Take Two

The pandemic hit our most vulnerable populations the hardest. We look back - and ahead on the issue of housing and homelessness. Plus, we unwind with the best tunes of 2020.

This week, we look back at 2020 - and ahead to 2021 - and today we zero in on the spread of COVID-19 and distance learning in LAUSD. Plus, some judges and prosecutors in LA are pushing back on DA Gascon's policies.

Today's show is dedicated to our Race in LA series with LAist.com where Angelenos share their personal stories of how race and ethnicity has shaped their relationship with the world.

What to know about the UK's new COVID-19 variant, coronavirus outbreaks tick up at childcare facilities and how to give this holiday season because kindness is contagious.

COVID-19 relief talks continue in congress as needs mount, ICU nurse pleads to Angelenos to stay home and author Christina Hammonds Reed on her new young adult novel, The Black Kids.

LAUSD first millennial board president Kelly Gonez joins us, California monarchs plummet to low levels and why Tom Cruise freaked out on his crew over COVID-19 protocols

It'll be several months before the general public gets access to the coronavirus vaccine but what checks will be place to make sure it's distributed equitably, LAist's Race in LA series goes back to 1956, and Disney faces pushback for some mask photos.

The first shots of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine are administered, cops may have to be 25 before they get a badge and gun and West Hollywood relies on super heroes to stress importance of wearing masks.

How Gov. Newsom is looking to fill a number of important positions in CA's government, how the coronavirus vaccine will get distributed in LA County and some hot tips for making potato latkes.

CA is expected to get the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in just two days, a low income housing complex for veterans has been destroyed and why the NFL wants to finish the season.

Today, we'll look at the U.S. Postal Service's decision to end Saturday delivery. Can this move help the struggling agency? Then, Corey Moore reports on a two-mom family hoping that the Boy Scouts' the no-gays policy will end, Gov. Rick Perry urges California businesses to consider the Lone Star state, behind-the-scenes with Executive Chef at the Staples Center, and much more.

Today we take a look at the latest immigration reform news. Then, Southern California troop leaders say eliminating ‘no-gay’ policy could revitalize Boy Scout programs, Peter Hook recounts Joy Division's short history in 'Unknown Pleasures', California’s highest court could clear legal haze on marijuana shops, we look at the strange and secretive life of In-N-Out's billionaire heiress Lynsi Torres, and much more.

A former LA priest suspected of child abuse left the LA archdiocese for a job with the LAUSD. Plus, we take a look at the now-shuttered church-run treatment center for troubled priests, we find out why SoCal farmers are turning away from avocados for a less water-dependent crop, A Martinez hosts a panel about brain injury and contact sports, plus much more.

Newly released priest files show key church figures conspired to hide child abuse from police. Then, a UCLA vocal coach helps nervous pop stars nail the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and other sporting events, Ben Bergman reports that the OC and Navy oppose adding Trestles and San Onofre surf beaches to Historic Register, Southern California companies betting millions on Super Bowl ads, plus much more.

The New York Times says Chinese hackers broke into its computer systems over a story about a wealthy Chinese leader. Then, will Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's departure open a door to D.C. for outgoing L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa? Plus, the Pentagon is stepping up cyber security efforts, Matt DeBord takes a look at struggling Inland Empire cities, we find out why sticking to a New Year's resolution is so difficult and much more.

Garrett McNamara may have broken a world record for surfing a giant, 100-foot wave in Portugal. Then, Gabby Giffords and the NRA's Wayne LaPierre testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee about gun violence, what will immigration reform mean for gay American citizens and their foreign partners, the L.A. Dodgers and Time Warner Cable reach deal for new channel, plus much more.

Reporter Adam Burke tells us why President Obama's decision to hold his immigration speech in Las Vegas is crucial. Then, Justice Sonia Sotomayor talks with Patt Morrison, a gay former Boy Scout reflects on his experience in the organization, the 'Starbucks of Taiwan' comes to LA and we debut our new theme song, produced by Ozomatli, plus much more.

A bi-partisan group of senators unveils plans for immigration reform. Then, San Bernardino, already in trouble, now searches for new manager, the California Report's Mina Kim reports on how gun violence may become a public health issue, and a new book explores how "Tinkerers" made America great, and much more.

Today, we look at China's role in California's economy, and why labor unions are still going strong in the U.S. Then, Trader Joe's raises the price of Two-Buck Chuck wine, the teen publication L.A. Youth is closing its doors after 25 years, and much more.

Today we'll take a look at California Gov. Jerry Brown's State of the State address with KPCC's Julie Small, Adolfo Guzman-Lopez and more. Then, Part three of our series on bilingual education profiles two families with different experiences when it comes to teaching their kids two languages. Ben Bergman reports on Syrian-Americans in the OC who are working to help refugees in their homeland, and much more.

A U.S. Appeals Court rules that marijuana should remain a class-one drug, disputing its medical benefits. Plus, the Pentagon plans to help Mexico take down drug cartels like al-Qaida insurgents. Then, we bring you part two of our bilingual child series, we talk about the fight between California cheese makers and dairy farmers, and much more.