Carbon Satellite Crashes; Two-Thirds; Candidate Debate for LAUSD District 4 Seat; President Obama's Speech Before A Joint Session Of Congress; Drought Threatens California's Agricultural Industry; Aliens Under Water? Jupiter Mission Approved
Carbon Satellite Crashes
NASA lost a $280 million mission to track global warming. The Taurus XL rocket carrying the Orbiting Carbon Observatory blasted off just before 2 a.m. from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. But minutes later, a cover protecting the satellite during launch failed to separate from the rocket, according to preliminary reports. As a result, the 986-pound satellite crashed into the ocean. Larry gets the details on the mission.
Two-Thirds
Should California drop the two-thirds vote requirement to pass budget bills? A constitutional amendment is being considered that would only require a simply majority to pass a budget. Is this a good idea? Larry talks with Bruce Cain of UC Berkeley and takes listener calls.
Candidate Debate for LAUSD District 4 Seat
Larry Mantle talks with Mike Stryer and Steve Zimmer, the candidates running for the Los Angeles Board of Education seat from the 4th District, the seat currently held by Marlene Canter.
President Obama's Speech Before A Joint Session Of Congress
Tonight President Obama will deliver his first address to Congress, where he is expected to focus on his plan to improve the economy and reduce the deficit. He'll discuss the $787 billion stimulus bill, and the assistance of the financial industry, car makers, and mortgage holders. He's also expected to explain what he feels are important components of his agenda- expanding health care coverage and education programs, creating greater energy independence, and implementing greater regulation of the financial industry. Larry Mantle speaks with Mark Barabak and Peter Nicholas about what we're likely to hear tonight.
Drought Threatens California's Agricultural Industry
Federal water managers said Friday that they plan to significantly reduce water allocations to thousands of Central Valley farms as a result of the deepening drought affecting California. Most of the nation's produce and nut crops are grown in this the Central Valley. How serious is the water shortage, and how might Calfornia's agricultural industry be affected?
Aliens Under Water? Jupiter Mission Approved
NASA has announced plans to send probes to Europa and Ganymede, two of Jupiter's moons. The moons have sheets of ice on their surfaces. Scientists believe that tidal forces and undersea lava vents may generate enough heat to melt the ice and create deep oceans under the surface. Ocean conditions may be warm enough, in fact, to sustain primitive life. The launches are planned for 2020 and will cost as much as $3 billion. The program will be managed from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge.