Larry discusses the U.N.'s move to place tough sanctions on North Korea, the FDA and regualtion of tobacco, the Iranian elections and FilmWeek
U.N. Imposes Sanctions on North Korea
The U.N. Security Council has approved tough new sanctions against North Korea for its recent nuclear test. The sanctions will apply to the nation's weapons exports and financial dealings and will allow inspections of suspect cargo in ports and on the high seas. The resolution was negotiated by the five permanent Security Council nations which includes the U.S., Britain, France as well as China and Russia.
Dave Kang, director of the Korean Studies Institute at the University of Southern California
No Butts About It
Passed by the House and now the Senate, President Obama says he will sign H.R. 1256, paving the way for regulation of tobacco by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that the FDA is now allowed to control the ingredients in tobacco products, and the agency is expected to soon issue new rules on nicotine, content and other cigarette components. The bill also requires that all tobacco products display a list of ingredients and warning labels. Advertising regulations for the tobacco industry will also go into effect adding more limits to how and where advertising is appropriate. Many of the regulations focus on preventing children from starting to smoke.
Noam Levey, Health Policy Reporter for the LA Times
Iranians Cast Their Votes for President
Current Iraqi President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is being challenged by reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi, with pre-election polls showing them neck-and-neck in the race. Iranians living in Southern California will also cast their votes in one of three Southland polling places. Although a small group of Islamic clerics control Iran's core policies, a new President could create an opportunity to improve U.S.-Iran relations.
Scott Peterson, Iran/Iraq correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, and author of the upcoming book "Iran, America, and the Path toward Peace"
Shirley Jahad, KPCC reporter
Film Reviews
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics discuss the week's new film releases including The Taking of Pelham 123, Imagine That, Moon, Tetro, The Art of Being Straight, Dim Sum Funeral, Food Inc., Kabei, Our Mother, A Wink And A Smile, Unmistaken Child, and Seraphine.
Wade Major, film critic for boxoffice.com
Jean Oppenheimer, film critic for Village Voice Media