In this week’s Iserotope Extras, enjoy articles about the eradication of rodents, the revolution in the food industry, the unfair discipline practices of many charter schools, and the denouement of President Obama’s time in office. Also, in the middle, take in a short poem about Eric Garner and #BlackLivesMatter.

Man vs. Rat: Could the long war soon be over?

Many Extras subscribers know about and appreciate my aversion to rodents. Perhaps as a method of exposure therapy, I read this article, which focuses on researchers studying contraception as a viable way to eradicate rats. Where do I send them all my money?

The People’s Cheeseburger

So much to say about LocoL, the restaurant featured in this article. Motivated by goals of social justice, chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson envisioned bringing high-quality, nutritious food to the masses when they opened their radical burger joint in Watts. It’s too bad that the Oakland version gets only 3 ½ stars on Yelp. (I’m going anyway.)

Thank you, Extras subscriber Peter, for sending in this poem!

Charter Schools Suspend and Expel More Often in Black Communities

Usually I shy away from articles that bash charter schools, but this one is fair. It offers statistics from several cities where charter schools are suspending and expelling too many students, particularly African Americans. The no-excuses charters (like Success Academy and Achievement First) are worst, particularly on the East coast.

Barack Obama and Doris Kearns Goodwin: The Ultimate Exit Interview

If you’re sad that President Barack Obama’s two terms are almost over, or if you like history, this interview is a great read. Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals, offers President Obama a chance to reflect on his legacy. I especially like his answer to Ms. Goodwin’s question about the different types of ambition.

You have successfully made it through the 60th issue of Iserotope Extras! Let me know if were moved by one or more of these articles, and feel free to get the word out. See you next Thursday at 9:10 am!