AirTalk

Today on AirTalk, we remember NBA legend Jerry West. Also on the show, how to prepare for a loved one’s final moments; everything you need to know about California’s Universal Transitional Kindergarten rollout for 2025-2026; we examine why the FDA overwhelmingly voted against the medical benefits of MDMA; and more.

Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. He was 86. West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was an NBA champion who went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor. West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death. West’s wife, Karen, was by his side when he died, the Clippers said. West worked for the Clippers as a consultant for the last seven years. Joining us on AirTalk this morning to discuss his legacy and career is Dan Woike, Lakers beat writer for The Los Angeles Times and Roland Lazenby, author of the book Jerry West, The Life And Legend Of A Basketball Icon.

Today on AirTalk, we remember civil rights leader Reverend James M. Lawson Jr. Also on the show, we take a look at what’s behind Gen Z’s rising interest in blue-collar careers; everything you need to know about earthquake insurance; we examine Spotify’s gamble on raising prices and expanding beyond music; and more.

Originally being an alert system for Angelenos following the attack on Pearl Harbor, civil defense sirens were a device that was meant to warn folks of an incoming disastrous event if one were to happen. Going from the angst of World War 2 to the fears of nuclear war during the Cold War, Angelenos saw more than 200 defense sirens across the town hoisted up in neighborhoods and meant to serve as a warning sign. With the sirens having been around for so long, sporting different looks, we thought it’d be worthwhile to discuss how they came to be and how their testing kept Angelenos alert in a way that was unique to the earthquake drills that exist to this day. Kim Cooper and Richard Schave, co-creators of Esotouric, a niche tour company in Los Angeles, are joining us to provide a primer on LA's civil defense sirens.

Today on AirTalk, after a string of earthquakes have rattled Southern California, we look into if we’re due for the next big one. Also on the show, we take a look at what’s in store for the future of nuclear energy; we toggle the pros and cons of ‘buy now, pay later’ plans; we examine a new study that shows a decline in sexual content in films; and more.

In the classic American steakhouse “employees hone the art of performance,” writes New York Times reporter Rita Bullwinkel in her recent piece. Steakhouses are a beloved iteration of restaurant that we’ve adopted from coast to coast. It’s a distinct genre defined by certain elements, like crisp white linens, wood paneling, and of course, steak. Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite steakhouse and why? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Today on AirTalk, California’s early-warning alert system for earthquakes gets an update. Also on the show, beloved “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak retires after 41 seasons; Monarch Donuts chef and owner Jonathan Ung joins us for National Donut Day; our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases; and more.

In the classic American steakhouse“employees hone the art of performance,” writes New York Times reporter Rita Bullwinkel in her recent piece. Steakhouses are a beloved iteration of restaurant that we’ve adopted from coast to coast. It’s a distinct genre defined by certain elements, like crisp white linens, wood paneling, and of course, steak. Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite steakhouse and why? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Today on AirTalk, the Lakers are reportedly targeting UConn’s Dan Hurley for head coach. Also on the show, a desert town community is upset over the planned destruction of thousands of Joshua Trees for a new solar power project; Knott’s Berry Farm asks visitors to call out line-jumpers; why ‘survive ‘til 25’ has become the new entertainment industry motto; corporate America is tuning out this year’s election; our TV critics review the latest shows; and more.

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, we discuss with Angie Han, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter. Today’s shows include:

Today on AirTalk, LA isn’t detailing how homeless dollars are spent. Also on the show, Austin talks with LAPD Interim Police Chief Choi; everything you need to know about the U.S Supreme court cases currently on the docket; the lawsuit that could change reggaeton music; and more.

Today on AirTalk, Biden plans to block migrants from Asylum at the US-Mexico border. Also on the show, What’s up with the new Real ID Deadline; listeners share their favorite beaches; the challenges facing Highway 1; and more.

Today on AirTalk, we look ahead into when Californians should expect that summer heat to arrive and get an update on Mosquito season. Also on the show, Marqueece Harris-Dawson drops by to talk about his recent nomination as the next LA City Council president and the future of Los Angeles; we dive into the election of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first woman president; everything you need to know about COVID-19 this summer; and more.

Today on AirTalk, we look into how former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict may impact battleground House races in California. Also on the show, how to go about telling your friend you dislike their partner; South Pasadena’s Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain brings us to the yard with their milkshakes; our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases; Larry Mantle interviews Ron Howard on his new documentary ‘Jim Henson: Idea Man;’ and more.

Today on AirTalk, everything you need to know about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to review insurance price increases. Also on the show, we remember composer Richard Sherman and listen back to an interview with Sherman from 2012; we talk with author Grace Jung on her new book ‘K-Drama School;’ Mayor Karen Bass visits us in the studio to talk about the latest happenings in the city; our TV critics review the latest show; and more.

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching with freelance TV critic Steve Greene. Joining us today on AirTalk is Kristen Baldwin, tv critic for Entertainment Weekly and Dominic Patten, senior editor for Deadline. Today’s shows include:

Today on AirTalk, everything you need to know about the MLB’s incorporation of Negro League statistics. Also on the show, how a tiny beetle is threatening California’s giant sequoias; from box-office woes to the potential end to loan outs, we check-in on the entertainment industry; we explore the challenges of aging with down syndrome; Larry interviews the author ‘Facing the Unseen;’ and more.

Today on AirTalk, we dig into a recent study from UC San Francisco on California’s aging homeless population and examine the unique issues facing older populations regarding housing insecurity. Also on the show, everything you need to know about the NCAA agreeing to share revenue with college athletes; we explore a new exhibition showcasing the artistry of lowriders at the Petersen Automotive Museum; Larry interviews the authors of the new book ‘Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War;’ and more.

Today on AirTalk, what you need to know about the Metro Board’s decision Thursday to increase security on buses and trains. Also on the show, we take a look at the ‘grief tech’ that’ll keep you in touch with your deceased loved ones; we stay cool this summer with La Michoacana’s refreshing paletas; our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases; live from Vidiots in Eagle Rock, Larry sits down with film critic Claudia Puig and film historians James Ursini and Alain Silver to talk about the film noir classic ‘Double Indemnity;’ and more.

Revival House says goodbye for now with a look at one of the biggest programming groups in town, the American Cinematheque. Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, screening 1500 movies a year in three iconic theaters across Los Angeles, the American Cinematheque has a movie for everybody, every night of the week. In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro jumps into the history of these movie theaters and this programming group to shine a light on a little L.A. moviegoing history and spotlight the future of the American Cinematheque in this city. Check out our deep dive into the Egyptian Theatre's history and reopening here: https://omny.fm/shows/howtola/revival-house-the-egyptian-theater-redux Guests: Professor and historian Ross Melnick, American Cinematheque artistic director Grant Moninger, Programmers Imani Davis and Cindy Flores, Senior Film Programmer Chris Lemaire