A suspected drunk driver (L) is asked to walk in a straight line as police conduct a field sobriety test on him during a DUI checkpoint on May 23, 2013 in Miami, Florida. ; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Supreme Court today heard oral argument in Navarette v. California, a case which asks the question whether a police officer can pull over someone suspected for drunken or reckless driving based solely on an anonymous tip, or does a police officer need to see evidence of dangerous driving to justify a stop. At issue is whether a phone-in tip qualifies as “reasonable suspicion” as stated in the U.S. Constitution.

What do you think? Should the police be allowed to pull someone over for suspected drunken driving based on an anonymous tip alone?

Guests: 

Pam McDonald, a lawyer and a former police officer and prosecutor in South Carolina

Jeff Voll, criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles and Vice President of the California DUI Lawyers Association

A healthcare reform specialist helps people select insurance plans at the free Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enrollment Fair at Pasadena City College on November 19, 2013 in Pasadena, California. ; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Consumers in some parts of the country—including California—are finding that the plans offered under Obamacare give them access to fewer health care providers than their old plans.

Insurance companies narrow their provider networks to save money—promising select providers more patients in exchange for lower reimbursement rates. It’s not a new phenomenon but, as KPCC’s Stephanie O’Neill reports, it’s become more visible as insurance companies compete in Obamacare’s new exchanges.

Narrow networks happen for one of two reasons, O’Neill reports. An insurance company excludes doctors or hospitals it considers too expensive—or a doctor or hospital rejects the reimbursement rates offered by the insurer.

There’s also a lack of accurate information about which providers are—and aren’t—in Covered California plans, leaving some consumers surprised and frustrated when their new plan doesn’t cover a visit to their longtime doctor.  

 For example, analyses show that many of the specialty providers and hospitals relied upon by cancer patients are largely left out the new health insurance exchange plans in states including California, New York and Texas. A recent study of 20 metropolitan areas in the U.S. found that two-thirds of Obamacare plans had narrow networks, with 30 percent of the top 20 hospitals excluded.

Have you had trouble keeping your doctor under your new plan? How difficult has it been to determine which providers are covered under which plans?

Guests:

 
Stephanie O’Neill, KPCC Health Care Correspondent

Jeffrey Miles, a Marina del Rey insurance broker and two-time past president of the California Association of Health Underwriters

Dylan Roby, Assistant professor of Health Policy and Management at the UCLA School of Public Health

Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots kicks an extra point in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. ; Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Some fans call it the most boring part of a NFL game and apparently, the league’s commissioner agrees.

In an interview with the NFL Network yesterday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is looking into potentially eliminating the post-touchdown extra point.

"The extra point is almost automatic," Goodell told the network. "I believe we had five missed extra points this year out of 1,200 some odd (attempts). So it's a very small fraction of the play, and you want to add excitement with every play."

Goodell said the league’s Competition Committee is looking at proposals that would replace the extra point kicks. No word, though, on when a new point system might kick in.

What do you think of the post-touchdown point attempt? Boring? Automatic? Or a tradition that should not be toyed with?

Guest: 

Jay Busbee, writer for Yahoo! Sports

Activists protest against agricultural biotech company Monsanto outside the White House on March 27, 2013 in Washington, DC. Monsanto, which engineers genetically modified seeds, recently benefited from a section buried in the latest budget bill that allows the agribusiness giant to plant genetically-modified crops without judicial review to determine whether or not their crops are safe.; Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

In recent years, there’s been a groundswell of concern about the safety of genetically modified organisms (G.M.Os) in the food supply and efforts across the country to require mandatory labeling on G.M.O. food products.

Consumer advocacy groups protest companies who produce G.M.O. crops. More than half of all Americans believe that genetically modified foods are unsafe, according to a 2013 ABC News poll--and advocate groups are calling for more investigation into G.M.O. health risks.

But within the scientific community there is a general consensus that there is no evidence suggesting GMOs are harmful to eat and much of the science often cited by those concerned about GMOs has been discredited.

Does the anti-G.M.O. movement ignore science?  Or is the science not clear enough to alleviate their long-term health worries? Is enough research being devoted to measuring the safety of GMO crops? How should scientific findings and people’s concerns be weighed as states push labeling measures?

