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

Will the World Cup polish or tarnish the brand of Brazil?

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

The daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The world's biggest sports tournament may not be the showcase for Brazil's economic and social progress it was supposed to be.

Homeless people and students all over the country are protesting the billions spent on soccer infrastructure,

some of which won't be finished by opening day.

Organized teachers, bus drivers, fast food workers, and others are striking for better wages

and working conditions.

This coming Wednesday, local police plan a day of national paralysis.

What will Brazil be like in just over three weeks when the games begin?

Today's talking point, elite colleges and commencement bigotry.

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Program Fund. Hello again, Mormon. I'll be back with To The Point. In just over three weeks, the eyes of more than a billion people will be on Brazil for the World Cup, a tournament that does much more than determine the champion of all soccer.

Will it enhance the host country, nor damage its reputation by revealing economic inequality and a misallocation of precious resources.

Today's talking point, Condoleezza Rice, Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund,

and the former Chancellor of UC Berkeley all withdrew as commencement speakers this year

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