BUSH HALTS DEPOSITS TO RESERVES; THE FUTURE OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS; HAMAS...THE INTERNAL STRUGGLE; AZUSA STREET REVIVAL CENTENNIAL
BUSH HALTS DEPOSITS TO RESERVES
With gas prices near or exceeding record levels across the country, President Bush announced today that he would halt the purchase of crude oil for the government's strategic reserves for the summer. He added that this move will leave more oil on the market without endangering supply in the event of an unforeseen disruption before deposits resume in the fall. He will also put the brakes temporarily on environmental rules for gasoline. Amid suspicions of price gouging, the Federal Trade Commission, the Justice Department and the Energy Department were investigating. Meanwhile, a bill that would hit California oil producers with a windfall profits tax was approved today by a state Assembly committee, and nationally, Republican Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter says the government should consider a tax on oil companies if they make excessive profits amid rising gasoline prices. Larry speaks with oil experts and a California politician to discuss this morning's developments.
THE FUTURE OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS
Larry Mantle talks with experts about the future of Neighborhood Councils and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. How will the Mayor's office work with the Neighborhood Councils in the City of Los Angeles?
HAMAS...THE INTERNAL STRUGGLE
Last week the Palestinian interior minister appointed Jamal Abu Samhadana, a known militant who is wanted by Israel and is a suspect in the killing of American security forces in Gaza, to serve as inspector general of the Interior Ministry. This has created a conflict with the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, who has vowed to block the appointment. Some hear the rumblings of a civil war within Gaza. Others argue that this is simply basic political conflict that will be resolved. Larry talks with experts on the region about the future of the Palestinian government.
AZUSA STREET REVIVAL CENTENNIAL
This week in Los Angeles some 60-thousand charismatic Christians are gathering to celebrate the centennial of the 1906 Azusa Street revival, which launched the modern Pentecostal movement. Pentecostals believe in a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. They also believe in what they call the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is usually evidenced by speaking in tongues, though experts estimate that only 40 percent of Pentecostals speak in tongues today. Those attending the centennial celebration include a who's who of Pentecostal preachers. Larry Mantle will speaks with religious scholars about the Pentecostal movement, its history and impact on American culture and the rest of world.