AirTalk

The LA city budget- deal or no deal? Then Larry looks at the governor's plan to reduce prison overcrowding, as well as new energy standards for big-screen televisions. And it's FilmWeek on AirTalk. Larry and the KPCC film critics discuss this week's new releases.

Orange County offers to drop charges on arrests in exchange for a DNA sample; Larry talks with William Ouchi about how to raise school performance; a look at ACORN; and Kristin Tillquist, author of "Capitalizing on Kindness" tells us why nice guys finish first in the workplace.

Larry Mantle discusses Max Baucus' health plan, and examines the newly released test scores for CA's public schools. Then, will ticketing students for cutting class promote better attendance? With recent high-profile outbursts in the news, where has civility gone? And as the Station Fire reaches full containment, a look at the recovery process.

Trouble is brewing for the LA city budget. Then, is non-profit news the next wave for journalism? And, we crack open Ted Kennedy's autobiography "True Compass", and Frank Bruni's memoir "Born Round".

Larry discusses President Obama's speech on the financial markets; A talk with the U.S. Chief Information Officer; Are right-wing extremists hurting the GOP?; And a look at plans for a controversial water project in the Mojave Desert.

Listeners weigh in on the lasting effect of 9/11. Then, guest host David Lazarus gets all the latest news from our Orange County Journalists. And, it's FilmWeek on AirTalk.

An analysis of President Obama's health care address to Congress, and Larry talks to Po Bronson about new thinking in raising children and his book "NurtureShock".

U.S. consumer debt dropped a record $21.6 billion in July. How will this affect an economic recovery? Larry Mantle also discusses the business challenges for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Then, a preview of President Obama's speech to Congress on health care reform. And do people respond to disasters with goodwill more than panic? Larry talks with Rebecca Solnit, author of "A Paradise Built in Hell", about the altruistic behavior that arises from natural and man-made catastrophes.

Happy Labor Day! AirTalk goes on the road to ask, "Is California governable?" Then, author Christopher Cokinos joins Larry Mantle to discuss the allure of shooting stars. Finally, Larry talks with Simon Schama about the American future, and how the stories from the past will determine its course.

Woe is Obama? AirTalk looks at the hirings, firings, and Capitol Hill battle over health care. Then, as water mains flood Studio City, how is the rest LA's infrastructure holding up? Later, Larry and guests discuss General Stanley McChrystal's new plan for Afghanistan. And, oh the humanity! Author Richard Wrangham tells Larry how cooking made us human.