AirTalk

Today on AirTalk, President Biden commuted 37 of the 40 federal death sentences into life imprisonment. We're going over what this move means politically and how it may affect Trump's plans for office. A popular Chinese internet router faces a possible ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Call in and tell us how you navigate all your relationships and work, scattered across L.A. Also, we're talking updates on the Aliso and Diablo Canyon power plants. And, the owner of the Helms Bakery tells us about the role the bread manufacturer plays in SoCal history. We're also talking about the fascinating story behind the popular Christmas movie It's A Wonderful Life. Today on AirTalk: - Biden commutes federal death sentences (0:15) - Popular Chinese internet router faces possible ban in U.S. (15:18) - Navigating life in SoCal (31:15) - Updates on Aliso and Diablo Canyons (51:54) - Helms Bakery history (1:09:38) - The story behind It's A Wonderful Life (1:31:03)

Today on AirTalk: - What to know about the possible impending government shutdown (0:15) - What regions do you think make up the state of California? (15:41) - 27th Street Bakery’s famous Sweet Potato Pie (32:10)

Today on AirTalk, we're checking in with delivery drivers to see how they are faring during their busiest time of the year. News of a possible merger between Nissan and Honda spread this week. What effect might this decision have on the automobile industry? Professional baker, Nicole Rucker, is here to answer your burning holiday baking questions. San Diego is in a standoff against the federal government on Sanctuary City policies. City officials voted to prohibit the sheriff's department from working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We're contextualizing the rationale behind the stalemate. The NCAA has made changes to the college football playoff format. What do we know about this year's games? And, for today's TV Talk, our critics share their favorite shows of 2024. Today on AirTalk: - Checking in on holiday delivery drivers (0:15) - Implications of a possible Nissan/Honda merger (8:51) - Pro answers all your holiday baking questions (30:36) - San Diego Sanctuary City standoff (50:52) - Holiday traffic (58:08) - NCAA playoff format changes (1:07:22) - TV Talk: The Best of 2024 (1:20:18)

Today on AirTalk, new protections for renters with pets have been proposed by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Governor Newsom announces career education plan for Californians without college degrees. In the wake of the United HealthCare CEO murder, public reaction has been favorable to the suspected killer. We're discussing what other areas Americans might find political violence to be justified. California's canine blood supply is supported by controversial "closed colonies" of captive dogs. The state has deemed them inhumane but legislation is on pause. We'll tell you why. Love is Blind reality TV stars lead the charge for unionization. Call in and tell us the secular ways you'll be celebrating the winter season. Today on AirTalk: - Proposed pet protections for renters (0:15) - CA career plan for those without college degrees (18:17) - Can political violence be justified? (35:51) - Why captive dogs support CA canine blood supply (51:57) - Reality TV stars push for unionization (1:08:14) - Secular season celebrations (1:26:14)

Today on AirTalk, Farmers Insurance has promised to increase the number of homeowner policies they will write for Californians. We're looking into this decision and the broader state of insurance reform in The Golden State. Should you be allowed to bring plus ones to an office holiday party? Call in and tell us why or why not. If it seems like your teenager is constantly online, a new Pew Research study finds they just might be. We're discussing what exactly they are doing on their phones and how it plays into the uncertain future of social media in the U.S. We're talking about holiday stress and how you handle it. We have renowned Jazz musician, Arturo Sandoval, in the studio to tell us about his newest album and his honors from the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Today on AirTalk: - CA home insurance reform (0:15) - Are plus ones allowed at your holiday office party? (34:18) - Is your teenager constantly online? (51:23) - How do you deal with the stress of the holidays? (1:06:03) - Arturo Sandoval on his new album and being a Kennedy Center honoree (1:22:48)

Today on AirTalk, LAist reporter Erin Stone tells us what happens to our food waste after trash day and how it is being made into fuel here in L.A. Scientists say that monarch butterflies may soon be classified as a "threatened species." And, a new study asks: Are couples who live separately better off? According to an L.A. city audit, one in every four city-funded homeless shelter beds are going unused. California’s unemployment insurance program is $20 billion in debt and the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO) released a report that says the state program's current model is fiscally unsustainable. We're discussing how the debt got so bad and the LAO's four recommendations to fix the program. What was your holiday shopping experience like before malls? Call in and tell us. Today on AirTalk: - How food waste becomes fuel (0:15) - Will the monarch butterfly go extinct? (19:21) - Why are couples living apart? (36:25) - 1 in 4 city-funded shelter beds unused according to LA audit (51:42) - CA's $20 billion debt in unemployment insurance (1:07:31) - Holiday shopping pre-malls (1:29:04)

Today on AirTalk, on the heels of the murder of the United HealthCare CEO, we've seen a massive trend of glorification of his suspected shooter, Luigi Mangione. We have a professor of political science with us to discuss what this public reaction can tell us about the role of political violence in America today. A new study looks into the effect of social rejection on our brains and we're talking to one of the authors about how we can learn from those uncomfortable moments. For Food Friday, Austin is tasting some festive holiday drinks from Capri Club. Today on AirTalk: What the UHC CEO shooting tells us about political violence in America (0:15) How our brains learn from rejection (21:16) Food Friday: Tasting festive holiday cocktails from Capri Club (40:15)

