Home sales are up nationwide and California still has a $1.1 billion budget gap. Larry talks with Richard Wolffe about his new book on Barack Obama. Then, he will talk about the reasons why violent crime is down in major cities throughout the country. Finally he will discuss sustainable agriculture with the author of the new book, "A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil."
Housing market bouncing back?
The US Commerce Department says home sales rose 11 percent in June, the largest increase in nearly nine years and a promising sign that the housing market may finally bounce back. The median sales price of $206,200, however, was down 12 percent from $234,300 a year earlier. What does this mean for the economy as a whole?
Peter Hong, Business Reporter for the L.A. Times
Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate
Sacramento update
The deal to reduce the $23 billion state deficit falls short by $1.1 billion, after the California Assembly failed to approve measures on oil drilling and borrowing gas-tax revenues from local governments. The plan also calls for a $1.2 billion cut in prison spending, but doesn't specify how it will be achieved. According to experts, the budget deal only is a temporary fix, and more fiscal problems lie ahead for the state Larry Mantle takes a look at California's budget gap.
Evan Halper, Sacramento Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times
The making of a President
Journalist Richard Wolffe gained exclusive access to Barack Obama over the two years that he covered his presidential campaign. In his new book, "Renegade", Wolffe profiles Obama from his decision to run for president through his first 100 days in office. He also shares insightful details about Obama's character and how his upbringing shaped him. Larry Mantle talks with Richard Wolffe about how Barack Obama became commander-in-chief.
Richard Wolffe, political analyst for MSNBC and author of "Renegade: The Making of a President"
Violent crime down in major U.S. cities
In major cities across the country, violent crime is down. This year, cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. are on track to have fewer killings than any other year in at least four decades. The drop in crime was unexpected for criminologists, though many agree that there is no strong connection between crime and the economy. Instead, some experts are citing improved policing techniques. Larry Mantle looks at what's behind the decrease in violent crime.
John MacDonald, Professor of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania
Eric Baumer, Professor, College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University
A nation of farmers
From the wide open fields of the Mid-West, to urban gardens, maintaining sustainable agriculture is a tough challenge. In the new book by Sharon Astyk and Aaron Newton, "A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil," the duo looks at the limits and dangers of a globalized food system. From recipes to analysis, the authors explore returning to basics and how it may help Americans fend of hunger.
Sharon Astyk, New York farmer and author of "A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil"