AirTalk

A Judge has deemed Hollywood development plans "fatally flawed." We discuss what the implications are for Hollywood. It seems that rent is always too high. What effect do high rent prices have in Los Angeles? Later, we talk about leading ladies taking charge in films this year.

LA leaders are calling for more oversight at the LA County Sheriff's Department. Next, a look at this year's fire season, crime convictions reporting requirements on job applications, and NSA domestic spying. Then, we explore a project that trains journalists in conflict zones and discuss holiday tipping etiquette.

A bipartisan budget deal has arrived. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray have come together on a 2-year budget agreement. The Los Angeles City Council approved a $6 million settlement for the case surrounding ticket quotas. As the world continues to mourn Nelson Mandela's death, we discuss South Africa's future. As the end of the year approaches, Congress debates whether or not to extend unemployment benefits again. Later, we look at the impact that taking photos has on your memory.

The Justice Department indicted 18 L.A. County Sheriff's deputies yesterday. We discuss the implications and what oversight is needed at the Sheriff's Department. Drafts of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan were released and have renewed debate of the controversial project. A new state law that requires school districts to provide family income verification to ensure equal distribution of funds. School District officials want the requirement waived, arguing that it is a redundant provision. Recruitment at the LAPD is low as the department struggles to find qualified candidates. Later, we discuss plea bargains and the influence on a trial. The new GM head Mary Barra and her path to becoming the first female head of a major U.S. car company. And who do you think should be TIME Magazine's person of the year?

An 11-judge appeals court panel will consider the constitutionality of California's mandatory collection of DNA from all arrestees. Do privacy concerns trump law enforcement benefits? Then, why are tech giants are urging the NSA to rein its surveillance programs? Next, we'll look at the appeal of old technology, how politics plays into Supreme Court retirement plans, and the right way to handle peeping toms in the digital age. Then, biographer Deborah Solomon explains how Norman Rockwell was more complicated than his homespun artwork suggests.

Today on AirTalk, we continue to remember former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday at age 95. We'll talk about some of the music he inspired, the divestment movement at UC Berkeley and Mandela's visit to California. What are your memories of Nelson Mandela? Later, our film critics are here to review this week's releases, and we'll talk about the plethora of documentaries eligible for Oscar nomination.

Our current Congress is making history with a record low number of bills passed this session. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Then, the use of the ADHD drug Adderall and other stimulants in the workplace is on the rise. Can those meds really make us smarter or more productive? Then, we're talking to the lost boys behind the musical 'Peter and the Starcatcher.' Later, we'll talk about the large number of fast food workers and other low wage earners who rely on government assistance programs. Then, is it possible to be both overweight and healthy? And we'll talk about Jeff Bezos and the age of Amazon.

A US bankruptcy judge ruled yesterday that Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy. What implications does that have for California? Then, after NYC commuter rail crash, is train safety technology the answer to human error? And is there any need for people to use fancy words anymore? Later, what should California do about DDT from Palos Verdes shelf? And we'll talk about Republicans accused of launching a fake website for the Affordable Care Act and the man who put California's wine country on the map.

Today, a frequent flyer who was booted out of his airline's program for complaining too much will get his day in court--the Supreme Court. What will the outcome mean for future relationships between airlines and their frequent flyers? Then, has the U.S. Constitution forced our government off course?? And how will the Trojan's new head coach fit in with the current team? Later, a new study finds some significant differences in how the brains of males and females are hard-wired. How will the findings help to treat certain neurological diseases? Then, are you more or less productive at work when your boss is watching? And we'll explore the importance of Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an.

Some California Democrats are calling for increased spending now that the state's revenue outlook has improved. But should the state save for a rainy day? Then, a dining double standard? Chefs say Los Angeles food critics favor Mexican street food over high-end cuisine. Next, a look at how California's nursing shortage is compounded by a shortage of nursing educators. Then, we discuss a troubling trend of mistrust among Americans and speak with author Diane Francis, who makes the case for a merger between the U.S. and Canada.