Today on AirTalk, we are discussing the case of the missing U.S. woman who was found in Mexico and looking into the prevalence of missing cases like hers. We're talking about Native Americans and what they can expect from the incoming Trump Administration. President-elect Donald Trump was chosen for Time Magazine's Person of the Year, who would you choose? Last month, The Animation Guild reached a tentative deal on AI, what does this mean for Hollywood? Have you heard of 'Sunset Anxiety'? We're explaining what it is and why it might have you feeling down in the evening time. For today's TV Talk, we're covering ‘No Good Deed,’ ‘Finding Mr. Christmas,’ ‘Laid,’ and much more. Today on AirTalk: - What happens when a loved one goes missing? (0:15) - Native Americans and the Trump admin (11:56) - Your pick for Person of the Year (38:18) - Animation guild reaches tentative deal on AI (52:07) - What is 'Sunset Anxiety'? (1:08:29) - TV Talk: ‘No Good Deed,’ ‘Laid,’ and much more (1:26:29)

Today on AirTalk, the grocery chain Albertsons is suing Kroger after judges halted their merger because they believe it would lessen the competition in the CA grocery market and could potentially violate consumer-protection laws. California's push to electrify the pollutive trucking industry has companies replacing old diesel trucks with shiny new electric ones. However, a company headquartered in Rancho Dominguez is taking another route by retrofitting those old diesel trucks to turn them into electric ones. The first episode of the highly-anticipated podcast Nobody Knows Anything is out. We have the host, and creator of The Black List, Franklin Leonard in the studio to tell us all about it. LA County officials are holding a press conference this morning to address a surge in hate crime. Call in and tell us if you have noticed this rise in hate-motivated crime in your area. Today on AirTalk: - Judges halt Kroger/Albertsons merger (0:15) - Old diesel trucks get electric rehab (16:25) - Franklin Leonard of The Black List on new podcast (32:01) - LA County Officials Detail Hate Crime Report (51:42) - What is your perception of hate-motivated crime in your area? (1:10:20)

Today on AirTalk, we're keeping you up to date on any developments with the Franklin fire in Malibu. We're also looking into the current state of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as some companies and universities start to shift their practices. As we gear up for the holiday season, we're going to tell you where to find SoCal holiday displays so you can create some special memories with friends and family. A new study on the Salton Sea reveals that nitrogen oxide emissions might be contributing to smog in the basin. California plans to ban "sell by" food labels. A food safety expert walks us through how to differentiate and keep food up to par. And, we're discussing the science behind why we cry and the different kinds of tears. What purpose does crying serve in your life? Today on AirTalk: - Franklin fire in Malibu causes evacuations (0:15) - The current state of DEI (16:07) - Exploring SoCal holiday displays (39:20) - Salton Sea smog (52:10) - What even is a 'best by' date? (1:10:40) - Why do we cry? (1:26:10)

Today on Airtalk, the Syrian Captial has fallen, and we have experts to tell us what they think is next for the country. And, for our peek into history, we are looking at the contentious topic of raw milk in Southern California. As the Scrubs reboot begins development, we want to know which shows our listeners would love to see make a comeback. The Metropolitan Water District is voting on whether to continue funding the Delta tunnel project. We're discussing what the project looks like and arguments for both continuing and halting the project. The Federal Appeals Court has voted to uphold the TikTok ban. What does this mean for the app as Trump enters office? Marcia Clark, the prosecutor from OJ Simpson's infamous trial, has written a new book called Trial by Ambush: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham. Today on AirTalk: Syrian capital has fallen. What's next? Socal History: Raw milk TV Reboots CA votes on Delta Conveyance Project TikTok ban upheld Marcia Clark, OJ Simpson's prosecutor, comes out with new book

Today on Airtalk, following his decision to rework the LA Times editorial board, the Times' owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, has announced the rollout of an AI-powered bias detector tool. We're discussing what it is and how the public is responding. Call in and tell us how you feel about using AI to monitor bias. For Food Friday, we are doing a deep dive into the Los Angeles bagel scene. Today on AirTalk: - LA Times owner announces AI-powered bias detector to roll out (0:15) - Food Friday: Los Angeles bagel scene (24:25)

Today on AirTalk, we are taking a look at the Ladies Professional Golf Association's change in gender policy to ban women who transitioned after puberty. We're going to tell you how to navigate food contamination outbreaks and why 2024 was so full of them. The author of a recent study on human light intake will discuss how light affects our health. In preparation for the incoming Trump administration, CA lawmakers have convened to "safeguard" the state's values. We have a music critic to talk about this year's Spotify Wrapped and why it was met with public backlash. And, for today's TV Talk includes ‘The Sticky,’ ‘Black Doves,’ ‘Skeleton Crew,’ and more. Today on AirTalk: - Women's golf association changes policy for trans athletes (0:15) - Food contamination outbreaks explained (11:48) - Light intake study (25:25) - CA special session (34:01) - Spotify Wrapped trends (44:18) - TV Talk: ‘The Sticky,’ ‘Black Doves,’ ‘Skeleton Crew,’ and more (56:34)

