Mark Tooley is president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
Mark Tooley on KCRW
More from KCRW
Will animals cross one of the nation’s busiest freeways?
AnimalsConstruction has begun in Agoura Hills on the world’s largest wildlife road crossing. How do you get animals to cross over the busy 101 freeway?
Shoppers mourn 99 Cents Only as stores wind down operations
Business & EconomyBeloved 99 Cents Only stores are closing permanently, so customers are grabbing their final bargains.
Will Santa Monica compensate Silas White’s descendants after taking his property?
NewsThe Santa Monica City Council recently voted to explore compensating the descendants of a Black man named Silas White for his plot of land on Ocean Ave.
Fava beans are nutrient-packed — use them in pasta, purees, and more
NewsFava beans are one of the most ancient plants and among the easiest to grow. They’re key in Mediterranean and Middle East food cultures.
Landslide road closure leaves Topanga Canyon in distress
TransportationA landslide on Topanga Canyon Blvd. blocks access to Pacific Coast Highway, leading to three-hour commutes and potential catastrophe in fire season.
Immigration activists raise alarms about OC ICE transfers
ImmigrationThe Orange County Sheriff's Department had hundreds of ICE transfers last year, raising concerns from immigrant rights groups who say the actions defy California law.
Animals and humans will be both be able to commute in 2026
NewsThe southbound 101 freeway in Agoura Hills will be closed nightly for the next few weeks — as Caltrans continues building a massive wildlife bridge.
LA is known for commercial films, new festival wants to change that
NewsThe LA Festival of Movies debuts this week, featuring brand new films, world premieres, older independent flicks that may deserve a second look, and titles that haven’t played within…
‘Challengers’: Characters drive the thrilling sports drama, says critic
NewsCritics review the latest film releases: “Challengers,” “Uncropped,” “Egoist,” and “Alien” (re-release).