High School Exit Exam Ruling; Cancer Cure Found for Mice; 10 Percenters; The Democratic Strategy for the '06 Elections; New History of the Angels Baseball Team
High School Exit Exam Ruling
46,000 high school seniors statewide who have failed to pass the two-part high school exit exam, which is required for graduation, may still be able to receive their diplomas, pending this afternoon's decision from Alameda County Superior Judge Robert B. Freedman. Parents and students have argued that poor and minority students in low-performing schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to passing the exam because the schools have not properly prepared the students. Yesterday, the judge stated his intention to issue an injunction to bar schools from denying graduation to seniors who have fulfilled all other graduation requirements. Larry Mantle speaks with guests about the possible injunction and its impact on high school seniors who have not passed the exit exam.
Cancer Cure Found for Mice
White blood cells from a strain of cancer-resistant mice cured all advanced cancers in ordinary laboratory mice, researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine reported yesterday. Even highly aggressive forms of cancers with large tumors were completely eradicated. In addition, the injections also protected normal mice from what should have been lethal doses of highly aggressive new cancers. Larry Mantle talks with the researchers about the surprising findings, and about how this type of therapy might be applied to humans.
10 Percenters
In an effort to reduce crime by keeping repeat criminals behind bars, the LAPD and prosecutors have agreed to implement The 10 Percenter, a new program based on research which shows that 10% of criminals commit up to half of all crimes. Civil libertarians and defenders fear the program could be abused and lead to illegal profiling of suspects. Larry discusses the pros and cons of the new program with LAPD Assistant Chief George Gascon and Duke University Constitutional Law Professor Erwin Chemerinsky.
The Democratic Strategy for the '06 Elections
According to a new USA Today poll, President Bush's disapproval ratings have hit an all-time high of 65%. According to another poll conducted by Ipsos-AP, 51% of Americans want Democrats to control the house. Public opinion hasn't looked this good for Democrats in a long time. The question is, will the party take the ball and run with it by winning back the House in '06 and the Presidency in '08, or will they drop it again? Larry Mantle talks with House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin, LA Times Political Correspondent Ron Brownstein, and Ed Kilgore of the Democratic Leadership Council.
New History of the Angels Baseball Team
In his new book, Once They Were Angels, author Robert Goldman shares his insights into the Angel's 44- year team history through fresh perspectives offered by the players including Rod Carew, Nolan Ryan, and Reggie Jackson, who defined the franchise. Larry Mantle speaks with Goldman about of one of Major Leagues Baseball's most entertaining teams.