KQED's Forum

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge was closed in both directions on Thursday after repeated incidents of concrete falling from the upper deck onto the lower deck. No injuries were reported and Caltrans officials said the falling concrete was caused by normal shaking that results from everyday use. We'll discuss what this all means for public safety and traffic, as well as the current state of the Bay Area's infrastructure.

In her new book "Why We Dream," science writer Alice Robb argues that dreams are not "silly little stories" but rather help us form memories, manage anxiety and spark creativity. We'll discuss the latest science behind dreams with Robb and Harvard psychologist Deirdre Barrett. And we'd like to hear from you: have your dreams helped you solve a problem or cope with stress or trauma?

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring on Wednesday admitted that he wore blackface while he was in college at a party in the 1980s. This comes amid increased calls for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam over his admission that he wore blackface in the 1980s while dressed up as Michael Jackson. Northam has also been accused of appearing in a photo featuring a person in blackface and another in a KKK robe. Forum talks about the history blackface and its role in dehumanizing and disenfranchising African Americans.

Paradise officials have rescinded an emergency ordinance that allowed property owners to temporarily live in trailers or RVs on their burned-out land. The move came after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned that the town risked losing $1.7 billion in cleanup funds if it allowed people to live on properties with debris or hazardous material. We'll discuss the decision and hear what options people have in a region with a severe housing shortage.

A recent study from UCSF revealed flaws in the way anorexia nervosa, the deadliest psychiatric disorder, is currently treated. Based on 40 years of data, the analysis found that commonly used treatments, including medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy, did not have better results than standard, supportive counseling. We'll hear about the report, discuss where current treatments might be missing the mark and discuss new approaches that may move anorexia treatment past its long-standing plateau.

We'll get analysis and reaction to President Trump's State of the Union address.

You've splurged on Maine wild blueberries for their reputed power to boost immunity, and you've stocked up on avocados, sources of "healthy" fats. But, as Marion Nestle details in her new book "Unsavory Truth," the research supporting health claims for these and other foods is funded by the companies that profit from their sale. We'll talk to Nestle about how the food industry shapes perceptions of a healthful diet, and how consumers can find accurate nutritional information about the foods they eat.

Oakland's 3,000 member teachers union has authorized a district-wide strike. Among the union's demands are a 12 percent raise over three years and reduced class sizes. The school district, which has offered a 5 percent pay raise, is in the midst of deciding on substantial cuts to address its expected $30 million budget shortfall next year. We'll talk about the strike, which could begin later this month, and what it means for Oakland teachers, students and parents.

David and Nic Sheff discuss their new book for young readers, “High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol and Addiction.”

The State Department announced Friday that the U.S. is suspending the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, claiming that Russia violated the treaty "without remorse." Full U.S. withdrawal will take place in six months, unless Russia dismantles what the administration calls objectionable missile programs. We'll talk about the national security implications of the withdrawal, and we'll analyze the intelligence community's recently issued "Worldwide Threat Assessment."

Forum reviews, analyzes and answers your questions about the latest news from Washington, D.C.

"I guess we'll just have to do it ourselves." That's a growing sentiment in many communities where individuals are tired of waiting for government to act. In this hour, a special broadcast from the Night of Ideas festival in San Francisco. Michael Krasny and guests talk about new models for communities to offer affordable housing, healthier food and more efficient and equitable use of tax dollars. Some of these ideas call for reclaiming the urban commons and come out of the "sharing cities" movement. Hear about some real-world examples of participatory governance in the Bay Area.

With climate change comes rising seas, flooding and increased natural disasters. And those effects may be felt most acutely in cities. In this hour, hear a special broadcast from the Night of Ideas festival at San Francisco's Main Library. Host Michael Krasny was joined by a futurist, an architect/designer, a science fiction writer, and a landscape architect. They look at some bold actions cities can take, and ask: How can we design cities for a changing climate?

Starting Friday, the Bay Area beer scene will be hopping, with SF Beer Week drawing fans to local taprooms. We'll hear about this year's events and get beer tips, including why the word "craft" on a label can be misleading. Tell us: What are you drinking these days?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not budging on President Trump's proposed border wall. “There's not going to be any wall money in the legislation,” she said at a press briefing on Thursday. For his part, Trump says that he will not accept a government spending plan that doesn't include funding for the wall. Pelosi joins us in the studio to talk about the ongoing negotiations and what we can expect from the 116th Congress.