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 examine the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting from multiple angles: The gun control question, school security, gun permitting and more. Plus, we meet a Syrian rapper who infuses revolutionary messages into his music, and much more.

A new report shows that fiscal cliff or not, California faces more budget problems. Plus, CA schools are using controversial bonds to finance new buildings, L.A. County pushes for a tax to help pay for storm drain cleanup. BREAKING NEWS: A tragic school shooting in Connecticut has left 27 dead. We interrupted our regular program for national news on this story.

A judge rules that CIA torture testimony of 9/11 suspects will remain secret during trial. Plus, the Dept. of Interior releases a grim report about the Colorado River, what are the effects of older parenthood? Then, can MySpace's sexy new redesign entice users? Actor Alan Cumming joins the show to talk about his new film, and much more

We remember the amazing life and career of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar. Plus, in an enlightening new investigative report by Bloomberg finds that public employees in California are way over paid, how gay marriage supporters won over voters in four states, why people dislike the UC logo and brand changes in general, and much more.

Childhood obesity rates are inching down in Los Angeles and other major cities. Plus, SCOTUS will rule on key provision in the Voting Rights Act, Florida universities may freeze tuition for in-demand STEM majors, SpongeBob Squarepants joins the show to talk about his new Christmas album, and much more.

We look at the Supreme Court's role in guiding social change. Plus, the Mormon Church creates a new website calling for compassion for gays. Then, why your baby needs a flu shot this season, a new book looks at the secret life of Dr. Seuss, and the L.A. Dodgers drop big money on two new players...will this equal wins? Plus much more.

President Obama and Mitt Romney spent a record-breaking $2 billion on their campaigns. Plus, Vincent van Gogh's 'Self-Portait' comes to L.A., and our fair city gets its first poer laureate, Eloise Klein Healy, LAUSD wants to make arts core to curriculum, but it won't be easy. Then, Friday Flashback, The Dinner Party and actor Robert Carlyle joins us to discuss his new film, "California Solo."

Unrest builds in Cairo as Egyptian army creates barrier around the presidential palace. Plus, a study finds that cell phone companies dodge rules for natural disasters, Alison Martino and her project Vintage L.A. takes us back in time to the Los Angeles of yore, Eddie Izzard joins us to talk about his run at the Steve Allen Theater in Los Feliz and much more.

Today, we take a look at House Speaker John Boehner's complex position between President Obama and conservatives. Plus. Actress Ashley Judd is exploring a possible run for the Senate in 2014, one man hopes to transform billboard ads into living ecosystems, Obama meets with tribal leaders and much more.

Conservative activists are gathering in the nation's capitol to talk immigration reform. Then, why has deferred action slowed since its start in August? Does an 'immortal' jellyfish hold the key to everlasting life? Plus, new 110 toll lanes causing confusion for some drivers, and comedian Steve Mazan talks about his 'Dying To Do Letterman.'

The royal family announced that Kate Middleton is pregnant! Plus, we take a look at the popularity of Anime in the U.S., and the success of animated feature films at the box office. Then, a new YouTube telenovela focused on HIV issues and much more.

President Obama meets with Mexico's new President Enrique Pena Nieto. Can Nieto quell drug violence and turn his country's economy around? Then, how a minuscule bug is wreaking havoc on pine forests and contributing to global warming. Plus, NASA is trying to downplay previous claims that they have groundbreaking news from Mars, and much more.