Chairman, State Senate Transportation and Housing Committee
State Senator from Long Beach and Chair of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee
PROFILE
Alan Lowenthal
Guest
FROM Alan Lowenthal
Which Way, L.A.?
Trouble on the Tracks for High-Speed Rail Some states are returning federal money for high-speed rail, claiming it’s a boondoggle that taxpayers can’t afford. In California, even some supporters have their doubts now that the first segment is scheduled for the Central Valley—far from the terminals in LA and San Francisco. Tonight, we’ll hear about a plan to replace political appointees who make the decisions with experts in all the specialties involved.
Which Way, L.A.?
First Leg of High-Speed Rail to Connect Central Valley Dots Thanks to Wisconsin and Ohio refusing to take federal money , the first leg of California's High Speed Rail system will be 58 miles longer than originally planned. Instead of going just 65 miles, it will go all the way from from Shafter to Madera, at a total cost of $5.5 billion. We talk to Tom Umberg, Vice Chair of the High Speed Rail Authority, and skeptical State Senator Alan Lowenthal.
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To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.