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At the Ocean Charter School near Marina del Rey, Calif., 40 percent of the 2008 kindergarten class received vaccination exemptions. Author Michael Specter says the parents in this upscale enclave are prime examples of what he calls "denialism."

We'll discuss the seriousness of the whooping cough epidemic and we'll hear what public health officials have to say about the protections vaccines offer.

Louisiana officials are lobbying for a plan to build giant sandbars around barrier islands threatened by the Gulf oil spill. State officials say the sandbars would protect bird and wildlife sanctuaries. But scientists remain concerned that the sandbars might lead to unintended environmental consequences.

As part of a $61 billion package of cuts, House Republicans passed a proposal to eliminate $430 million in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray joins us to talk about why he voted in favor of eliminating funding for the CPB. And, KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo talks about why he thinks federal funds should continue be used to help pay for public broadcasting.

Too many complex back surgeries are being done and people are suffering as a result, according to a new study. The number of these surgeries has increased by 15 times in five years, but researchers say the benefit isn't there.

Were any breakthroughs made when U.S. and North Korean officials met with other diplomats from Northeast Asia at UC San Diego this week? We speak to the organizer of the Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue about the purpose of the meeting, and what came out of the international discussion.

Coral reefs may all smell the same to humans. But to some fish, reefs' smells have distinct qualities — even when they're several hundred miles away. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences argues that some reef fish use smelly ocean currents like New Yorkers use their subway lines — as the quickest way home.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is asking the Supreme Court to uphold a ban on selling and renting violent video games to minors. Similar bans have been enacted in eight states, but have all been struck down by federal courts.

Have you studied up on the candidates and propositions that will appear on your local ballot? Professors Glen Sparrow and Carl Luna join us to provide their analysis of the most important local races. Plus, KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge discusses the propositions that could reform state government.

China's government is coming under increasing pressure to reduce its use of the death penalty. Beijing classifies the number of people it puts to death as a state secret, but it's believed to be nearly as much as all other countries combined. Legal experts are watching the case of a man in southern China who was sentenced to death three times to see how effective recent legal reforms are.