Which Way, L.A.?
Hunger Strike Ends but Isolation Continues in California Prisons
After three weeks, the hunger strike in California prisons is over, but it reached 6600 inmates at 13 institutions, and some prisoners showed signs of early starvation...
After three weeks, the hunger strike in California prisons is over, but it reached 6600 inmates at 13 institutions, and some prisoners showed signs of early starvation. But much is still unknown, because reporters were not allowed to talk to the strikers. Federal judges have ruled that state prison conditions violate the Constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Did settling the hunger strike make things any better? Also, if you get a red-light camera ticket in Los Angeles, throw it away. What about other cities? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, mass murder in Norway and the spread of multiculturalism.
Banner image: A California Department of Corrections officer speaks to inmates at Chino State Prison. Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
In this episode
4 storiesPreparing to Flip the Off Switch on Red Light Cameras
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Gruel says LA's red-light cameras are a waste of money. But the City Council's Chief Legislative Analyst says just shutting the program down would mean less revenue. A Council committee has now split the baby by saying the program will be gradually phased out.
Read the story8 minHuman Rights in the Hidden World of State Prisons
On July 1, inmates at the Pelican Bay State Prison near the Oregon border began a hunger strike that ultimately involved 6600 prisoners in 13 of California's 33 institutions.
Read the story13 minGovernor Brown Signs California Dream Act
In Washington and in Sacramento, so-called Dream Acts are designed to help high-school graduates who were brought to the US at an early age and whose lack of documentation stops them in their tracks, even though they may have succeeded in school.
Read the story6 minIslamophobia Turns into Mass Murder in Norway
The death toll from last week's bombing and shootings in Norway is now said to be 76 and the names of the victims are being released. Anders Behring Breivik, who has admitted to the atrocities, is in solitary confinement and his lawyer says he's "insane." But he's not alone in concern about the impact of immigration.
Read the story27 min