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Managing Editor, Features and Documentaries
PROFILE
Sonya Geis
Kcrw Staff/Producer
FROM Sonya Geis
Olney in L.A.
A nightmare for Dreamers "Dreamers" were brought to this country and raised as Americans, but their parents were never were naturalized. With Donald Trump's promise of deportation many worry they'll be rounded up and sent out of the country.
Olney in L.A.
It's not just in Ferguson: traffic tickets and civil rights The courts are required by law to determine if people fail to pay for traffic tickets and other citations willingly…or because they can't afford it. A new lawsuit alleges that judges don't ask whether people who don't pay are flouting the law or just don't have the money.
Olney in L.A.
Smog Alert In the past 30 years, smog has decreased dramatically in Southern California thanks to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. But the region is still the nation's smoggiest. Now some people are questioning why the new AQMD board is weakening air pollution regulations and adopting rules backed by oil refineries and other major polluters.
Which Way, L.A.?
Talk of NFL's Possible Return to LA Heats Up Since the Rams and the Raiders left LA 20 years ago, multiple promises of a return by the NFL have been broken. Recent prospects for downtown LA and the City of Industry have been fading. Now, those cities are suddenly being upstaged by Carson and Inglewood — with plans that actually have real teams attached to them for the first time. Do the Rams, Raiders and Chargers really mean it or are they just angling for better deals in St. Louis, Oakland and San Diego?
To the Point
Corporations Make a Move on Minimum Wage Walmart is increasing wages for its lowest paid workers, But $10 an hour is hardly enough to support a family. We hear about pressure for raises at other big companies as some cities and states increase their minimum wages.
To the Point
Is ISIS Religious? Does It Matter? President Obama has refused to grant the so-called "Islamic State" its claim to be based on the Muslim religion. That has set off a semantic debate with potential consequences for the war on terror.
To the Point
Libya's Power Vacuum Draws ISIS Closer to Europe Since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has descended into chaos—with two rival governments vying for control. Now a faction of the Islamic State has moved into the vacuum of power. Would another international intervention make things better or worse?
To the Point
Mistrust between the US and Israel By agreeing to address Congress without telling the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is accused of thumbing his nose at President Obama. Now the Administration says Netanyahu may have leaked "misleading" details of nuclear talks with Iran.
To the Point
How Many Innocent Americans Are Sitting in Jail? A record 125 prisoners were released last year in Texas, New York and other states after serving long terms for crimes they did not commit. The public-radio podcast Serial focused attention on cases being re-investigated because of possible wrongful convictions. Now there's a national movement for exonerations.
To the Point
Granting Permission to Go to War The President has asked Congress to authorize military action against the so-called "Islamic State." Republicans say he's imposing too many limits. Democrats say there aren't enough.
Which Way, L.A.?
Medical Marijuana and a Tale of Two Cities Anaheim and Santa Ana exemplify what headline writers call a "disjointed" state policy on medical marijuana. Anaheim has banned sales altogether. Neighboring Santa Ana has gone the other way; it held a lottery last week for dispensary licenses, and rapper Louis "Be-Real" Freese is one of 20 winners hoping to open one called, "Dr. Green Thumb."
To the Point
Healthcare: An Easy Target in Cyber Warfare More and more doctors and hospitals are digitizing medical records — making massive amounts of personal data more vulnerable to hackers. The latest target: Anthem insurance, with 80 million customer records. Are companies getting the protection they need from the US government?
Which Way, L.A.?
Can Angelenos be Lured to the Voting Booth? Eric Garcetti was elected Mayor of LA by 6% of the people who live in the city. That’s because so few people register and so few of those who register actually vote. Would simultaneous elections increase the turnout—or make local jobs seem less important than ever?
Which Way, L.A.?
A Precious Asset: The State Park System There are 1.6 million acres of beaches, forests and historic sites in California’s State Park system—threatened by years of budget cuts, scandal, and mismanagement. Now a blue-ribbon commission has proposed major change in hope the next generation will use them and pay for them.
To the Point
Can Intervention Prevent Homegrown Terror? A federal judge is taking a big chance with an 18-year old Somali American, accused of trying to join ISIS in Syria. Instead of waiting in jail for trial as a terrorist conspirator, he may be sent to a halfway house to be counseled about re-connecting with American society. Is he already a danger here in this country?
To the Point
License Plates, Law Enforcement and Violations of Privacy Have you been to a marijuana dispensary? How about a gun show, an abortion clinic—or the home of somebody you’re not married to? Federal, state and local police may well have a visual record—picked up during blanket surveillance of automobile license plates.
Recommended
To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
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.