The White House revealed today that a U.S. drone strike had inadvertently killed two hostages held by Al Qaeda in January. Also, tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, in which over a million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman government in what is now present-day Turkey. Then, opening in theaters May 1st, the movie "Ride" features Helen Hunt as a high-strung, high-powered mom trying to keep a handle on her whip smart son.
California extremist Adam Gadahn and the future of U.S. military drone policy
The White House revealed today that a U.S. drone strike had inadvertently killed two hostages – an American and an Italian – held by Al Qaeda in January.
In a news conference held shortly after the disclosure, President Obama offered his apology to the families of Warren Weinstein and Giovanni Lo Porto, who were held by the terrorist group since 2011 and 2012, respectively, adding that he takes “full responsibility” for the drone strike. The White House also announced that they believe another drone operation took out Adam Gadahn, a native Californian who joined Al Qaeda.
What’s the impact of the incident on U.S. military drone use going forward? Would this change the American public’s view on the use of military drones?
Guests:
Nick Schou, Managing Editor, OC Weekly. He profiled extremist Adam Gadahn, a Riverside, CA native who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in January
Stephen Vladeck, Professor of law at American University Law School; former executive editor of The Yale Law Journal
Venice considers bringing back topless sunbathing
In a 12-2 vote, the Venice Neighborhood Council showed their support for allowing women to go topless at Venice Beach.
The impetus behind the resolution is to support the equal rights of women to bare their chests like men. For now, Los Angeles Municipal Code prohibits ladies from being topless at any beach in the county.
The L.A. City Council will still have to pass the proposal before it becomes law, and councilman Mike Bonin was quoted in the L.A. Times as saying that he is focused on other priorities in Venice.
How do the citizens of Venice feel about this possibility? Does allowing toplessness for women chip away at equal rights? Will this resolution get any support from LA City Council?
Guests:
Melissa Diner, community officer for the Venice Neighborhood Council. She sponsored the motion to allow topless sunbathing on Venice Beach
Mark Ryavec, president of the Venice Stakeholders’ Association
Sneak Peek at The Autry’s 'Empire and Liberty: The Civil War and the West' exhibit
Most discussions of the American Civil War don’t include much, if any, mention of the West and its role in the conflict.
However, the influence that Westward expansion had on the issues that shaped the Civil War is undeniable, and it’s the subject of the newest exhibit at The Autry National Center of the American West.
“Empire and Liberty: The Civil War and the West” brings together a large collection of Civil War-era artifacts, the majority of which come from The Autry’s own collection, as well as the personal stories of well known Americans like Jesse James and Sacagawea to some of the lesser-known figures, like Andres Pico, brother of former California governor Pio Pico.
It dives into slavery in the South as well as the other forms it took across America at the time, bringing visitors on a journey from the 1820s as Native Americans were being pushed west from the south, to the Civil War era, to Reconstruction and post-war Westward expansion.
The exhibit opens on Saturday at The Autry and will run through the beginning of January 2016.
Guest:
Carolyn Brucken, co-curator of the new exhibit and curator of Western Women’s History at the Autry National Center
100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide remembered in Southern California
Tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, in which over a million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman government in what is now present-day Turkey.
The US still has not recognized the mass killing as a genocide.
What is the legacy of the genocide? How does it affect for today's Armenian-Americans and global politics?
Guests:
Ronald Suny, author of "'They Can Live in the Desert but Nowhere Else': A History of the Armenian Genocide” (Princeton University Press, 2015); Professor of Social and Political History at the University of Michigan
Nora Hovsepian, Chair, Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region, an Armenian American grassroots political organization
Ergun Kirlikovali, former president of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, 2013-2015
Taking bets, and stock -- Kate and William’s second royal baby
Boy or girl? What might the name be? Is “Diana” a real contender if it’s a girl?
For anyone who cares about the royalty America rejected over 200 years ago, Kate Middleton’s imminent second birth brings forth a resurgence in curiosity in all things British, royal and historically steeped.
What about all that bloody sibling rivalry in generations past? Does the second born get as much attention as the first?
Guest:
Patt Morrison, KPCC contributor and columnist for the Los Angeles Times
Helen Hunt stoked to script, direct and star in feature film 'Ride'
Opening in theaters May 1st, the movie "Ride" features Helen Hunt as a high-strung, high-powered mom trying to keep a handle on her whip smart son as he abandons college aspirations for the surfing and ease of California living.
While the movie showcases the sun-dappled beauty and carefree lifestyles of SoCal beaches, the heavy themes of loss and surrender add weight to the dramedy. This is the second feature film helmed by Hunt as writer, producer, director and lead. The Academy Award winning actress is best known for her roles in "As Good as it Gets," "The Sessions," and her long-running television series "Mad About You."
What inspired her to pen a script about helicopter parenting and letting go?
Guest:
Helen Hunt, Filmmaker and star of "Ride;" Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role "As Good as it Gets" (1997); Oscar-nominated as Best Supporting Actress in "The Sessions" (2012)