Assistant Professor of Geological Oceanography, Louisiana University Marine Consortium
Assistant Professor of Geological Oceanography at Louisiana University Marine Consortium, and adjunct research professor at Tulane University
PROFILE
Alexander Kolker
Guest
FROM Alexander Kolker
Which Way, L.A.?
Hurricane Protection Diminished by Eroding Wetlands in the Gulf Yesterday, on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, President Obama was in New Orleans to address a crowd at Xavier University. He assured the crowd that his administration is “working to restore protective wetlands and natural barriers” that have been disappearing for decades. But while we focus attention on restoring the wetlands at the mouth of the Mississippi, significant erosion by ship channels and oil pipelines pose an equal, if not greater threat. Is full restoration possible? What would it mean for oil companies, shipping and the fishing industry?
To the Point
Hurricane Protection Diminished by Eroding Wetlands in the Gulf Yesterday, on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, President Obama was in New Orleans to address a crowd at Xavier University. He assured the crowd that his administration is "working to restore protective wetlands and natural barriers that were not only damaged by Katrina… but had been rapidly disappearing for decades." Katrina and the Gulf oil spill have re-focused attention on the decades-old goal of restoring the wetlands at the mouth of the Mississippi. But so much has been eroded away by ship channels and oil pipelines that current efforts may not be enough even to maintain the status quo. Is full restoration possible? What would it cost? What would it mean for oil companies, shipping and the fishing industry?
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To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
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.
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.