Managing Editor, Times Picayune
Managing Editor of the Times Picayune newspaper in New Orleans, Louisiana
PROFILE
Peter Kovacs
Guest
FROM Peter Kovacs
Which Way, L.A.?
Hurricane Katrina and Medical Choice in Extreme Emergencies Just four years ago, Hurricane Katrina cut off electricity to New Orleans' Memorial Medical Center. Emergency generators failed. The temperature was 100°, there was no fresh water or sewage, and flooding around a heavily damaged building created major problems for evacuating patients. Doctors were forced to conduct triage. Their decisions are still being debated today, with potential consequences for the coming flu epidemic this fall.
To the Point
Hurricane Katrina and Medical Choice in Extreme Emergencies Just four years ago, Hurricane Katrina cut off electricity to New Orleans' Memorial Medical Center. Emergency generators failed. The temperature was 100°, there was no fresh water or sewage, and flooding around a heavily damaged building created major problems for evacuating patients. Doctors were forced to conduct triage. If some patients had to be left behind, should the healthiest or closest to dying be first for evacuation? Should those likely to die be euthanized? Who should make these decisions? With a possible influenza pandemic this fall, lack of sufficient facilities just might pose similar choices. We hear how the Katrina disaster has shaped future planning. Is the public being kept informed?
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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.
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?