservatives have forced a change in advanced placement standards for high school students. Has a "balance" finally been achieved?

Palestinian terrorists are not the only threat to Israeli security. Jewish terrorists also pose serious risks to national unity and stability. Recent atrocities have increased fear that the government may be powerless against right-wing extremism.

Rising tides already threaten major cities and military bases around the country. Now it's predicted that sea levels will increase ten times faster than estimated before. Are public officials playing down the danger? Is there any way to prepare?

In the 70 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the "ultimate weapon" has not been used again. But nine nations now have them, and the US and Russia are "modernizing" their massive arsenals. Is "mutually assured destruction" making us safer or more at risk?

Eliminating trans fats from processed foods will remove a cause of heart disease. But replacing trans fats with palm oil may lead to other destructive consequences, including human rights abuses and climate change.

Are "immigration detention centers" a good means of deterring illegal immigration?or "gilded cages" for women and children? We hear what a judge's order could mean for people fleeing violence in Central America ? and for immigration reform.

The annual cost of cancer drugs has soared to twice the average American income. Oncologists around the country are calling for new regulations to ease the financial burden on patients facing bankruptcy as well as life-threatening diseases.

With America's transportation system on the verge of collapse, the Highway Trust Fund is about run out of money. Even if Congress passes a short-term fix, what are the consequences of falling behind for competition in the global economy?