The latest on conditions in Chile. President Obama's program for low-performing schools. Then, a Winter Olympics wrap-up. Next, the Supreme Court hears to hear arguments on the Chicago handgun ban. And psychologist Ellen Webber Libby joins Larry to discuss her book, The Favorite Child: How a Favorite Impacts Every Family Member for Life.
Chile Earthquake
Two days after Chile's magnitude-8.8 earthquake, the death toll stands at over 700. A curfew has been imposed in Concepción and scores of looters have been arrested, while aftershocks continue to jolt the area. Larry Mantle gets an update on conditions in Chile and the relief efforts underway.
Guests:
Dean Hirsch, President of World Vision
Lucy Jones, Chief Scientist for multi hazards for US Geological Survey
Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times bureau chief in Mexico City
Nan Buzard, Senior Director of International Response
Obama's education initiative
President Obama has announced a program to improve the nation's lowest-performing schools using $900 million in grants. To receive the money, states and school districts must agree to one of four reform models, including: replacing the school principal and half of the staff; closing the school and reopening under charter school operation; closing a campus and enrolling students in higher-performing schools; and a transformational model addressing teacher effectiveness, instruction, learning and teacher planning time, and operational flexibility.
Guests:
Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Education, California Department of Education
Dominic Brewer, Professor of Education at the Rossier School of Education
Winter Olympics wrap up
As the Vancouver Olympics came to a close last night, Canadians had a reason to celebrate, as their home country defeated the United States in overtime to win the men's ice hockey gold medal. Larry takes a look back at the games and how the American athletes performed.
Guest:
Helene Elliott, Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court to hear Chicago gun case
Two years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a ban on handguns in Washington, D.C., citing the right to have a gun for self-defense. But since the district is a federal enclave, the Court refrained from ruling on ordinances outside the city. Now the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Chicago's ban on handguns, in what is likely to be a landmark ruling on how the 2nd Amendment applies to state and local laws. What are the protections or limits to the right to bear arms?
Guests:
David Sigale, attorney for McDonald plaintiffs, and principal, Law Firm of David Sigale, outside of Chicago
Dennis Henigan, Vice President for Law and Policy at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and author of the new book "Lethal Logic: Exploding the Myths That Paralyze American Gun Policy."
The favorite child: blessing or curse?
Most parents would never admit they prefer one of their children over another. But the reality is, most mothers and fathers can’t help liking one kid best. Being the chosen one certainly has powerful advantages, but psychologist Dr. Ellen Weber Libby says there are dramatic drawbacks as well. In her new book, The Favorite Child, Libby delves into the benefits and hazards of favoritism, which ultimately shape all of us as adults. Is there a darling in your family? What impact did that have? And what’s it like growing up feeling like second or third best?
Guest:
Ellen Weber Libby, Ph.D, author of The Favorite Child: How a Favorite Impacts Every Family Member for Life (Prometheus Books). She is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice based in Washington, D.C.