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Podcasts Take Two
Recapping All The Major Stories From 2019
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Dec 24, 2019
Listen 51:48
Recapping All The Major Stories From 2019

KPCC's very own reporters joined A Martinez to talk about science, education and infrastructure, the work and the issues they cover day in and day out.

LAUSD students wait for the first day of school to start on August 20, 2019
LAUSD students wait for the first day of school to start on August 20, 2019
(
Kyle Stokes/KPCC
)

A Look Back at 2019

KPCC's very own reporters joined A Martinez to talk about their work and the issues they cover day in and day out. From science to the infrastructure, we look at the highlights from this year and what to expect in 2020.

Guests:

  • Jacob Margolis, KPCC science reporter
  • Sharon McNary, KPCC infrastructure correspondent

The Filipino Community within the Catholic Church

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs is under international scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses. It's also drawn concern from Catholic leaders there and here in Los Angeles. KPCC's Aaron Schrank explores the divide between church and state in what is the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines. 

Recap on all things education in 2019

Now let's turn back to some of those conversations we were having with KPCC's reporters about 2019 —and how their beats are shaping up for 2020. Higher education, for one, had some of the highest highs and the lowest lows in 2019. Just think about the national college admission scandal, which had ground zero in Southern California. And along with that, there were big plusses, like increases in funding for the state's public colleges and universities. Plus, have a new face— and voice— on the early childhood education beat. She only got here a few weeks ago but she tells us what she will be looking to cover next year. 

Guest:

  •  Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, KPCC Education correspondent
  • Mariana Dale, early childhood education reporter

The History of the Dodgers

The Dodgers are one of L.A.'s cultural ties that binds generations of Angelenos together. And they wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the efforts of former L.A. City Councilwoman Rosalind Wyman.
Her story along with many others was told in Dodgers Stories: 6 Decades in L.A., which premiered on KCET last month. The film features Dodger fans sharing what going to games has meant to them. 
 
Guest:

  • Rosalind Wyman, former L.A. City Councilwoman

Nearly 80 Years On, The USO Still Working To Keep Service Members Connected To Home

We close today with a story about the USO...an organization still mostly associated with entertainers of the past. The USO still travels around the world to put on live variety shows for military troops. And though Bob Hope is gone, actress Ann-Margaret still appears, as do a number of other celebrities. But in an era of streaming media on demand, how relevant are today's shows? KPCC's Austin Cross has the story for the American Homefront Project, a public media collaboration that reports on American military life and veterans.