AirTalk

Guest host David Lazarus looks at air quality at the beginning of Southern California's fire season, finds out more about tax hikes for CA, and gets all the latest news from Orange County. Then, can we afford health care reform? Joe Lieberman says no, while others say we can't afford to wait. And, can routine circumcision reduce the spread of HIV?

Guest host David Lazarus looks at the life and legacy of Senator Edward Kennedy. Then, we hear from all the stakeholders about LAUSD's move to turn over 250 schools to outside interests. And, what do babies think?

Guest Host Jon Beaupré opens the phones to talk about U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate CIA operatives. Also, he checks in with Molly Peterson about water pumps in New Orleans. Then, News Corp. has proposed that major newspapers form a consortium to charge for digital content. Could this model work? And, a look at the popularity of online gaming.

Guest host Jon Beaupre discusses the end of the "Cash for Clunkers" program. And as students return to class, how are schools and universities preparing for H1N1 flu? Then, do students perform better with online instruction or in conventional classrooms? Finally, are the chances of finding life on distant planets getting better?

Larry Mantle talks with San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom about his bid for governor. Next, when should prisoners be given compassionate release? Then, it's FilmWeek on AirTalk. Larry and film critics Jean Oppenheimer and Wade Major discuss the week's new releases, including Inglourious Basterds, Shorts, My One and Only, and Post Grad, among others. Later, Larry discusses the films of Quentin Tarantino with critics and listeners.

Larry Mantle gets an overview of the CA Legislature's vote on prison reform. Then, a discussion of LA County's criteria for evaluating child abuse. Afterward, how do health insurance co-ops work? And a look at the popularity of fantasy sports.

On Wednesday: plans to reopen inpatient services at MLK Jr. Hospital, good news and bad news at Green Dot Schools, renting California's assets to private investors, a cure for old age, and religion meets Twitter.

Larry Mantle looks at Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to overhaul California's pension system. Then, from giant sunshades to cloud-making ships, he explores the fanciful proposals to fight global warming. Finally, Larry discusses the history of Chinatowns across America.

Tax Weed? The question of legalizing pot comes up all the time. But if it is legalized some day, should it be taxed? And if so, how much? Then... Larry talks to writer K.C. Cole about her book “Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens: Frank Oppenheimer and the World He Made Up"

Larry talks to experts about the future of NASA's space ambition. Also, Larry has the latest on Michael Vick's return to football. On FilmWeek our reviewers discuss the week's new releases including District 9, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, Ponyo, The Time Traveler’s Wife and many more. Then, in light of news that Steven Spielberg will remake the Jimmy Stewart classic film, “Harvey," we open the phones to ask, which films should NOT be re-made? All that and the latest news...