AirTalk

It's been a summer of leaks and exposed government surveillance programs. In latest news, your snail mail is being tracked too. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe yesterday confirmed the existence of a mail scanning program. Are you surprised or alarmed? How does this surveillance compare to electronic data? Also, will graduate students be paying the price for lower student loan interest rates for undergrads, and how do you feel about wildlife in your neighborhood? Later, our Filmweek critics review the latest movies and discuss the value or lack thereof of remakes. Which classics should never be remade? All that and more, today on AirTalk.

AirTalk interviews the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Cheryl Boone Isaacs will not only be the first African American president, she will also face some challenges like finding the next host of the Oscars. Will she broaden the Academy's diversity? Also, should movie tickets be priced on a sliding scale, what will Snowden do now that he's been granted temporary asylum in Russia, and is the word "Caucasian" outdated and inaccurate? Then, Janet Yellen is being considered as the next Federal Reserve chair-woman, but despite her credentials, her gender may actually help her chances of getting the job. Later, UCSD paleo-biologist Richard Norris talks about how greenhouse gases can alter the ocean ecosystems, the NFL Pro Bowl may undergo some major changes, and author Lew Irwin talks about bombings in U.S. history.

Peace talks between Israel and Palestine are on again, but is anything different this time around? Then, after learning about the troubled assisted living industry, how can people ensure that seniors get adequate care? Later, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck is here to talk about the Zimmerman protests, hit-and-runs, police training and more. Then, we'll talk about Scott Simon tweeting about his mother's passing. Was it a positive thing, or does tweeting about a death make it less sacred? Then, is methane hydrate a viable alternative energy source? And how safe is it to extract? Finally, do you work on vacation? If so, you're one of 61 percent of Americans who does.

Bradley Manning was found not guilty of aiding the enemy, the most serious charge against him. What kind of impact do you think this verdict will have on similar retaliatory efforts? Then, why do some scandal-plagued people try to fix their image while others just ignore it? Next, is your workplace filled with office cliques like high school? Then, the motion picture academy is choosing a new president. Who should they pick? Next, we'll take an in-depth look at the reality of assisted living facilities for seniors. Lastly, a study reveals that happiness peaks at the average ages of 23 and 69. At what age were you happiest?

How will Pope Francis's comments about homosexuality and women impact the Catholic Church? Then, what is the best way to create a bilingual household, and are long distance relationships more meaningful? Then, for $155 a night, misdemeanor convicts can get a jail upgrade. What do you think about non-violent criminals paying to stay in a nicer jail? Next, we discuss the "Pink Panther" jewelry heist in Europe, and author Bella DePaulo fights for the rights of singles in the workplace. Are there stigmas towards being single? All that and more, today on AirTalk.

More women are coming out accusing Mayor Bob Filner of sexual harassment. Should victims of sexual harassment always come forward? Then, a new survey predicts that there will be more religious progressives than religious conservatives in the future, are times really changing? Next a survey revealed more people work on vacation, do you? Then, it's Filmweek with our critics talking about the latest movies including The Wolverine. Last, we're talking with director Joshua Oppenheimer about his disturbing documentary, "The Act of Killing."

A house amendment to change the NSA's collection of phone records was not passed, but does the narrow voting reveal hidden alliances? Next, two California schools rank high in Forbes' annual list of top schools, do you think rankings are useful? Then, we're talking with author Reza Aslan about his new book about the life of Jesus. Next, do you think disabled children should be in mainstream classrooms? Then, veteran teacher Rafe Esquith discusses his new book about the ongoing battle for education reform.

Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner is back in the spotlight for sexting, should this impact his political career? Then, what's next for MOCA after Jeffrey Deitch left. Next, why are more women drinking than ever before? Then, City Council plans on voting for the Hollywood Skyscrapers, do you think it should be built? Next, can avoiding conflicts actually lead to a happier marriage? Last, we're talking the biggest car failures, and how the LA Auto Show plans to revamp its show.

We'll discuss the federal complaint USC students filed over how the school handled sexual assault cases. Then, the ongoing debate over oil drilling at Hermosa Beach continues, what do you think are the benefits of drilling? Next, geothermal plants are causing more tremors at the San Andreas fault, could this trigger a larger earthquake? Then, we're talking baby names for the newest addition to the royal family. Next, MLB player Brewer Ryan Braun was suspended for drug use, is this punishment too harsh? Last, how long can women really wait to have a baby?