Take Two

Today on the show, we'll have analysis of President Obama's speech about changes to the NSA. Then, the Sunset Strip venue Whisky A Go Go turns 50 this year. How is it faring in a changing music landscape? Plus, Kenneth Branagh talks "Shadow Recruit," Gov. Brown declares a drought in California, plus much more.

Academy Award nominations were announced today! We'll speak with nominee, screenwriter John Ridley. Plus, we'll look at the economics behind Oscar-bait films. Then Senator Barbara Boxer discusses Congress's failure to extend unemployment benefits, California's ongoing struggle with deadly Valley Fever, and Caltech debunks some common earthquake myths. Finally, Director Wong Kar-wai talks about getting "The Grandmaster" to the big screen and much more.

Today on the show, we'll discuss Obama's upcoming speech on changes to the NSA. Then, the LA Forum is reopening today after a multimillion-dollar renovation. We'll hear from two former Lakers about their favorite memories at the venue. Plus, is our digital-dependent culture vulnerable to earthquakes? Finally, App Chat, 'Las Marthas' documentary and much more.

Today on the show, we'll speak with the father of slain homeless man Kelly Thomas about the not-guilty verdict in his wrongful death trial. Then, the ACA is still struggling to enroll Spanish-speaking people. Plus, the effect of novels on the health of your brain, this week's new music, "Friday Night Tykes" unveils the competitive world of Texas youth football and much more.

First, we'll hear about the changes President Obama wants to make to the NSA. Can he get Congress to agree? Then, we'll hear more about the Target fraud case and whether they could have done more to prevent a cyberattack. Plus, we take a look at California's earthquake warning system, we discuss last night's Golden Globes show and more.

Today, we'll start with a look at Obama's plan to designate "Promise Zones" in cities to combat poverty. Then, Designer Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress turns 40. We'll take a tour of a local exhibition honoring the design. Then, LA band The Record Company stops by KPCC for an interview and a live set of their new music. Plus, the latest on the Kelly Thomas trial, Jahi McMath, and whale watching in SoCal.

Today, we'll talk to a Colorado pot shop owner to hear how business is booming, one week after the drug was legalized in the state. Also, we'll hear from two chefs about how to incorporate cannabis into meals. Then, Governor Jerry Brown releases his latest budget. We'll learn about what's in it and what it means for California. Then, we'll learn about the public image of Nicaragua's first lady, plus much more.

Today, we'll begin with a look at the war on poverty, 50 years later. Then, who might succeed Lee Baca as LA County Sheriff? We'll also look at his legacy when it comes to immigration. Plus, Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us to offer some advice on dealing with workplace pet peeves, an Airbnb house in Glendale is shut down due to raucous parties, the author of "Trickster's Hat" unleashes our creative mind's potential, and much more.

Today we'll start with the news that L.A. Sheriff Lee Baca is planning to retire. What will that mean for the future of the department? Then, flu season is in full force in the U.S., "Saturday Night Live," hires the first black, female cast member in five years and a Glendale Airbnb house is shut down for noise. Plus, we'll check in on the CES conference in Las Vegas and much more.

Today we take a look at what's next in the wake of a fiscal cliff deal. Plus, an economist theorizes that the U.S. is nearing an end to a period of growth that began in the 18th century; LA County animal shelters managed to not euthanize any healthy animals in December; Scientists are working to save endangered frogs from a deadly fungus, plus much more.

Junior's Deli in Westwood is closing after 53 years in business. Plus, will Congress reach a deal to keep us from heading over the so-called fiscal cliff? Health insurance companies plan to hike up rates in 2013, and author Joshua Glenn offers tips on how to keep your kids "Unbored" during the long winter break, and much more.

Today, KPCC's Molly Peterson talks about the portrayal of fracking in Hollywood. Plus, why fiscal cliff talk is full of doomsday predictions, we look at whether White House petitions ever work, the new Atlanta Braves 'screaming Indian' logo draw ire and much more.

A New York newspaper is under scrutiny for publishing the addresses of gun owners. Plus, could gun liability insurance help curb gun violence? Then, new research shows that electronic records are vulnerable to attack by hackers, the nationwide primary physician shortage is worsening and much more.

Will President Obama be able to make changes to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms? Then, what's the marketing connection between real and virtual firearms?; LAPD holds a gun buyback program today; Sheriff Lee Baca is under pressure to curb inmate abuse; Patt Morrison and Brian Lehrer debate which is better during the holidays, NY or LA? Plus much more.

A new investigation shows that retailers skew online prices based on your location. Plus, the fiscal cliff is coming up quickly, first-person shooter games may have neurological benefits, politicians in Washington, D.C. have taken issue with the depiction of waterboarding in "Zero Dark Thirty" and much more.

The NRA breaks its silence about gun control and the Sandy Hook shooting. Plus, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is in need of an overhaul. Can Obama deliver? Then, Vintage LA's Alison Martino takes us back in time to how LA used to celebrate the holidays, the story behind Aretha Franklin's 'Amazing Grace,' and much more.

First, the Center for Investigative Reporting looks at why long wait times mean some veterans die before receiving benefits. Then, we take a look at why Obama's Secure Communities immigration policy is falling out of favor across the U.S. Plus, Mexico's middle class continues to rise, Wall Street Journal columnist Jeff Yang's project to teach his sons about guns and much more.

President Obama will announce a new plan to curb gun violence, spearheaded by VP Joe Biden. Plus, a new book details how companies use 'The Fine Print' to raise prices, Patt Morrison talks about the large number of key positions in LA's March election, cocktail mavens Alie & Georgia jon the show to spice up our holiday cocktails this season, plus much more.

A wall street firm pulls out stake in Bushmaster gun maker after Sandy Hook shooting, plus we'll see whether Craig Whitney thinks the shooting will result in gun control policy change. Then, Librarian Mara Alpert offers her favorite children's book of 2012, Russian Parliament may ban adoptions from the U.S., and much more.