Evacuation Efforts; Cigarette Tax Initiative; Eminent Domain Initiative; Republicans Split On Stem Cell Issue; New Warning To Churches To Remain Neutral On Politics; John Pizzarelli
Evacuation Efforts
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut says every American who wants to leave will be able to get out eventually. A chartered cruise ship is supposed to begin evacuating some of the 25-thousand Americans in Lebanon today. The ship can carry 750 people at a time and will be escorted by a U.S. destroyer. The ship has left Cyprus but has not yet arrived to Beirut. Dozens of evacuees, many with health problems, are being flown out by military chopper - 120 Americans have been flown out of Beirut so far today.
Cigarette Tax Initiative
This initiative has qualified for the November ballot. It proposes a 13-cent per-cigarette tax to boost funding for a variety of health programs like emergency room funding and health insurance for California children. Larry Mantle speaks with a proponent and an opponent of the measure.
Eminent Domain Initiative
Proposition 90, an initiative on the November ballot that aims to curb the power of state and local governments to seize private property under eminent domain laws.
Republicans Split On Stem Cell Issue
Larry Mantle discusses the Senate vote this week on the issue of stem cell research. The Republican Party is split between social conservatives who condemn the research, and advocates for individuals with debilitating diseases. Political strategist Arnold Steinberg talks with Larry about the political ins and outs of the stem cell research debate.
New Warning To Churches To Remain Neutral On Politics
The IRS is warning churches that campaigning on behalf of candidates in the upcoming political season will put their tax-exempt status at risk.
John Pizzarelli
Larry Mantle interviews guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli about his new CD "Dear Mr. Sinatra," and about his appearance tomorrow night at the Hollywood Bowl. - John is performing tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 19. at the Hollywood Bowl at 8:00pm: "American Jazz Songbook: John Pizzarelli and his Quartet plus big band" The John Pizzarelli Quartet John Pizzarelli, musical director Kurt Elling, special guest Bill Henderson, special guest Annie Ross, special guest Tierney Sutton.