Economists are saying there are promising indicators that the housing market is improving – we’ll dig deep and analyze the numbers with my guest Doug Henwood. And, Ron Varasteh, Democratic challenger to long-time Republican Orange County congressional rep Dana Rohrabachers, joins me in studio. Plus, a new play Encounter incorporates dance, song, and acrobatics in telling the story of military oppression of low-caste farmers in India. …

We’ll examine what Mitt Romney says to his constituents in private and what he really thinks about ordinary Americans (and Palestinians). And, more insights into the maker and distributor of the controversial online film, Innocence of Muslims. Plus, a new play in Los Angeles called Year of the Rabbit, draws parallels between the wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan. …

As country representatives from a number of nations meet this week to discuss the TransPacific Partnership, we’ll analyze this latest trade agreement and what it means for ordinary people. Plus, a new documentary, 5 Broken Cameras, by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, explores the Israeli Occupation of Palestine through the camera lens. And, The Big Squeeze: A Social and Political History of the Controversial Mammogram with author and breast radiologist, Handel Reynolds. …

We’ll cover the growing food crisis both here in the US and around the world. And, a look at how resource wars are connected to killings in the Amazon and drilling in the Arctic. Plus, what’s behind the recent spate of police brutality incidents in Los Angeles? …

We’ll analyze former President Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. And, how the DNC’s latest party platform differs significantly from four years ago on the issue of civil liberties. Plus, a new organization offers ordinary Americans the chance to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision which has unleashed a torrent of money in politics. And a report from Colorlines.com about the “Undocubus.” …

We’ll get an update on Afghanistan with Kathy Kelly and why so little mention of the US’s longest war has been made by both presidential candidates. Plus, Lance Selfa discusses a “critical history” of the Democratic Party. And, Jim Mangia, President of IndependentVoice.org on where independent voters stand on this year’s election. …

We’ll examine the recently passed Domestic Workers Bill and what it would mean for thousands of largely female, low-income Californians. Plus, an update on the on-going student protests in Montreal. Plus, a look at the European Debt Crisis with a focus on Greece. …

We’ll analyze Mitt Romney’s nomination speech with my guest George Lakoff. And, we’ll examine the court ruling that just struck down Texas’ voter ID law and what it means for the election and other states with similar laws. Plus, California Governor Jerry Brown is considering signing two bills that could improve prisoner rights in the state – we’ll examine the bills and what they would mean for inmates. And this week’s Rethink Reviews with Jonathan …

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We’ll go live to New Orleans to speak with Tracie Washington about the effects of Hurricane Isaac, and echoes of Katrina seven years ago. Plus, an analysis of this week’s Republican National Convention speeches, and a look at the counter protests. And, the impact of severe budget cuts on California’s community colleges and its students. …

We’ll speak with journalist Gregory Wilpert about Venezuela’s refinery fire that claimed nearly 50 lives. And, a new bill called the TRUST Act passes the California Senate and Assembly – we’ll find out what it is. Plus, a report from Roberto Lovato who is traveling with the Mexican Caravan for Peace and Justice on its 20 city tour of the US to highlight the effects of the drug war. …