Today on AirTalk, we're looking into Australia's social media ban for children under 16 years old. As the 2028 Olympics approaches, UCLA will soon be home to California's first wireless electric charging road. The Supreme Court will be hearing a case today that challenges the Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. We're keeping you updated as the case develops. California’s solar energy surplus has caused problems with the grid and it's going to cost us. We have a solar energy expert with us to tell us why. After 102 years, the historic Rose Bowl is getting an upgrade and we're discussing what to expect from the renovations. Today on AirTalk: - Australia bans social media for kids 16 and under (0:15) - UCLA to build CA's first electric charging road (23:15) - Supreme Court hears case challenging trans healthcare for minors (32:06) - CA’s solar surplus has a price (43:36) - The Rose Bowl stadium gets an upgrade (55:54)

Today on AirTalk, South Korea declared emergency martial law. We're talking about what that means and the context. We're going over all of the locations in CA that are set to be renamed to remove a derogatory term for Indigenous women. A new study looks at how mountain lions cohabitate with humans in Los Angeles, the lead author gives us the details. Republicans are planning an ambitious 100-day agenda after taking control of Congress. We have experts in the studio to share how Trump’s proposed tax cuts might impact you. And, call in to tell us what TV show you started watching because of your partner. Today on AirTalk: - South Korea declares emergency martial law (0:15) - Why CA is removing a slur for Indigenous women from local street names (11:48) - LA mountain lions are avoiding us (23:30) - What Trump's first 100 days may look like (26:26) - What shows did you find through your partner? (56:55)

Today on AirTalk, the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments and take another look at flavored vape regulations due to an appeal by the FDA. As mistrust in science-backed medicine grows, we're talking about what the future of public health might look like under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. For our weekly dive into SoCal History, we'll go back in time to prehistoric L.A. by discussing the La Brea Tar Pits. Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, the creators of the LA Times short film A Swim Lesson join us for a preview alongside the star of the film— a swim instructor. And, we want to hear from listeners about some common challenges they faced while learning to swim. Today on AirTalk: - Supreme Court hears FDA appeal on flavored vape regulations (0:15) - Science mistrust & the future of public health (15:19) - Black American influence on pop culture and mainstream media (33:06) - Prehistoric wildlife in LA (51:55) - Rashida Jones' short doc: A Swim Lesson (1:09:05) - What challenges did you face when you learned to swim? (1:19:49)

Today on AirTalk, in the wake of an audit that found misuse of funding within the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the LA Board of Supervisors approved a new department to oversee homeless response efforts. We all have that one book that turned us into readers for life. Call in and tell us about yours! And, we're exploring nativeness in the U.S. with the author of a new book titled The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America. Today on AirTalk: - LA Board of Supervisors approves proposal to explore a new homeless oversight department (0:15) - What book turned you into a reader? (19:40) - Who gets to call themselves Native in America? (37:05)

Today on AirTalk, as Thanksgiving approaches we want to know if you are talking politics at the table this year. And, with so many different formats for reading, call in and tell us how you like to read. We're going over the annual LAist holiday gift guide. After the 2024 election, LAist's Imperfect Paradise team asked high school students how they felt. We're talking about what they heard. We're telling you everything you need to know about at-home STI testing. And, for TV Talk, we're discussing A Man on the Inside, Get Millie Black, and more. Today on AirTalk: - Thanksgiving politics (0:15) - LAist gift guide (21:31) - Do people read physical books anymore? (36:28) - LA high schoolers react to election (51:52) - At-home STI testing (1:09:17) - TV Talk (1:25:15)

Today on AirTalk, Governor Newsom plans to offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credits. We talk to educators about why students are reading less in class. We’ll lay out the Port of LA’s history. We have chefs in the studio to answer your Thanksgiving cooking questions. We talk to an author about her new book highlighting LGBTQ+ legal history. Today on AirTalk: - Newsom's electric vehicle rebate (0:15) - Why aren’t students reading anymore? (17:35) - SoCal history: Port of LA (37:13) - Answering your Thanksgiving cooking Qs (52:22) - New book tracks the major legal milestones for LGBTQ+ rights (1:26:03)

Today on AirTalk, we are finishing off our week-long series on how the incoming Trump administration might impact California by discussing the future of education here in the Golden State. Actor John C. Reilly is also with us to talk about his one-man show, Mister Romantic, which is described as a vaudeville-themed “evening of love and longing” as well as his new short film, An Almost Christmas Story. With Thanksgiving coming up, we want to hear from immigrants about their first Thanksgiving experience or anyone who has spent the holiday away from home. For this week’s Food Friday, we are in for a Thanksgiving-themed treat with a selection of pies made by the baker and owner of The Village Bakery and Cafe in Atwater. Today on AirTalk: - How another Trump admin may impact CA education (0:15) - John C. Reilly new holiday short An Almost Christmas Story (16:30) - Have you ever spent Thanksgiving away from home? (27:38) - Food Friday: Pies from The Village Bakery and Cafe in Atwater (38:05)