Will 'Top Kill' Prevent a Disaster from Getting Worse?
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
President Obama will announce new deep-sea oil regulations tomorrow, and Friday he'll visit the Gulf coast for the second time since the spill. Will BP finally have plugged the oil gusher? We get a progress report today on what's called “Top Kill.” Also, retiring the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and a month ago, the Obama Administration said the Mexican border was as secure as it's ever been. So why are 1200 National Guard troops needed to help law enforcement?
Banner image: Helix Q4000 on location of MC 252 as it prepares for "Top Kill" in the Gulf of Mexico, © BP p.l.c.
Making News
Retiring the Space Shuttle Atlantis ()
The space shuttle Atlantis made what's likely to be its last landing today at Cape Canaveral. Robert Block, space editor for the Orlando Sentinel, called it "a beautiful, bittersweet homecoming," picture perfect and right on time.
Guests:
- Robert Block: Space Editor, Orlando Sentinel
Links:
Main Topic
BP Attempts to Plug Well: Endless Oil, Endless Blame ()
BP is preparing for "Top Kill," using mud to plug the broken oil well, if it concludes that high pressure won't cause new leaks in a weakened system. The company puts the chance of success between 60 and 70%. Meantime, there's new evidence of warning signs before the explosion and more testimony that federal rules for deep sea drilling amounted to self-regulation. Pressure is building on the Obama Administration to take more decisive action, but there are doubts that it has the expertise or the technology. We get a progress report on "Top Kill," update investigative hearings and hear what's happening to the habitats of fish, birds and people.
Guests:
- Mark Schleifstein: Environmental Reporter, Times-Picayune, @mschleifsteintp
- Satish Nagarajaiah: Professor of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Rice University
- Anna Fifield: US Political Correspondent, Financial Times
- Tracy Kuhns: Bayou-keeper, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
- Jay Holcomb: Executive Director, International Bird Rescue Research Center
- Abrahm Lustgarten: Reporter, ProPublica
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Obama to Send Additional National Guard Troops to the Border ()
Just a month ago, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a Senate committee the US-Mexican border "is as secure as it has ever been." Yesterday, President Obama said that 1200 National Guard troops are on their way to the area. What's changed? The National Guard will help law enforcement target the smuggling of drugs, guns and people, but not by making arrests or intervening directly. That's according to Ken Dilanian, who reports from Washington for the Tribune Company.
Guests:
- Ken Dilanian: Homeland Security Correspondent, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune, @KenDilanianLAT
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
