From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

The shutdown, the debt limit, and America's role in the world.

Hello again, I'm Arminolny, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

With government offices closed, the Pentagon says it won't pay death benefits to the families of combat casualties.

Here's Republican Senator John McCain.

Shouldn't we be embarrassed about this?

Shouldn't we be ashamed?

Billionaire investment guru Warren Buffett compares failure to raise the debt ceiling to a nuclear bomb.

How long can the U.S. government lead the free world if it can't keep its doors open or pay its bills?

As Republicans in the White House hint at potential fixes, how long are they liable to last?

Is there any permanent solution?

Today's talking point, the Higgs boson.

Why is it called the God particle?

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Warman Al-Nayback with To the Point. China, America's biggest creditor, says the paralysis in Washington proves the free market has failed.

Turkey's prime minister gloats because U.S. government workers aren't being paid.

Countries that depend on the U.S. for protection wonder if it'll be there when they need it.

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