KCRW's To the Point

Hillary Clinton denies any conflict of interest with the Clinton Foundation when she was Secretary of State. But, as she rarely sits down to explain her side of the story, it's potency as a campaign issue is increasing. We try to find the line between appearances and realities.

Tensions have been growing between Turkey and the US since last month's failed coup. Turkey wants the US to extradite the exiled Muslim cleric it says was behind the attempt. It's also unhappy with America's alliance with Syrian Kurdish militias against the Islamic state. Guest host Barbara Bogaev explores what's at stake in this troubled relationship with a longtime ally.

In his first term, President Obama pledged to work for nuclear disarmament.  But America's arsenal is still being "modernized" -- and he's approved $11 billion for a so-called "smart" bomb.  Is he living up to the promise that got him the Nobel Peace Prize?

Private prisons have long been criticized as selling justice to the highest bidder. Now the Obama Justice Department says it's ending a practice begun during the Reagan Administration. We hear how it began and whether the change will extend to the states, which have many more prisoners than the federal government does. 

Steve Bannon — the latest leader of Donald Trump's campaign — is trying to make the election a referendum on Hillary Clinton. Her weaknesses are real enough, but establishment Republicans fear Bannon is associating their party with the right-wing extremism they're trying to avoid.

The storm that snuck up on Southern Louisiana starting last week still has no name, but tens of thousands will be living with the damage for a long time to come. We’ll hear what they’ve been through and what they’re in for—from another message about global warming.

Donald Trump's presidential campaign is like no other in recent history. His demonstrable lies pose a special challenge to the rules of political coverage. But is "fair and balanced" already a thing of the past?  

When cities reduce taxes they face cuts in service — and one alternative source of revenue is increased focus on minor crimes with escalating penalties. We hear how that puts municipal finance on the backs of the poor and leads to resentment of the police. 

Rebels broke the siege of Aleppo — briefly -- but not long enough to ease a humanitarian crisis. It's compared to Rwanda or Srebrenica, ongoing atrocities with the rest of the world standing by.

Utah has gone almost unnoticed in presidential campaigns, because it's been so reliably Republican Red. Now Donald Trump is turning it into a battleground state. We hear what that has to do with the Mormon Church and how it reveals the depths of divisions within the GOP.

When Delta Airlines cancelled more than 2000 flights this week, it sent an unintended message to people planning to fly, for business or pleasure. It could happen to you.

Monday, Donald Trump detailed his plan for a failing economy. Today, Hillary Clinton outlined her proposals for an economy that's doing okay -- even though it needs some improvements. We compare their differences on a defining issue of the presidential campaign.

Libertarian Gary Johnson and the Green Party's Jill Stein are this year's "third-party" challengers to Clinton and Trump — the two most unpopular presidential candidates in recent history. There's almost no chance either one can be more than a "spoiler," but we look at what they offer to millions of unhappy voters.

Al Gore conceded in 2002 even though he had more votes than George W. Bush. Donald Trump is already prepared to challenge the voting system if loses. We look at threats to the integrity of the democratic process. 

As police shootings continue to make news, "Black Lives Matter" has brought race back into the national conversation.  Is it a dangerous source of potential violence or the Civil Rights Movement of the 21st Century?