The fight for transparent health care prices in America
Although hospitals are required by law to post their prices online, many do not. Congress and now even employers and unions are demanding that changes.
Feb 13, 2024•48 min
On Point | Podcast
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is a unique, curiosity-driven combination of original reporting, newsmaker interviews, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis, making the world more intelligible and humane. When the world is more complicated than ever, we aim to make sense of it together. On Point is produced by WBUR.
Episodes
How the death of third-party cookies could grow Google's advertising empire
Google Chrome plans to phase out cookies that track your online activity in the name of protecting privacy. But big tech also has its own interests in mind. Patience Haggin and Alan Chapell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Feb 12, 2024•47 min
The Jackpod: The bystander
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty discusses Republican pollster Whit Ayres' observation that Joe Biden is “a bystander watching events spin out of control.”
Feb 09, 2024•32 min
What we lose if snow disappears
Snowpack is getting less reliable in American winters. And in many places, that's not just an environmental problem, but an emotional one, too.
Feb 09, 2024•47 min
China's big push for a baby boom
The Chinese government is urging women to have more babies -- after decades of a one-child policy. But officials face major pushback from Chinese women themselves.
Feb 08, 2024•47 min
Can a regional war be avoided with Iran?
Over the weekend, the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian proxies further raising tensions in the Middle East. How will Iran respond? Dan Byman and Afshon Ostovar join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Feb 07, 2024•47 min
The legacy of 'Ingenuity,' NASA's helicopter on Mars
Last month, the Ingenuity ended its mission as the first aircraft to make an extraterrestrial flight. After nearly three years on Mars, what did it teach us? Teddy Tzanetos and Havard Grip join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Feb 06, 2024•47 min
Should Trump be constitutionally barred from the presidency?
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing an appeal of a Colorado court ruling this week that could keep former President Trump off the ballot. It could profoundly shape the 2024 election -- and American democracy.
Feb 05, 2024•47 min
How communities worldwide are working to solve the water crisis
From desalination plants in Australia, wastewater recycling plants in Orange County, CA to net zero water buildings in NYC, in his latest book author and engineer David Sedlak looks not at the problems but the solutions. David Sedlak joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
Feb 02, 2024•47 min
The Jackpod: The meddler’s trap
From the annexation of the Philippines in 1898, to looming confrontation with Iran today, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on U.S. leadership, vested military interests, and unintended military entanglements.
Feb 02, 2024•28 min
How to fix chronic absenteeism in America's schools
About a third of students are on track to miss at least 10% of school days this year. Why are students missing school, and how can we bring them back? Scott Hale and Hedy Chang join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Feb 01, 2024•47 min
The standoff at the U.S.-Mexico border
The federal government has jurisdiction over immigration matters. In Eagle Pass, the state of Texas has taken over. But what Texas is doing is illegal and could lead to a Constitutional crisis. Rep. Eddie Morales and Stephen Vladeck join Meghna Chakrabarti. Editor's note: On Point reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the White House, Governor Greg Abbott’s office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military Department, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Al...
Jan 31, 2024•47 min
What experiences are young people missing in remote work?
Many of us learned how to do our jobs and connect with colleagues at our first workplace. But after the pandemic normalized remote work, how are young people today getting that professional coming-of-age experience? Cali Williams Yost and Jeffrey Jensen Arnett join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Jan 30, 2024•47 min
Florida looks to Canada for cheaper prescription drugs
Earlier this month, Florida became the first state to get FDA approval to import cheaper drugs from Canada. But will it work? Nicholas Bagley and Joel Lexchin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Jan 29, 2024•47 min
Controversy and contradiction: The death penalty in America
Alabama has carried out the first execution by asphyxiation with nitrogen gas. Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed after a previous attempt involving lethal injection failed. In this episode from January 2023, we heard about that botched execution and how states have been wrestling with how to carry out the ultimate penalty.
Jan 27, 2024•49 min
Why are Americans getting shorter?
Average height in the U.S. has been in decline since about 1980. What’s causing that, and why does it matter?
Jan 26, 2024•47 min
The Jackpod: Not the odds, but the stakes
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been reading "The Authoritarian Handbook: 2025," a new report by the bipartisan group Protect Democracy, outlining the promises, powers and plans of Donald Trump as he seeks to return to the White House.
Jan 26, 2024•34 min
Inside Israel's divided war cabinet
Family members of hostages held by Hamas are furious. They’ve stormed the Israeli parliament, calling for a deal to get the remaining hostages released. But Israel’s war cabinet is split on a path forward. Dahlia Scheindlin and David Makovsky join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Jan 25, 2024•47 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast