Regulating Fertility Doctors; Big Week For Economic Stimulus; Alarming Rise in Gang Membership; Letting go of Old Ideas to Unleash New Prosperity; New Water Use Rules Announced
Regulating Fertility Doctors
Nadya Suleman, the mother who gave birth to octuplets, said in an interview that aired Monday on NBC's "Today" show that she used the West Coast IVF Clinic for all of her pregnancies but did not name her doctor in the NBC interview. She did say that the same physician, Dr. Michael Kamrava, helped her conceive all 14 of her children at the clinic. This revelation raises questions about the medical guidelines and regulations that govern fertility clinics and practices and whether any of these guidelines have been violated. The Medical Board of California said last week it was looking into the matter to see if there was a "violation of the standard of care" for implanting so many embryos. Larry Mantle and guests will discuss national and statewide regulations that govern the standard of care for fertility treatments and the certification of fertility doctors.
Big Week For Economic Stimulus
With hopes of passing the stimulus package by the end of the week, the Obama administration is stepping up pressure for House and Senate members to come to agreement on the bill. On Tuesday the Senate will meet to approve an $827 billion version of the package that is quite different from the version that passed the House. It includes $100 billion more in tax cuts and less spending on education and aid to states. President Obama is also pitching the stimulus package directly to the American public, traveling to Indiana and Florida as well as holding his first prime-time news conference tonight. Larry Mantle gets the latest on the stimulus package.
Alarming Rise in Gang Membership
According to a report by the Justice Department's National Gang Intelligence Center, gang membership has grown throughout the country, with an estimated 1 million gang members responsible for 80% of crime. This estimate is up 200,000 from 2005, as gangs have spread from urban communities to suburban and rural areas. In addition, the report concludes that many gangs are the primary retail-level distributors of drugs and are seeking working relationships with drug-trafficking organizations. Larry Mantle talks with NGIC Director Michael Brunton and Bob Rifkin, Operations Lieutenant for "Operation Safe Streets," part of the Sheriff's gang unit, about the increase in gang membership and efforts to combat it.
Letting go of Old Ideas to Unleash New Prosperity
What is the root of the current economic crisis, and what are the deeper woes yet to come if we do not change our ways? In "The Tyranny of Dead Ideas", Matt Miller says that "dead ideas" are the root of the problem. He warns that Americans are filled with misconceptions, like the notion that money follows merit or that schools are strictly a local matter. He says Americans must transform their thinking, such as learning lessons from abroad to save American ideals. Larry talks to Miller about his book and how "dead ideas" can become "destined ideas."
New Water Use Rules Announced
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for more water restrictions today, in response to lower-than-usual rainfall. Among the measures, the mayor will call for restricting outdoor irrigation to two days a week. This is part of his 20-year water strategy. Larry gets the details on this morning's press conference announcing the changes.