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»12/1/08 Economic Roundtable and The World Without Us
First, we look at the latest twists and turns that are plaguing this region's economy.

In our second hour, journalist Alan Weisman joins us to discuss his recently released book: "The World Without Us." It's a science-based work of non-fiction that focuses on what the Earth could look like once humans no longer live on the planet.

»12/2/08 Budget Update, LVCVA Investigation, and Tony Curtis
We discuss the latest economic numbers and we hear what they could mean for Nevada's $300 million short-term state budget gap. Then, award-winning free-lance journalist John Dougherty joins us to discuss his 8-month investigation into the complex financial relationship between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and its ad agency, R&R Partners.

Then, actor Tony Curtis joins us to discuss his new autobiography: "American Prince: A Memoir."

»12/3/08 Dropout Prevention and Jews in Nevada
Hispanic high school students have one of the worst high school dropout rates throughout this region. We continue our look into that troubling trend.

Then we talk with the author of the book, "Jews in Nevada," about the role Jews have played for the past 150 years in the history of this state.

»12/4/08 Krolicki Indicted and Strip Survives Tough Times
Nevada Lt Gov Brian Krolicki has been indicted by a Clark County grand jury. Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith joins us to discuss the indictment.

Then, RJ entertainment columnist Doug Elfman discusses the Strip scene in tough economic times.

»12/5/08 Town Hall Meeting on Economic Uncertainty
Join us for our inaugural Town Hall meeting when we bring together more than 40 people from throughout the community. They offer their takes on the economic uncertainty and the future of this region.

»12/8/08 Special Legislative Session and Dr Bobby John
So how could Monday and Tuesday's scheduled special session of the Nevada Legislature play out? We talk with journalists Jon Ralston, Steve Sebelius and Molly Ball.

Then we speak with Dr. Bobby John, president of Global Health Advocates. He visited Las Vegas to discuss the development of an effective worldwide effort to fight disease and the threat of a pandemic outbreak.

»12/9/08 Special Session and Bishop Jefferts Schori
Journalists Jon Ralston, Molly Ball and Steve Sebelius discuss Day One of Nevada's special legislative session.

Then we speak with The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, which claims 2.4 million members in 16 countries and 10 dioceses, but is at the center of a split between conservative and liberal forces, primarily over the ordination of gay priests. The Most Rev. Jefferts Schori is a Henderson resident.

»12/10/08 NV High School Ranking and LVAM Exhibit
A new national survey ranks high schools in all 50 states. We hear how Nevada high schools performed.

Then, Associated Press columnist Tim Dahlberg joins us to talk about Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings which are at Bellagio. How are the nation's economic troubles impacting the grand old game? Dahlberg explains.

And in our second hour, L.A. Times art critic David Pagel discusses the new exhibit at the Las Vegas Art Museum. Dubbed "L.A. Now," it features the work of 20 Los Angeles-area artists. Pagel is the show's curator.

»12/11/08 Local Perspective on Auto Bailout and LV Philharmonic
Las Vegas Valley car dealers talk with us about the proposed bailout of the US auto industry. They discuss what it could mean for their businesses as well as car owners throughout this region.

Then, Las Vegas Philharmonic's David Itkin talks to us about their upcoming performances for the holiday season.

»12/12/08 CCSD Budget Cuts and Mixed Martial Arts
CCSD Superintendent Walt Rulffes joins us to talk about the latest round of budget cuts to the school district.

Then we talk with journalist David Samuels from The Atlantic monthly magazine about his latest piece on the rising popularity of mixed martial arts.

»12/15/08 Reworking Mortgages & Avoiding Scams
Gov Jim Gibbons has called on mortgage lenders to rework the troubled loans of many Nevada homeowners. So what can actually be done? And how? We tackle those questions.

Then we hear about the scams that others are using to allegedly provide help to people facing home foreclosure.

»12/16/08 Bailout Panel and Man as a Scavenger
The panel providing oversight of the $700 billion congressional bailout of the financial markets is set to meet Tuesday in Las Vegas. Independent Producer Adam Burke tells us why.

Then, he's written about the Anasazi culture and the search for water in the desert Southwest. And now journalist and author Craig Childs writes of scavenging in the age of economic uncertainty. We talk with Childs, a frequent NPR contributor.

