The Fair Political Practices Commission unanimously voted to close what it’s been deemed as a loophole for out-of-state nonprofits. Also, the cover of TIME magazine features an affable-looking Bernie Sanders with the cheeky headline “Socialize this, America.” Then, before the TIFF up Sunday, film critic Peter Rainer and Tim Gray select their favorite films from this year’s slate of noteworthy films.
As CA elex watchdog closes ‘dark money’ loophole, are court challenges likely?
The Fair Political Practices Commission unanimously voted to close what’s been deemed as a loophole that will now require out-of-state nonprofits to disclose their donors when they oppose or support a ballot measure or candidate through a federal political action committee.
The move came in the wake of fines levied against two Arizona nonprofits after they refused to reveal their donors behind two political campaigns, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Several initiatives are expected to appear on the 2016 ballot measure addressing the same issue. One, titled the “Voter’s Right to Know Act” was filed for inclusion this week.
Would the Fair Political Practices Commission rule change be vulnerable to constitutional challenges? How about the slate of initiatives expected in 2016?
Guests:
Kathay Feng, California Common Cause, a nonprofit advocacy organization that supported the rule change and was at the hearing yesterday
Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School and President of the L.A. Ethics Commission
Nick Dranias, Research Fellow and Policy Advisor at the nonprofit research organization, The Heartland Institute. He has written extensively on the topic of “dark money” and free speech
Bernie Sanders 101 — socialist, democratic socialist, libertarian socialist or what?
The cover of TIME magazine at the moment features an affable-looking Senator Bernie Sanders (I - VT) with shirtsleeves rolled up and the cheeky headline “Socialize this, America.”
It brings to mind the political label Sanders has used to describe himself, but some of his supporters run from: socialist. Analysis by PolitiFact.com says the presidential contender's politics are more akin to democratic socialism, but Reason magazine argues his platform has leanings of libertarian socialism, whatever that is.
What is the most accurate label for Bernie Sanders’ politics? How have these political terms changed over time and do they mean different things to different people? How does it affect the viability of his campaign - now and later?
Guest:
Lori Cox Han, Professor of Political Science, Chapman University; Author, "In It to Win It: Electing Madam President" (Bloomsbury; 2015)
Peter Dreier, Professor of Political Science, Occidental College
How the drought is affecting California’s wildlife
As the drought stretches into its fourth year, the fate of California’s wildlife is more precarious than ever.
Wetlands are drying, rivers are heating up and the Sierra Nevada snowpack is just 12 percent its normal level.
Some estimates say that when it comes to California critters that depend on freshwater up to 75% are already threatened or endangered. That does not spell good news for the state of the ecosystem in 2040. But is all hope lost?
Guest:
Catherine Burns, Associate Director of the Water Program at the Nature Conservancy
Gregory Giusti, Forest Adviser with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Lake and Mendocino counties
Filmweek: ‘Sicario,’ ‘Everest,’ ‘Black Mass’ and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein and Henry Sheehan review this week’s new releases including the drug-crime thriller “Sicario,” “Everest” which is based on a true story, the fictional telling of real-life kingpin James “Whitey” Bulger in “Black Mass,” and more: TGI-Filmweek!
Guests:
Lael Loewenstein, Film Critic for KPCC and Variety
Henry Sheehan, Film Critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
Films from Charles Kaufman, Johnny Depp, Cate Blanchett shine at Toronto film fest
It’s long been seen as a pipeline to the Oscars.
Before the Toronto International Film Festival wraps up Sunday, film critic Peter Rainer from the Christian Science Monitor and Variety’s Awards Editor Tim Gray select their favorite films from this year’s slate of noteworthy films.
Guests:
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor
Tim Gray, Awards Editors at Variety