Guests:

Amy Harmon, reporter for the New York Times

Pamela Ronald, co-author of Tomorrow’s Table UC Davis

Bill Freese, staff scientist at the Center for Food Safety

California Gov. Jerry Brown speaks during a news conference on January 17, 2014 in San Francisco, California. Gov. Brown declared a drought state of emergency for California as the state faces water shortfalls in what is expected to be the driest year in state history.; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California Governor Jerry Brown delivered his annual State of the State address this morning to a joint session of the Legislature. Brown’s speech focused on the California economy, including the budget surplus, pension funds, education, and prison realignment.

Brown stressed the volatility of the economy and business cycles and touched on the natural problems that California faces, saying, “We are not out of the woods and we certainly are not out of the drought.”

The Governor addressed a range of climate change concerns -- drought, clean emissions, and more. What are the most important issues in California this year? Is the Governor’s speech reflective of the population’s needs? How might things change in 2014?

Guests: 

Darrell Steinberg, Senate President Pro Tem, D-6th District (most of Sacramento County)

Tim Donnelly, State Assemblyman, R-33rd District (including Apple Valley, Big Bear Lake and Victorville) and a Republican gubernatorial candidate for California

Dan Walters, Political columnist, The Sacramento Bee

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus talks with members of the press after speaking at the National Press Club March 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. During his remarks on a recent "autopsy" held by the RNC on its shortcomings in the 2012 presidential campaign, Priebus announced a series of recommendations including fewer presidential debates, an earlier national convention, and community outreach programs in addition to other new initiatives. ; Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

At the Republican National Committee’s winter convention, the party is taking a hard look in the mirror. Former senior aide to President George W. Bush, Ari Fleischer asks “Are we a more inclusive and welcoming party yet?”

This year’s meeting marks one year since plans were initiated by RNC chairman Reince Priebus to broaden GOP appeal to what political scientists call the “coalition of the ascendant.” The group, which includes racial minorities, women, and gay voters, has in recent elections eluded Republican candidates, resulting in losses in the Senate and two Democratic presidential victories.

The Republican National Committee has laid out structural changes, including major plans to change the party’s approach to immigration reform, but implementation has been slow. Policy reforms aimed at rebranding have been held back by infighting in the GOP-controlled House.

National approval ratings for Republicans have been continuously down since the 2012 election, As the Republican party sets its sights on the 2016 senate, what changes are expected? Is the party divided? How will the GOP adapt politically to expand its effectiveness?

Guests: 

Shawn Steel, Republican National Committeeman in California; Founding Director, California Chapter of Club for Growth - an influential conservative lobbying group; Past Chairman, California Republican Party

Ruben Barrales, Republican Political Consultant and President of the political action committee Grow Elect, which focuses on Latino voter outreach and recruiting Latino Republican candidates for office.

Matt Rodriguez, Democratic strategist;  founder of Rodriguez Strategies; former senior Obama advisor in 2008

The court is prepared by the venue staff for the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at CenturyLink Center on March 15, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. ; Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Even the Oracle of Omaha needs a little help when it comes to predicting the winning March Madness team. Warren Buffett and Quicken Loans, the online retail mortgage lender, have teamed up to offer anyone out there $1 billion to come up with the perfect Men's NCAA Tournament bracket.

Sounds good, no? But let’s consider the odds, which Math Professor Jeff Bergen at DePaul University actually did in 2012.

In light of the sheer impossibility of the task, Quicken and Buffett’s largesse suddenly makes sense.

Are you going to submit your bracket? Who do you think might win the NCAA championship? How do you come up with your bracket? Is this the most genius marketing move ever?

Guests: 

Jeff Bergen, math professor at DePaul University in Chicago. He calculated the odds of hitting a perfect March Madness bracket in 2012 

Jeremy Tucker, Associate Director, Brand Development at Innovation Protocol, a brand management and development firm in Los Angeles

Tractor-trailers move along an interstate frontage road in January 2004 in Hampshire, Illinois. The U.S. Department of Transportation introduced new rules that include an increase in the amount of rest truck drivers must take between shifts, and an increase in the allowable number of driving hours per shift; Credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images

It’s not just truck drivers who have been known to nod off behind the wheel on a long haul. If you count yourself among those who are turning up the music and rolling down the windows to keep yourself awake while driving drowsy, there may be another solution in store.

Vigo, a Bluetooth earpiece with an infrared sensor that monitors blinking to detect when users are tired, is nearing its target goal on Kickstarter. The device monitors drivers and plays an alarm or a song when someone starts to nod off -- it’s intended to keep exhausted drivers off the road, and to wake up those who find themselves on the verge of sleep.

While Vigo has yet to integrate it’s fully functional wearable device with a newly designed app, critics, including Yahoo’s David Pogue, think the earpiece shows promise. Could wearable technology help a market of tired drivers stay safe? Is it reasonable to think that consumers might spend $80 on this kind of device? What are the most reliable ways to drive safely while you’re exhausted?

Guests: 

David Pogue, vice president of Yahoo! Tech, monthly columnist for Scientific American and host of science shows on PBS’s “NOVA.”

Dr. Steven Bloc (Phd), Senior Traffic Safety Researcher, Auto Club of Southern California

A traveller pulls his bags while walking past an LAX sign at Los Angeles International Airport as access roads were closed with flights delayed and cancelled after a gunman reportedly shot 3 people at a security checkpoint on November 1, 2013 in Los angeles, California. ; Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Los Angeles International Airport is still without a plan to connect to public transportation after the county planning board quashed plans to build a light rail line under the airport's terminal area. Metro's planning staff recommended discarding four possible plans to connect LAX to a light rail system because of concerns over safety and the huge amount of money it would cost.

The recommendations could put the brakes on a long-term plan to connect LAX to both the Green Line and the forthcoming LAX/Crenshaw Line that will, in the next decade, come within a few miles of the airport but stop short of a connection.

Two of the county Board of Supervisors still want Metro to continue exploring plans to tunnel under the terminal and connect the metro lines directly to the airport despite the difficulties. One of the proposals likely to be considered is a plan to build a station near the iconic LAX pillars and passengers would reach the terminals by a people mover.

The full board will consider alternative proposals on Thursday. The delays continue to frustrate travelers who, right now, have very few options for public transportation.

As a traveler, what type of public transportation would you like to see at LAX? Would a lot of transfers deter you from using public transportation to the airport? Which airports have a better model for connecting to public transportation?

STATEMENT from Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director Los Angeles World Airports:

“While we have some concerns from a constructability, operational, and safety perspective on tunneling under the runways, we are supportive of Metro if their decision is to continue to study and analyze alternatives.  Our goal is to work with Metro to implement a transportation plan that will reduce congestion, modernize our operations and encourage mass transit to and from LAX.”

Guests: 

Zev Yaroslavsky, LA County Supervisor

Brian Sumers, Airports and Airlines Reporter, The Los Angeles News Group and a self-described aviation geek

U.S. IOC member Anita DeFrantz addresses the IOC members during the Chicago 2016 presentation on October 2, 2009 at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark. The 121st session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will vote on October 2 on whether Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro or Madrid will host the 2016 Olympic Games. (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anita DeFrantz; Credit: John Gichigi/Getty Images

Anita DeFrantz knows a thing or two about the Olympics. She won the bronze medal for rowing in 1976, and fought against the Olympic Games boycott, although unsuccessfully, in 1980. For almost 30 years, she has headed the nonprofit organization LA84 Foundation, which helps create sports opportunities for young people and was created with surplus funds from the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. DeFrantz is also a senior U.S. member of the International Olympic Committee.

With the Sochi Olympics just around the corner, Larry talks to DeFrantz about many of the big-picture issues facing the Olympic movement, as well as security concerns in Sochi, and Los Angeles’ chances at hosting the Games again in 2024.

Guest: 

Anita DeFrantz, senior U.S. member of the International Olympics Committee and President of LA84 Foundation, created after the 1984 Summer Olympic Games to support local youth sports opportunities

Cyril Bullard retired from the United States Army plays the trumpet during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Coconut Grove Bahamian cemetery on November 11, 2013 in Coconut Grove, Florida.; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The bipartisan budget agreement signed by President Obama last month included a small, across the board cut to military pensions that is proving to be pretty unpopular. Next Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee is set to consider proposals that would repeal all or part of the controversial pension cut.

As they stand now, the cuts would reduce the cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by 1 percent per year until the veterans reach age 62, and total $6 billion in government savings. No change has been made to a 2007 law which allows top ranking officers -- three and four-star generals -- to earn a larger salary from their pension than they do on active duty. That law, intended to incentivize active service for longer periods of time, is also under scrutiny.

Critics, like California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier, think rolling back pensions for top brass is the best place to start trimming the Pentagon’s budget. Do cuts to military pension funds break faith with the troops? What are the best ways to support those who devote themselves to military service? Should the cost-of-living cuts made in December be eliminated?

Guests: 

Lawrence Korb, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress

Colonel Mike Barron (Ret'd), Deputy Director of Government Relations at the Military Officers Association of America [he is involved in the hearing next week preparing materials for MOAA Chairman of the Board Gen. John H. Tilelli]

Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic magazine, reflects on his anxiety in "My Age of Anxiety."

Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic magazine, is anxious. He has a long list of phobias, has been in therapy since age 10, and has attempted to treat his fears and anxieties with psychotropic medication, yoga, acupuncture, philosophy and booze.

In his book, “My Age of Anxiety,” Stossel explores his affliction deeply and intimately, chronicling the fears he deals with daily and the ways he’s attempted to ease them. The result is striking and, for many, familiar. What causes anxiety? To what degree do most people experience anxieties? What are the best ways to cope?

Tonight, Scott Stossel will be at a Writers Bloc Event at the Goethe Institute on Wilshire Blvd. It’s at 7:30 and hosted by David Kipen. Tickets available here.

Guest: 

Scott Stossel, Author, “My Age of Anxiety;” Editor of The Atlantic

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addresses the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 23, 2014. Some 40 world leaders gather in the Swiss ski resort Davos to discuss and debate a wide range of issues including the causes of conflicts plaguing the Middle East, and how to reinvigorate the global economy.; Credit: ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday his country is ready to do business and honor a deal to curb its nuclear program, in a speech aimed at persuading world leaders of Tehran's willingness to engage the global community. Rouhani claimed the spotlight at the annual World Economic Forum as the event coincided with the lifting of some international sanctions on Iran and the country's exclusion from Syrian peace talks being held just a few hours' drive away.

Just a day ago, those peace talks got off to a bitter start when the Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem blamed the conflict on rebels and scolded outsiders from interfering in the conflict. A clash between the US and Syria over President Bashar Assad's future threatened to collapse the negotiations even before they had begun.

The U.S. and the Syrian opposition opened the conference by saying that Assad lost his legitimacy when he crushed the once-peaceful protest movement against his regime. US Secretary of State John Kerry said that Assad should not be part of discussions over Syria's future.Can the US make progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran? Will early disruptions between the US and the Syrian government derail negotiations?

With files from the Associated Press.

Guest:

Suzanne Maloney, Senior Fellow at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at The Brookings Institution

Various unions, social causes and organizations attend a rally calling on greater social equality, organized by non-unionized fast food workers demanding for a wage raise from $7.25 per hour to $15.00 per hour and to be unionized on December 5, 2013 in New York, United States. The day held various protests in front of fast food outlets around the country and culminated in a larger rally attended by various groups in downtown Manhattan. ; Credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Should non-union members still have to pay dues? The Supreme Court heard arguments this week over whether labor unions should have the power to collect dues from teachers and other public sector workers who choose not to join the union. If the court goes against decades-old precedent and rules against these mandatory fees, known as "fair share" dues, it would be a major upheaval in national labor laws.

The issue is whether these mandatory dues are violating a person's free speech rights by forcing them to pay money if they object to the union on fundamental political grounds. Justice Elena Kagan called that argument "radical" and said it would "radically restructure the way workplaces are run".

The alternative argument is that workers who choose not to join still benefit from the protections and collective bargaining power of the union, and therefore are still required to pay their "fair share" of the costs of negotiating and administering contracts.

Is it fair to require people who purposefully opt out of unions to pay dues? Will they be getting a “free ride” by benefiting from the union anyway? Do “fair share” dues violate free speech?

Guest:

Catherine Fisk, Chancellor's Professor of Law, UC Irvine; Fisk was a signatory on a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the respondents (Quinn)

Deborah J. La Fetra, Principal Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation; Authored a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Harris

Singer Justin Bieber arrives at the premiere of Open Road Films' "Justin Bieber's Believe" at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on December 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.; Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Justin Bieber is making headlines for another run in with the police. Bieber was arrested early Thursday morning in Miami Beach. According to police he was charged with drunken driving, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license after the police saw him street racing.

This isn’t Bieber’s first issue with the law. Earlier this month Bieber was under investigation on allegations of egging his neighbor’s home in Calabasas, CA.