»12/17/08 TARP Day Two and the Economy and the Arts
In a surprise move, Libby Lumpkin resigned earlier this month as Executive Director of the Las Vegas Art Museum. So what prompted Lumpkin's resignation? She joins us.

But first, we hear the sounds from the gathering at UNLV's Boyd Law School of the congressional oversight committee that's monitoring the $700 billion congressional bailout of corporate America. Journalist Adam Burke joins us.

»12/18/08 Snow Day, Managing Personal Finances and TI Sale
First we talk about our record snow fall and how it has impacted the region's residents and tourists. Then, Los Angeles Times personal finance columnist Kathy Kristof joins us to help make sense of these uncertain economic times.

In our second hour, he made nearly $1.3 billion when he sold The New Frontier to Israeli investors, and now Phil Ruffin is purchasing Treasure Island. We talk with Ruffin.

»12/19/08 Roundtable Exchange and Singer Paul Anka
We talk national and regional politics and current events with Las Vegas City Life Editor Steve Sebelius and blogger and political activist Chuck Muth.

Then, the Review-Journal's John L Smith talks with singer, songwriter, music producer and actor Paul Anka.

»12/22/08 Renewable Fuels and UNR Earthquake Tests
First, the Desert Research Institute is studying ways to efficiently convert leafy and woody biomass into sustainable bio-fuels. We talk with DRI scientist Kent Hoekman about what role bio-fuels will play in the future of US energy.

Then we talk with a professor from the University of Nevada, Reno about recent earthquake simulation tests at UNR.

»12/23/08 Growth Time-Out and Michael Chabon
The economic slowdown could provide this region with a timeout, a chance to consider how the Las Vegas Valley could look and feel in 20 years. We talk with Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, LVRJ columnist Geoff Schumacher and others about this region's future growth.

And we talk with Pultizer Prize winning author Michael Chabon on his latest novel. Encore broadcast.

»12/24/08 Bishop Jefferts Schori and Musician Don McLean
In our first hour we talk with Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, the leader of the Episcopal Church in the US, about the on-going tension in the church over the election of an openly gay bishop.

And in our second hour we talk with musician Don McLean, who's best-known for the iconic 1970s rock ballad, American Pie. Encore broadcast.

»12/25/08 Marley and Me and Sounds of the Season
First, we revisit our conversation with "Marley and Me" author John Grogan. The movie version of the book, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston, comes out in theatres today. Then we listen to the Christmas sounds of the Lawrence Junior High School choir.

And in our second hour we talk with Maestro David Itkin about some of your favorite holiday songs. Encore broadcast.

»12/26/08 Liberace Jazz Ensemble and Actress Terry Moore
We have another chance to hear our conversation and the jazz stylings of UNLV's Liberace Jazz quartet.

Then, Mitch Fox of "Nevada Week in Review" talks with Oscar-nominated actress and one-time Howard Hughes spouse and Playboy model Terry Moore. Encore broadcast.

»12/29/08 The World Without Us and The Geography of Bliss
First, we talk with author and journalist Alan Weisman about his book "The World Without Us," a telling of what the planet would look like if human beings were to suddenly vanish.

And in our second hour, guest host Michael Squires talks with NPR correspondent Eric Weiner about his new book, "The Geography of Bliss." Encore broadcast.

»12/30/08 Author Christina Binkley and Double or Nothing
In the 1990s, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn and others battled to control the prestige properties on the Strip. That struggle is detailed in reporter Christina Binkley's book "Winner Takes All." We talk with Binkley about the book which details the follies and foibles of the casino kings.

Then we talk with Tom Breitling. He owned the Golden Nugget for a couple of years and details the ups and downs of being a casino boss in his book, "Double or Nothing." Encore broadcast.

»12/31/08 Phantom of the Opera and Kids in the Hall
First, we talk with the stars of the Venetian's production of "The Phantom of the Opera."Then, Ian Mylchreest will also joke around with The Kids in the Hall.

And in our second hour we talk with Jean-Luc Naret, the global director for the Michelin Guides about this year's new guidebooks. Encore broadcast.