On Point | Podcast

FBI Director Kash Patel wants to go after President Trump's enemies. That reminds some historians of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI's notorious first director. But some say Patel wants to weaponize the FBI so completely, even Hoover would disapprove.

Katie Akerage, a dedicated English teacher passionate about enhancing classic texts with tech, joins Antero Garcia, a Stanford professor advocating effective technology use in education, and Adam Fial, an expert in tech implementation in schools. Together, they explore whether the significant financial investments in educational technology truly enhance learning. They tackle the balance between digital tools and engaging teaching, the impact of post-pandemic tech shifts, and the disparities in access that affect student success.

Bond traders are worried about President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts – and the ever-growing national debt. Could the bond market be a check on Trump’s agenda?

An Oval Office meeting devolved into a televised shouting match Friday. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” and being ungrateful for U.S. aid. What this unprecedented moment means for the Ukraine war and the world.

Dr. Jodi Dushay, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School specializing in weight management, joins reporter Daniel Gilbert from The Washington Post to discuss critical issues surrounding weight loss drugs. They explore FDA shortages that have led to a boom in compounded medications, the growing challenges of accessibility, and the controversial costs associated with popular treatments like Ozempic. The duo also tackles the implications of insurance policies and societal perceptions of weight, offering insights into the evolving landscape of weight loss treatments.

Journalist Lauren Ober, known for her podcast 'We Live Here Now', shares her unique perspective as a juror in a January 6th case. She delves into the emotional complexities of her civic duty while confronting surprising support for insurrectionists in her own neighborhood. The discussion touches on societal divisions, the impact of Trump's pardons, and the challenge of maintaining connections amidst stark political contrasts. Ober emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging divides within her community.

Ronell Anderson-Jones is a legal scholar and law professor at the University of Utah, while John Goodell is a former vice president and general counsel for The New York Times. They dive into the chilling effects of President Trump's lawsuits on press freedom, discussing significant settlements that raise alarms for journalists. The conversation highlights the implications of ongoing legal battles, the historical context of press relations with the presidency, and the urgent need to protect journalistic integrity against increasing legal pressures.

Scott McFarlane, a Congressional correspondent at CBS News, and Megan Cole-Brahim, co-director of Boston University's Medicaid Policy Lab, tackle the looming cuts to Medicaid impacting 72 million Americans. They explore the political motivations behind the proposed budget cuts and the internal divisions among Republicans. The consequences for vulnerable populations are dissected, along with historical contexts and future ramifications. They highlight the balance between fiscal responsibility and essential health care access, stressing the urgent need for reform.

Ilya Ponomeranka, a Ukrainian journalist and author known for his insights on wartime Kyiv, Nicholas Locker, a research associate specializing in geopolitical implications, and Ionella Cholon, a foreign policy researcher, engage in a critical discussion about the ongoing war in Ukraine. They explore the resilience of communities like Bucha, the complexities of peace negotiations, and the challenges faced by President Zelensky. The conversation also delves into Ukraine's sovereignty and the geopolitical tensions that affect its aspirations with NATO and the EU.

Joined by Ryan Goodman, a law professor at NYU, Thomas Dupree, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and Peter Zeidenberg, a former federal prosecutor, the conversation dives into the dropping of criminal charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams by Trump's DOJ. They discuss the resignations of federal prosecutors and the concerns over politicization within the Justice Department. The guests explore the implications of these actions for the rule of law, drawing parallels to historical crises and questioning the integrity of legal decisions in the current political landscape.