What Iranians in Southern California are saying about the pending nuclear deal, the implications of the Ellen Pao case, Trevor Noah takes over 'The Daily Show.'
As nuclear deal nears, LA's Iranian community watches closely
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting in Switzerland with leaders from Iran and several other countries, trying to hammer out a deal on Iran's nuclear program before a deadline Tuesday.
But while the talks play out on the global stage, what are Iranians in Southern California saying about it?
"Mainly the word is worried," said Siamak Kalhour, host with KIRN 670am, Radio Iran LA. "A lot of Iranians are worried."
But some are also hopeful about what the deal could bring for their home country, including an easing of sanctions.
"It depends what sanctions are lifted and when they are lifted," said Kalhour, who notes that his listeners reflect the diversity of the community, both in terms of background and viewpoints on the issue. But "the majority of [our listeners] are in favor of the deal."
Ellen Pao case: What's next for Silicon Valley's gender debate
The case of Ellen Pao may have come to a close, but the issues raised in the case are very much alive in Silicon Valley.
We're joined by Vauhini Vara, the business and tech correspondent for NewYorker.com.
Indiana legislation brings controversy and Harry Reid calls it quits
Recently Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Indiana Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, a law that some claim will allow discrimination.
And Harry Reid has already endorsed Senator Chuck Schumer to succeed him as senate minority leader. What does the future hold for Schumer?
Take Two is joined in our weekly look at the week in news with Emily Schultheis, political reporter for National Journal, and Jamelle Bouie of Slate.
Electricity 'sippers' could pay more with upcoming rate changes
The California Public Utilities Commission is getting close to releasing changes to electricity rates, a reform effort spawned by concerns about fairness in tiered pricing put in place after the 2001 energy crisis.
But utilities, ratepayer advocates, and environmental groups don’t exactly agree about what’s fair.
Southern California Public Radio's Molly Peterson joins Take Two to break down what will change and what this means at bill time.
Seattle's path to a $15 minimum wage
In the first in a series on minimum wage in Seattle, KUOW reporter Deborah Wang explores the path to passing the city's $15 minimum wage.
Supreme Court won't hear California high school T shirt case
The Supreme Court has decided not to take on a case involving Live Oak High School in Northern California.
Five years ago, the principal there asked students to hide shirts featuring the American flag during a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Howard Mintz, legal affairs reporter for the San Jose Mercury News, joins the discussion.
UCLA announcer retires after March Madness loss
UCLA's March Madness run ended Friday with a loss to Gonzaga. And after 23 years, it was the final call for Bruins play by play man Chris Roberts.
On The Lot: Rihanna hits 'Home' run, who will produce next Oscars
It's been a rough few years for Dreamworks Animation. The LA Times' Rebecca Keegan explains that misses than hits meant the studio that brought us "Shrek" laid off a fifth of its staff, and had to sell its studio complex and then rent it back to come up with some cash.
But "Home" may turn things around. The film, with voices from Rihanna and Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") topped the box office, and that sent the studios stock climbing.
Meanwhile, the hunt is on for the next producer for the Oscars telecast. It's considered a thankless job. Producing a live television show that has to appeal to both the industry types in the room, and viewers in their living rooms is a challenge. And it's not easy to make the presentation of some of the less-than-exciting categories seem compelling. One of the more interesting ideas - hire someone from ESPN. The network is certainly adept at live events featuring competition.
Rebecca Keegan joins Take Two on Mondays for On the Lot.
Comedian Trevor Noah tapped as new host of 'The Daily Show'
For decades, late night television has been dominated by white men, but that's about to change.
Comedy Central has announced a replacement for Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show": a 31-year-old South African comedian named Trevor Noah.
Noah first appeared on the late night program just a few months ago:
New York Times culture reporter
joined Take Two to talk about what Trevor Noah might bring to "The Daily Show" host seat.
SoCal artist paints '100 Not So Famous Views of LA'
When you think of Los Angeles, certain images come to mind. There's the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Capitol Records, and the muscle heads on Venice Beach. But a new book explores another, "not so famous" side of town.
In "100 Not So Famous Views of L.A.," artist and author Barbara Thomason focused on the landmarks, bridges, parks and vistas that go beyond the usual post card images.
Taking her inspiration from the mid-nineteenth century Japanese print-maker Utagawa Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," Thomason says she started out without any expectations for the project "other than to do a hundred paintings and hoping I got through it."
Later, her goal became to get people to "take a second look at things and maybe quit tearing them down," Thomason says. "I think we have a lot worth looking at and saving."
You can see more of Barbara Thomason's paintings from "100 Not So Famous Views of L.A." here.
Gustavo Dudamel extends his contract with the LA Phil
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel is in his sixth season as music director for the LA Philharmonic, and last week he extended his contract through the year 2022.
Take Two spoke with Dudamel last fall as the season was about to start and the Phil was debuting a new series titled "Inside the Music."