AirTalk

The shooting of a mentally ill black man, Ezell Ford, by LAPD officers has led local civil rights figures to speak out about the use of deadly force. Also, the world of sports writing has long been a male-dominated field of journalism, though it’s significantly more common to find a female beat writer today than it was in 1979 when Lisa Saxon got her start. Then, has LA arrived with a New Year’s party befitting its megalopolis status?

Several shots were fired at a Los Angeles Police Department patrol car in South Los Angeles in what cops called an “unprovoked attack.” Also, the wait for driverless car sales in California will continue. Then, author Barry Day delves into the life of literary great Raymond Chandler.

A gun smuggling plot that resulted in more than 150 firearms being flown on commercial airliners from Atlanta to New York City is being called one of the worst airline security breaches since 9/11. Also, how does Europe's recent ruling on obesity being considered a disability impact U.S. policy? Then, film critics review this week's theater and DVD releases.

In the span of six weeks, the Sony breach has turned into a story about national security, cyber-terrorism and creative freedom. We’ll look at the cultural, political and business implications of the breach. Also, superintendents of the 30 largest school districts in California have been in their roles for three years or less. What can be done about it? Then, Bruce Feiler searches for meaning in "Sacred Journeys."

New York City was hit hard Saturday by the killing of two NYPD officers as they sat in their patrol car on a Brooklyn street. Also, Linda Deutsch has been the most trusted voice in court journalism. Now, she says, she’s moving on to the next stage of her career. Then, in “Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics are Remaking America,” demographer William H. Frey examines the impact of America's ethnic shift.

President Obama is holding his last press conference of the year with Cuba and Sony's hack at the forefront of everyone's minds. Can the President assuage fears about theater safety and future cyber attacks? Also, critics look at this week's releases including 'The Hobbit' and 'Annie.'

Sony Pictures in Culver City has pulled the release of its comedy "The Interview" a day after an online threat of violence against moviegoers and theaters where "The Interview" would be shown. Also, the Russian economy has been hit hard by falling oil prices and international sanctions related to Ukraine. Then, whatever your reason for hating Christmas music, we’re tackling the worst of the worst on AirTalk.

The US is set to open talks to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba after a 50-year stalemate. Also, in a highly anticipated move, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced yesterday that the city will buy 7,000 body-worn cameras for LAPD officers. Then, Millenials have been flocking back to their parents’ homes in increasing numbers, with some never leaving at all.

Jeb Bush has announced that he is “actively exploring” a presidential run in 2016. Also, AirTalk has assembled a panel of healthcare experts from several fields to discuss why healthcare costs are so high in the U.S. and what can be done to bring those costs to a lower level. Then, should apps like Waze be able to redirect individual routes through all areas of the city?