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Economy Riding High on Unmanned Aircraft Manufacturing
Southern California's manufacturing economy was born when millions arrived to build airplanes during World War II. When the Cold War ended, those days were over. But Pentagon demand for a new weapons system is becoming a boon to the Southland, and it has multiple private applications as well. Also, that mysterious "missile launch" off Southern California? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, what's the case for electing judges?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenSouthern California's manufacturing economy was born when millions arrived to build airplanes during World War II. When the Cold War ended, those days were over. But Pentagon demand for a new weapons system is becoming a boon to the Southland and it has multiple private applications as well. What will unmanned drones mean to the local economy? What about increased employment? Will Hollywood celebrities be safe from robotic paparazzi? Also, that mysterious "missile launch" off Southern California? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, when three Supreme Court justices were rejected last week, the decision of Iowa voters was celebrated as a rebuke of judicial overreach and decried as a threat to judicial independence. We hear about same-sex marriage and judicial selection.
Banner image: Screen grab from Drones Rising
In this episode
4 storiesProjected Deficit Is Much Higher than Anticipated
Next year's state budget deficit will be $19 billion, as previously predicted, but this year's budget is $6 billion out of balance, making a grand total of $25 billion. That's according to non-partisan California Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor in a report out today.
Read the story6 minA Defense Contractor’s Dream in Southern California
The Pentagon is spending big money these days on unmanned aircraft, the pilotless drones used for tracking al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Yemen. But unmanned aircraft can do more than that, and growing demand could be a boon for Southern California. Hennigan discusses Airbus, Boeing presence in California
Read the story14 minJudicial Independence, Elections and Provocative Rulings
In April of last year, the seven-member Supreme Court of Iowa effectively legalized same-sex marriage in a unanimous opinion. Last week, three of the justices faced a retention election, and all three were thrown out by the voters. What's the message to other judges whose decisions might be unpopular?
Read the story5 minErrant Missile Launch or Plane Illusion?
Millions of people have seen the video shot from a Channel 2 helicopter Monday night that looked a lot like missile launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Pentagon says it probably was only a plane but is not releasing any details.
Read the story26 min
