* BP Begins "Top Kill" Attempt to Plug Oil Leak * Expert: Continued Leak Would Mark "Disaster Unseen by Humanity" * Admin Suspends Arctic Drilling, New Oil Leases * Dems Reduce Jobless Benefits Package * Admin, Dems Prep Education Aid as 100,000 Teachers Face Layoffs * Police Chiefs: Arizona Anti-Immigrant Law Increases Crime * 5 Protesters Arrested at Chevron Annual Meeting * Aid Flotilla Approaching Gaza; Israel Vows to Block Ships * Berenson Release Expected Today * Peruvian Indigenous Leader Arrested Following Return from Asylum
Coast Guard Grounds Ships Involved in Spill Cleanup After 7 Fall Ill; BP Reportedly Preventing Fishermen from Wearing Respirators
At least seven fishermen involved in the cleanup of the BP oil spill were hospitalized on Wednesday after reporting nausea, dizziness, headaches and chest pains. The fishermen were likely exposed to both the leaked oil and chemical dispersants. As a precautionary measure, the Coast Guard has ordered all 125 commercial ships helping with the cleanup to return to land. For weeks, cleanup crews hired by BP have been reporting health issues, but their complaints have largely been ignored. We speak to Clint Guidry, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, and Albert Huang, an environmental justice attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Renowned Marine Biologist Carl Safina on the BP Oil Spill’s Ecological Impact on the Gulf Coast and Worldwide
As we continue our discussion on the BP oil spill, we turn to its long-term ecological impact. Carl Safina, the founding president of Blue Ocean Institute, warns the ecological fallout from the spill may be felt across much of the world.
Historian Bruce Cumings: US Stance on Korea Ignores Tensions Rooted in 65-Year-Old Conflict; North Korea Sinking Could Be Response to November ’09 South Korea Attack
Tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea’s alleged sinking of a South Korean warship two months ago. North Korea has said it will sever all ties with South Korea and repeal a non-aggression agreement between the two countries. South Korea, meanwhile, has announced a stop to most trade with North Korea and is seeking action against Pyongyang at the United Nations Security Council. The South Korean navy is reported to be conducting a major anti-submarine drill. We speak to University of Chicago historian Bruce Cumings, author of several books on Korea. [includes rush transcript]