AirTalk

As 2013 gets closer by the hour, the harsh reality of tax hikes and slashed spending is getting more and more real. President Obama said today a deal to avoid going over the Fiscal Cliff is in sight, but not finalized. As the the federal government’s great game of chicken barrels towards its midnight, January 1 deadline, who will receive the blame if we go over the cliff? Also, now that the Tribune Company has emerged from bankruptcy, what will happen at the Los Angeles Times? All that and more on the last AirTalk of 2012.

Today, we check in on the fiscal cliff situation in the final days of negotiation. We'll also look forward, to the future of the NFL in Los Angeles, and back, on the biggest failures and flops of 2012. Later, discussion of credit score dating, gun permit mapping, and extraterrestrial life.

David Lazarus fills in for Larry to discuss gun control and the fight over movie money between Hollywood and Silicon Valley. We'll also discuss the president of France and his ban on homework. Could it work in the U.S.? Later, we consider whether someone an employer considers to be "irresistibly attractive" should be fired. All that and more, today on AirTalk.

Will Congress be able to finalize a fiscal cliff deal before the New Year? We discuss who has the clout to make progress before it's too late. We'll also consider the psychology of the NRA, talk about the filmography of 'The Hobbit,' and look back on the best science stories of the year. Later, a guide to holiday tipping. All that and more, on AirTalk, guest hosted today by David Lazarus.

One week ago today, the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut sparked an outcry to renew the national conversation on gun control which has reached all the way up to the nation’s highest office. The National Rifle Association responded by holding a press conference this morning. In his speech, Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre invoked the Sandy Hook tragedy, saying that we as a nation have fallen short in protecting “the most beloved, innocent and vulnerable members of the American family - our children.” And he called on Congress to immediately put armed police officers in every school.

Is it the end of the world as we know it? Today, we’ll consider the turning over of the Mayan calendar, discuss Toyota’s poor crash test ratings, and talk about the best way to react to violent emergency situations. Later, we’ll speak with “Silver Linings Playbook” director David O’ Russell. All that and more, on AirTalk.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, local officials are taking steps towards gun safety reforms. We'll discuss what California legislators are doing about gun control. Dr. Mark Lachs joins Larry to talk all things health -- no insurance needed. We'll also consider the Benghazi report and it's potential impact on a possible Clinton presidential run. Later, we'll talk about holiday food and speak with Richard Gere about his role in Arbitrage.

Within hours of the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, dozens of news networks were reporting erroneous information, but why? What can be done to minimize inaccurate reports following breaking news? And, with Susan Rice bowing out of the running for Secretary of State, who will succeed Hillary Clinton? Plus, what do you really need to know about the fiscal cliff? All that and more in today's AirTalk.

Today, as Newtown and the nation mourns, we focus the conversation on mental health and gun control. Also, Chief Becks plan to keep LAUSD schools safe. Later, director Benh Zeitlin rallies ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild.’ All that and more, on AirTalk.