Paul Gunter and Karl Grossman of Beyond Nuclear on Democracy Now

China, Britain, Germany and others push back on nukes: not the U.S.

China, Britain, and Germany  have already announced halts to new constructions and shut downs of some operating plants for safety checks. But the Obama administration, even in the midst of the nuclear disaster in Japan, publicly stated on Wednesday that the U.S. will continue to push ahead with nuclear expansion plans. Said Chu that the president’s budget calls for $36 billion for loan guarantees for new reactors. “The president’s budget is what it is,” he said. “That position has not been changed.”  Outraged already? We are.

Cannonfire blog uncovers some ugly truth about the right's "pundits"

If you are wondering who the Heartland Institute is - Jay Lehr keeps popping up on all the right wing news shows to downplay the Japan nuclear crisis - check out this excellent blog - Cannonfire.

Live coverage from Japan

NHK World (English) brings you live coverage, press conferences, and clear "tutorials" on the reactor functions and malfunctions. Latest: Presidents of Japan and the U.S. are talking by phone. Growing concern for the 50 workers at Fukushima making possibly the ultimate sacrifice to avert a greater disaster. Police water cannon trucks coming in. Helicopters now spraying from the air even though radiation levels above the plant are high.

Helicopters now dumping water in desperate attempt to save reactors

New reports and video here.