AirTalk

Will new gun control legislature make a difference? Can it pass? We'll discuss Vice President Biden's potential plans. We'll also consider a proposed tax that would go toward cleaning up L.A.'s stormwater drains. Later, we'll talk about China's one child policy, California's minimum wage, and Los Angeles' first public fruit park. All that and more, today on AirTalk.

Today, we'll discuss the implementation of human growth hormone testing in Major League Baseball. We'll also consider the mysteries and psychology behind juvenile murder cases. On FilmWeek, Larry and the critics review this week's new releases. Later, we'll talk about how Kickstarter is changing the entertainment business. All that and more, on AirTalk.

Oscar nominations were announced this morning, and “Lincoln” leads with 12 nominations, including Best Picture and Steven Spielberg for Best Director. Which other films, actors, and filmmakers made the cut and which were left on the cutting room floor? Also, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck stops by to talk with KPCC's Patt Morrison about gun law proposals and more. Plus, Governor Jerry Brown released the new state budget today, but not everyone is happy with the consequences. All that and more on today's AirTalk

Joe Biden sets his sights on gun control, hoping to have workable legislation by the end of this month. Also, OC journalists' roundtable talks about beaches, power plants, and parks. The director of "Gangster Squad" tells us about his very LA movie. Plus, weigh in on the rise of single motherhood.

Should the names of mass killers be concealed? That's the ethical question media outlets are asking themselves in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against environmentalists in a case determining whether Los Angeles County violated the Clean Water Act. Plus, Governor Jerry Brown challenges federal control over California prisons. All that and more on today's AirTalk.

Today on AirTalk, we'll examine the potential impact of the nomination of Chuck Hagel to the defense secretary position. We'll also discuss Los Angeles road repairs and the pros and cons of telecommuting. Later, we'll consider whether California should pass a "Homeless Bill of Rights," check in with updates on an NHL agreement, and speak with author Jared Diamond about the remnants of our ancestry left over in modern society.

Today on AirTalk, we examine an archaic California law that caused a rape conviction to be overturned and consider the issue of "outing" perpetrators of sexual assault via social media. We'll also discuss mandatory retirement ages. On FilmWeek, Larry and the critics review "Allegiance" and "Only The Young," and later look at the depictions of race and violence in "Django Unchained."

Could marijuana regulation in Los Angeles change this May? We'll look at two ballot initiatives dealing with medical dispensaries. We'll also consider plans for immigration reform that could ease family hardship and talk about Al Jazeera's purchase of Al Gore's Current TV. Later, we'll look at how schools are handling student reactions to tragedy and discuss tablet technology. All that and more, today on AirTalk.

Now that a fiscal cliff deal has passed, what is the economic future of the U.S.? We'll discuss what the deal means. We'll also consider the recent changes to the Sepulveda Basin wildlife habitat and speak with author Jeremy Dean about why it's so hard to keep a New Year's resolution. All that and more, today on 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.