Equifax, one of three big credit report companies, revealed that stored user data had been hacked, compromising up to 143 million American consumers - what does that mean for protecting personal information and the efficacy of social security numbers? We also get the latest on Hurricane Irma as it heads towards Florida; review this week's movies on FilmWeek; and more.
The latest on Irma as it’s forecast to come ashore this weekend
Irma continues its approach this morning, with the current forecast predicting the hurricane hitting the shoreline early this Sunday.
According to the current National Hurricane Center forecast, Irma will barrel through South Florida upwards through Broward and Palm Beach counties and even higher up North. Meanwhile, Miami and Florida Keys residents are continuing to evacuate, in what could be one of the biggest mass evacuations in the U.S.
We get the latest on Irma with a reporter in Miami.
Guest:
Jenny Staletovich, environment and hurricane reporter for the Miami Herald; she tweets
In light of the Equifax hack, a look at better alternatives to social security numbers
Thursday, one of the three big credit report companies Equifax said the stored users data was hacked.
The cyber attack may have compromised 143 million American consumers, putting their personal information and social security numbers at risk of identity theft. Credit report agencies are particularly vulnerable to massive data breaches, since they tend to contain a comprehensive package of identity information. Using the names, addresses, and social security numbers stolen from Equifax, thieves could impersonate consumers with lenders, potentially ruining the credit of the victim. In recent years, attacks have prompted many data companies to find alternatives to social security numbers.
There are other forms of identity available: IRS has an unique tax-filing number for identity theft victims, a company named Threat Metrix offers an identity based on one’s digital footprint, even Equifax provides a digital ID for its users.
But how far are we in applying these alternative identities on a federal level? Which one of the solutions out there provide the most secure protections? Host Larry Mantle sits down with Avivah Litan, analyst and cyber security specialist at Gartner Research, to talk about the future of online identity.
You can visit the Equifax site to check if your information has been compromised.
Guests:
Avivah Litan, vice president and analyst in Gartner Research
Eva Velasquez, President/CEO at the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit focused on educating the public on issues revolving around identity theft and cyber security
Analyzing DeVos’ plans to review the way sexual assault is handled on college campuses
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made news Thursday during a speech at George Mason University in Virginia.
DeVos announced that her department plans to review guidelines set for by the Obama Administration on campus sexual assault. As reported by CNN, the move was sparked by concerns that due process is currently lacking for accused individuals. Title IX is a law prohibiting federally funded schools and programs from committing discriminatory practices based on sex. In his first term, the Obama Administration issued a memo known as a “dear colleague” letter which gave guidance on how schools should handle allegations of sexual assault.
One of the most notable points in the letter was to create Title IX panels to review evidence in sexual assault investigations. DeVos said in her announcement that her department “will launch a transparent notice-and-comment process to incorporate the insights of all parties in developing a better way."
So what will that process look like and how will it impact Title IX? Larry speaks to legal experts to find out more.
Guests:
Joe Cohn, legislative and policy director for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), a national nonprofit that advocates for university student and faculty rights and have been involved in campus due process issues
Carly N. Mee, staff attorney at SurvJustice, an organization based in Washington, D.C. advocating for sexual assault survivors; her work focuses on Title IX
The SoCal radio merger that aims to put 88.5FM on the map
Two noncommercial radio stations will join forces in the hope of creating a public radio juggernaut in the already crowded LA radio market.
Both stations -- KCSN in Northridge and KSBR in Mission Viejo -- share the same FM frequency 88.5. The combined entity, branded “The New 88.5” will adopt KCSN’s adult album alternative format, focusing on pop, rock and other musical genres.
Separately, KCSN and KSBR have an audience of about 1 million listeners. Their marriage could reach a potential 11.5 million listeners.
Guest:
Sky Daniels, program director of KCSN-FM, based at Cal State Northridge
FilmWeek: ‘It,’ ‘Home Again,’ ‘Rebel in the Rye’ and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases including:
- "It" in wide release
- "Home Again" in wide release
- "Rebel in the Rye" at The Landmark
- "Napping Princess" at Laemmle's Monica Film Center & Laemmle's Playhouse
- "Rememory" at AMC Dine-In Sunset
- "Dolores" at Nuart Theater
- "Free in Deed" at Arena Cinelounge Hollywood
- "Man in Red Bandana" at Laemmle's Music Hall
- "September Morning" at Vintage Los Feliz
- "Gun Shy" at Laemmle's NoHo
Critics' Hits
- Charles: "Napping Princess"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWXnyjYrhhY
- Wade: "It," "Free in Deed" & "Napping Princess"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKJmEC5ieOk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv6IkorTumk
- Lael: "Dolores"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unzr9kiFScQ
Mixed Feelings
- Wade: "Gun Shy"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNzS4WeACwQ
- Lael: "September Morning"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFnWduAi_xA
Misses!
- Wade: "Home Again"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-oFOgFB2uM
- Charles: "September Morning"
Guests:
Lael Loewenstein, KPCC film critic
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
Get scared – and nostalgic – in the latest adaptation of Stephen King, ‘It’
The top film of the week is the Stephen King adaptation “It,” which begs the question: What’s your favorite Stephen King book-turned-film?
With more than 50 books published and 40 movie adaptations made over the years, King’s work is still as relevant as ever. Recent big budget films like “The Dark Tower” starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, as well as King-inspired shows like “Stranger Things,” encapsulate the longevity and influence of the author’s work. But not without some backlash. Even cult-favorite movies like Stanley Kubric’s “The Shining” drew criticism from the author himself, who believed the film drifted too far from the content of his book.
What are your favorite King adaptations? And why do you think audiences still flock to these visual interpretations? Call us at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Lael Loewenstein, KPCC film critic
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine