USC Annenberg Radio News - Courtney Kabot

Second District L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne Burke will be stepping down from her position in November. She talked with us about her experiences, her support for City Councilman Bernard Parks and what she plans to do next. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  yvonneburke_web.mp3

The L.A. City Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee met today to discuss affordable housing. USC social work policy Ralph Fertig talked with us about some of the challenges people face when trying to find a place to live and his students' recommendations for affordable housing. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  hostinterviewfertig.mp3

Washington Post investigative journalists Anne Hull and Dana Priest won the Pulitzer Prize for exposing the mistreatment of wounded veterans at the Walter Reed Medical Center. Most recently, Hull and Priest were presented with USC Annenberg's Selden Ring Award for their achievements in journalism. The reporters spoke with us about their experiences at Walter Reed and how the story affected them. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  hostinterview_hull.mp3

Car wash employees are organizing a campaign to start a labor union to achieve better working conditions. Labor law expert Alec Levenson discussed the effects the union will have on the employees, business operators, and consumers. Alec Levenson is a research scientist for the Center of Effective Organizations and a professor at USC Marshall School of Business. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  hostinterviewlevenson.mp3

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts will affect low-income children, seniors and people with disabilities. The cuts will also take a huge toll on health, education and social services programs. Executive Director for California Budget Project Jean Ross talked about the factors contributing to the governor's decision and what it means for the state. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  jeanrosshostinterview.mp3

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is telling city officials to get on board with his budget cuts or come up with workable solutions. With a current deficit of $115 million, the mayor is preparing for what analysts call one of the largest budget gaps in city's history. Hear what the mayor is proposing, whom Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to ease the deficit will affect and what the Executive Director Jean Ross is saying about the state of California's economy. Also, a new exhibit at the California Science Center gives visitors a real look at the human body. Host: Courtney Kabot, Producer: Chiara Canzi, Live Guest: Jessica Janner (ATVN) Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  ARNshow20081-03-13.mp3 read more

In the past few weeks, two published memoirs were revealed to be false. USC English professor and novelist T.C. Boyle spoke about these recent discoveries and the perception of urban life. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  tcboyleinterview.mp3

USC Assistant Professor in the School of Policy Planning and Development Lisa Schweitzer is an expert on transit policy and sustainability. She spoke about MTA's bus cuts and how they are affecting public transportation commuters. Schweitzer also discussed the current role of LA's public transportation system and the future of it. Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  schweitzerinterview.mp3

Valentine's Day with a twist - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gets little love from residents and activists who protested his proposed budget cuts to education and human services Plus, a new plan in the fight against gangs is unveiled in a news conference with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. Police Chief William Bratton and City Controller Laura Chick, and activist Rabbi Allan Fleehling says the creation of a united anti-gang agency is overdue. And, County Supervisor Yvonne Burke announced her endorsement for candidate Bernard Parks to succeed her. Host: Courtney Kabot, Producer: Chiara Canzi, Guests: Jessica Janner (ATVN) Thumbnail Photo:  Podcast:  ARNshow20081-02-14.mp3 read more