Which Way, L.A.?
Should California Require All Cellphones to Have a Kill Switch?
Law enforcement says apps that allow users to track stolen smartphones can lead to dangerous encounters. Proposed "kill switch" legislation might discourage cellphone theft.
By Warren Olney • • 22m ListenStealing smartphones is California's latest epidemic, and law enforcement says apps that allow users to track them down can lead to dangerous encounters. A proposed law would require "kill switches" so users could make them not worth stealing. But replacing smartphones means billions for Apple, Samsung and other major lobbyists in the Capitol. Also, climate change and California's biggest business: agriculture.
Later, on To the Point, Vladimir Putin appears to be lowering tensions between Russia and Ukraine by announcing a pullback of troops from the border and support for elections. Does he really mean it? What about Western predictions that he'll continue to provoke confrontation?
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2 storiesWill the Smartphone 'Kill Switch' Get New Life in Sacramento?
Three million smartphones were stolen last year nationwide. In Los Angeles alone, 3000 were taken away. Legislators in Sacramento are considering a new law to require a "kill switch," so you could disable your phone, making it useless to thieves. For the moment, iPhone owners have an alternative, an app called " Find My iPhone ."
Read the story15 minThe New Climate Change Report and California Agriculture
Yesterday's climate change report from the Obama White House focuses, in part on California—and it's not all about floods, fires, erosion and rising sea levels. California's biggest business depends on climate conditions and weather. Glenda Humiston is California State Director of Rural Development for the US Department of Agriculture .
Read the story8 min
