Environmental Sociologist, University of South Alabama
Professor of sociology at the University of South Alabama, he’s studied ecological disasters for 30 years, including the Exxon Valdez disaster
PROFILE
Steven Picou
Guest
FROM Steven Picou
Which Way, L.A.?
The Gulf Oil Spill and the Long-Term Recovery The cap on BP's broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been holding, but that's only temporary. After more than three months, preparations are finally underway for finally sealing it once and for all.
To the Point
The Gulf Oil Spill and the Long-Term Recovery The cap on BP's broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been holding, but that's only temporary. After more than three months, preparations are finally underway for finally sealing it once and for all. The worst oil spill in US history might be doing less damage than first estimated, or it could be a whole lot worse. BP has begun what new CEO Bob Dudley calls a "scale-back," removing skimmers and reducing hazmat crews. But critics say it might be too soon. They're worried about underwater oil pools that could still wash ashore, even after the gusher is finally sealed. The worst damage has resulted from using the Gulf as an industrial dumping ground. Meantime, what about the psychological toll of constant crisis? We hear more about the spill, including the way it's created a "corrosive community."
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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
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
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?