California's Deficit May Balloon; Possible Bank of America/Countrywide Merger; California Expands DNA Database to Find Criminals; Jeremiah Wright: Wright or Wrong?; When Science Goes Wrong
California's Deficit May Balloon
State budget deficit projections were dire enough at $14.5 billion, but new reports from Governor Schwarzenegger's office show shortcomings are now at a dizzying $20 billion through June of 2009. Where is the money going to come from? And what will this mean for the state economy? Larry tries to find out.
Possible Bank of America/Countrywide Merger
Bank of America said Monday that, as part of its acquisition of Countrywide Financial, it will modify some $40 billion in mortgage loans to help homeowners from defaulting. The move may provide some relief in the growing subprime mortgage crisis. Larry talks with business analyst Mark Lacter about how the merger would work and if Bank of America's shareholders will actually let it go through.
California Expands DNA Database to Find Criminals
It's been an informal crime-fighting tool for a while, but now California has made it official. Attorney General Jerry Brown has announced that police may use the DNA of relatives of possible perpetrators in their investigations. Critics contend this will expose innocent family members to police surveillance and investigation. Advocates say it will help capture violent offenders. Larry asks experts and KPCC's listeners what they think.
Jeremiah Wright: Wright or Wrong?
Jimmy Carter had Billy Carter, Bill Clinton had Roger Clinton and Hillary Clinton has, well, Bill Clinton. Most presidents and presidential contenders seem to have someone close whose behavior damages their campaign. For Barack Obama, it's his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Larry Mantle talks with listeners about the pastor's latest controversial statements.
When Science Goes Wrong
Brilliant scientific successes have helped shape our world, and are always celebrated. But for every victory, there are countless, little-known, mishaps. Larry Mantle talks to neuroscientist Simon LeVay about some of the more catastrophic consequences of scientific pursuit.