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.

Gay marriage and gay conversion therapy will both get their days in court this week. Plus, the OC Register's new published emphasizes print and beefs up the newsroom, Congress fails to pass the Sportsman Act, leaving the Federal Duck Stamp in limbo and much more.

The latest news about unrest in the Middle East. Plus, the ACLU has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. military's women in combat policy. Then, a new study takes a peek inside a rapper's brain, a salmonella outbreak may cause an organic peanut butter shortage, and much more.

Today, President Obama meets with small business owners and middle-class Americans to discuss the fiscal cliff. Then, we look at why freshman Democrats and Republicans are segregated in Congress, How Tijuana kitsch is still alive and well, David Denby of The New Yorker asks "Do The Movies Have A Future," and much more.

Today we take a look at the latest news coming out of the Middle East, including Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's latest power grab. Then, the U.S. is facing the worst drought in 25 years, California couples are turning to social media to find open adoption opportunities, John Horn of the LA Times gives us a year-end movie preview and much more.

It's holiday travel time again! We look at how airlines are working to improve their on-time statuses and how LAX workers are protesting during the busy holiday. Then, we'll look at how to put a multicultural spin on the Thanksgiving turkey, how baristas are competing for the best latte art and much more.

We'll discuss whether U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice is a good choice for Secretary Of State. Rice has come under fire following comments she made after the terrorist attacks in Benghazi. Then, a Pasadena Council OK'd the use of the Rose Bowl for NFL games, but not everyone's happy about the decision. Then, how the NHL lockout is affecting local businesses and the Kings' fanbase momentum, stolen petroglyphs shock archaeologists in Bishop, and much more.

Today we check in on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. What will motivate both sides to stop the fighting? The conflict isn't just being waged on the ground, but also via social media. Then, Wal-Mart employees nationwide are preparing for a series of protests on Black Friday. We talk to the author of "Bet The Farm" about why food prices are what they are, and much more.

An update on the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas-run Gaza. Is a ground war inevitable? Then on the show, DirecTV will now be able to air Lakers games, but we'll look at how bars and restaurants have been impacted by the Lakers blackout so far. Then we talk to Eric Deggans, author of "Race Baiter," about how the media feeds fears of the 'other,' The Dinner Party guys are here with a weekend's full of hot topics and we give you a rundown of the biggest stories in this week's Friday Flashback.

Republican Governors are meeting in Las Vegas this week to reflect on election outcome and brainstorm the future of the GOP. Then, we talk with Melissa Rosenberg, screenwriter for all five "Twilight" films about the success of the vamp series on the big screen. Plus, we take a look at the life of Wilbur K. Woo, an influential leader in L.A.'s Chinese community who passed away this week at 96. Also, a new study finds that California has the highest poverty rate in the U.S., and much more.

We look into the latest on the Petraeus scandal, and talk to an expert about how the military handles scandals that involve top military brass. Then we look at Jill Kelley, the Tampa-based socialite whose complaint began the revelation of the Petraeus-Broadwell affair. Plus, California gears up to debut its cap-and-trade emissions-reducing program, and NBC investigation looks at allegations of abuse in the Calif. National Guard, we take a look at the French Foreign legion and then we listen in to Obama's first press conference since reelection.