Justin Bieber is not the first young celebrity to face a series of troubling incidents after skyrocketing to success. Stars such as Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Amanda Bynes have all faced public scrutiny for a variety of incidents.

Is rising to fame at such a young age detrimental to future success?  Are child stars such as Justin Bieber destined for disaster?  What can be done to protect child stars from burning out?

Guest: 

Dr. Carole Lieberman, M.D., Psychiatrist who practices in Beverly Hills

Director Sebastian Lelio and Clare Stewart attend a screening of "Gloria" during the 57th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon West End on October 17, 2013 in London, England. ; Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for BFI

Larry and KPCC film critics Wade Major and Tim Cogshell review this week’s releases, including Gloria, If You Build It, Run & Jump and more. Then, Larry checks in with critic Claudia Puig to hear about the films most deserving of attention at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. TGI-Filmweek!

Gloria

If You Build It

Run & Jump

Guests:

Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide

Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and producer and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com

Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today

Because higher achieving students are capable of keeping themselves on track, should they be the focus of teachers' limited time and attention? ; Credit: John Moore/Getty Images

This segment will air on Friday, Jan. 24 at 11:20 a.m.

It's no secret that the United States could do a better job of educating our children.

The U.S. routinely comes in well below other world leaders when it comes to ranking kids' abilities in reading, science and math. Now a decades-long study that started in 1971 tracks some of our country's best and brightest students.

It's found that these 'gifted' kids, who went on to become successful professionals in a wide range of fields, succeeded despite their education. The researchers argue that these students received less time and attention than kids who were in remedial classes, and therefore were more or less 'ignored' by their teachers.

The controversial No Child Left Behind law did help low-achieving students do better in the classroom, but a 2008 report found that it actually caused teachers to pay even less attention to high achieving students. 

Weigh In: 

What is your experience with 'gifted' programs? Are 'gifted' students being hurt by a race to the middle? Because higher achieving students are capable of keeping themselves on track, should they be the focus of teachers' limited time and attention? Should grouping students by ability rather than age help keep kids mentally stimulated?

Director Sebastian Lelio and Clare Stewart attend a screening of "Gloria" during the 57th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon West End on October 17, 2013 in London, England. ; Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for BFI

Larry and KPCC film critics Wade Major and Tim Cogshell review this week’s releases, including Gloria, Like Father, Like Son, Run & Jump and more. Then, Larry checks in with critic Claudia Puig to hear about the films most deserving of attention at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. TGI-Filmweek!

Gloria

Like Father, Like Son

Run & Jump

Guests:

Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide

Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and producer and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com

Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today

Lorde performs during the Grammy Nominations Concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on December 6, 2013. The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on January 26, 2014. ; Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

The world of film has the Golden Globes and the Oscars, but Sunday night musicians get their time to shine. The 56th Grammy Awards offers a smorgasbord of sound with rap and hip-hop featuring prominently.

Jay-Z, who has refused to attend the Grammys in the past,  leads the way with nine nominations, followed by seven nods apiece for acts including L.A.'s Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Pharrell Williams.

Newcomer, Kacey Musgraves represents country crooners, while New Zealand's Lorde continues to dine out on her hit, 'Royals'.

What are your top hits of 2013? Who would you like to see walk away with an award on Sunday? Are the Grammys a good indicator of what people are really listening to?

Guest: 

Lorraine Ali, Music Editor, Los Angeles Times

Simon Vozick-Levinson, Senior Editor, Rolling Stone

Actor Steve Coogan stars alongside Judi Dench in "Philomena," which has received four Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.; Credit: Maya Sugarman/KPCC

The Academy is acknowledging Steve Coogan’s serious side. The comedian’s film "Philomena," in which he stars alongside Dame Judi Dench, has received four Oscar nods, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Coogan and co-writer Jeff Pope adapted the film from the book (based on a true story) "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee," by Martin Sixsmith, who Coogan plays in the movie. The story tells the story of Philomena’s 50-year search for her son and Sixsmith’s investigation into his whereabouts.

EVENT: FilmWeek 2014 Oscar Preview at the Egyptian Theatre

The film has been critically lauded and has been nominated for several awards this season. What goes into a comedy-drama? How has Coogan’s style adapted and expanded as he takes on new work?

Guest: 

Steve Coogan, English actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist, writer and producer. Coogan co-wrote and stars in “Philomena”