AirTalk

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.

From all of us at AirTalk, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday yesterday. You may have even gotten some shopping in as dozens of stores opened yesterday evening to get a head start on black Friday sales. We'd like to hear from you--has black Friday gone too far? Then, we'll talk about the proposed rule from the Obama administration to limit the financial role of non profits in political campaigns. And a new study found that older people report being less tired than younger people. We'll talk about why that may be, hear reviews on this week's movie releases and talk about the life of silver screen legend, Barbara Stanwyck. TGI-FilmWeek!

Pope Francis criticized growing economic inequality and Catholic Church hierarchy in first official papal manifesto. Then, when it comes to family inheritance, some personal finance experts advise transparency, not surprise. Next, an odd story out of Florida retirement community, where a man's car was spray painted with "No Kids" after visits from his granddaughter. Then, the FDA is going after at-home genetic tests, and how to navigate conflict this Thanksgiving.

President Obama made another call to Congress yesterday to pass immigration reform. Will Obama's proposed piecemeal approach finally do the trick? Then, should businesses be allowed to opt out of providing birth control as a part of the ACA on religious grounds? And we'll talk about the latest push to market girls' toys that "disrupt the pink aisles." Later, we'll talk about new research that finds most Americans want aggressive end-of-life treatments. Do those treatments just prolong suffering? Then, we'll talk about the White House's attempts to control its image and find out how texting is changing the meaning of punctuation marks.

The US, along with five other members of the UN have reached an interim agreement with Iran over its nuclear program. We'll talk about just what that deal entails and why there's so much disagreement over whether it goes far enough. Then, do longer commutes lead to political apathy? We'll talk about a new study that suggests it might and find out the latest on the space-travel industry. Later, we'll talk about the pros and cons of some new proposed toy gun regulations and the Hollywood Reporter's investigation of animal treatment on film sets. And finally, we're talking to the author of "From Scratch" about our favorite Food Network shows.

Fifty years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. How is this tragic moment in history felt today? Next, UN climate change talks reveal a rift between rich and poor countries. Should countries that pollute more pay more in climate aid? Then, California's health insurance marketplace rejects President Obama's plan to extend cancelled plans. Did the state make the right call? Then, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and more on FilmWeek--and a intimate look at "Queen of Pinups" Bettie Paige.

Senate Democrats voted today to invoke the so-called "nuclear option" to change the longstanding rules for executive appointments. Then, L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz looks to raise the number of cats residents can keep in their home. Next, music publishers are going after websites that display lyrics. Also, we discuss how and why $14 billion in child support was left unpaid in the U.S. in a single year. Then, a rundown of the L.A. sights to keep your out-of-town holiday guests happy and a look at JFK's Senate career with author John T. Shaw.

A new study found that the Justice Department underestimates the number of sexual assaults that occur in the US. We'll talk about the ways in which we count rapes and sexual assaults may change. Then, LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck is here to talk about the LAX shooting, the Gatto murder and more. And nuclear talks in Geneva have resumed between Iran and six countries. How close are we to making a deal? Later, we'll talk about the Senate's work on the National Defense Authorization Act and find out from author Sam Harris why you should always tell the truth.

Many local southern California newspapers will now have a pay wall. Are pay walls now necessary for newspapers to survive? Then, San Francisco lawmakers push for amendments to the states' 'no-fault' evictions. What changes do the lawmakers want to make? Next, we give you a preview of the upcoming LA Auto Show. What cars are you excited to see? Then, military suicide prevention programs seem to be working. What are the programs implementing? Lastly, what happens when someone live tweets a breakup? Can anyone have an expectation of privacy?

California has proposed new regulations for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Do the new rules go too far, or not far enough? Then, the latest on the damage from scores of destructive tornadoes in the Midwest. In health, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has banned unregulated herbs and supplements. Should decisions about supplements fall on the parents? Also in health, we'll discuss concerns that the American Heart Association's new cholesterol calculator overestimates risk and take a look at new ways to notify past partners about STIs. Then, do you suffer from Entomophobia? We'll talk with author Jeffrey A. Lockwood about why so many of us are afraid of creepy, crawly insects.