AirTalk

It’s that time of year when gardens explode in a palette of colors. After another year of historic rainfalls, mother nature might be painting with more hues than usual. The blooms we often hear about are the “super blooms” on public land, like the Antelope Valley or Lake Elsinore. But flowers don’t discriminate where they grow. Today on AirTalk, we’re talking about the best gardens in SoCal, from the public to the private, Descanso Gardens to San Diego’s Balboa Park. We want to hear from you. What is your favorite garden to visit? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Today on AirTalk, a look into how the role of sex might be taking a backseat in marriage. Also on the show, we celebrate Los Angeles’ Oaxacan food culture with the family run restaurant ‘Quiadaiyn;’our film critics review ‘Abigail’ and the latest movie releases; and more.

We're back with another episode of Revival House, but this time we're not heading to a 100 year old theater... The David Geffen and Ted Mann theaters at the Academy Museum of Motion Arts and Pictures are a new addition to L.A's revival programming. In this episode, we explore what the theaters, which only opened in 2021, have to offer our city's moviegoing landscape. And hopefully, we demystify what seeing a movie here is actually like! (Did you know that tickets are only $10? And no, they don't just show Oscar winners.) In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro sits in the red velvet seats of the David Geffen theater with Academy Museum Director of Programming, K.J. Relth-Miller, to talk community access, screening trends, and the power of movie theaters. If you're curious about the Academy Museum, you can check out our other LAist Studios series, The Academy Museum Podcast here. Guests: Academy Museum Director of Programming K.J. Relth-Miller

Today on AirTalk, the latest on USC’s decision to cancel valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s graduation speech citing safety concerns. Also on the show, a look into the legal intricacies of what happens to frozen embryos after a couple breaks up; Orange County supervisor Andrew Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do, speaks out on controversy surrounding millions of taxpayer dollars; and more.

LAs two favorite basketball teams are headed to the NBA playoffs. The Lakers have their first game against the Denver Nuggets in Colorado on Saturday, meanwhile the Clippers get home court advantage against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Heading into the playoffs there’s been uncertainty about Kawhi Leonard’s availability for the first game against the Mavs, but coach Tyronn Lue says he’s “preparing to have him on the court”. The Lakers are eager for a chance at redemption in their game against the defending NBA champions, hoping to make up for the 4-0 sweep from last spring’s Western Conference finals. Today on AirTalk we talk about the Lakers and Clippers performances during the regular season and what they tell us about how they’ll do as they both head into the postseason. Joining us to talk about the Clippers is Law Murray, staff writer for The Athletic covering the LA Clippers. Also with us is Dan Woike, Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Times. Have questions or comments about LAs chances in the NBA playoffs give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

Today on AirTalk, longtime NPR business desk editor Uri Berliner has resigned following his controversial essay criticizing NPR’s overall coverage. Also on the show, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved an overhaul on apartment inspections and code enforcement; the latest on Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall; and more.

A state board that oversees correctional facilities decided last Thursday to allow Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey to continue to house incarcerated young people; the Board of State and Community Corrections’s evaluation was that the juvenile hall had met the minimum requirements on staffing levels and safety checks. In making the decision, the Board of State and Community Corrections also found that the Los Angeles County Probation Department's efforts to meet use-of-force training and other requirements were improving. This follows the state regulatory body’s notice in February that the correctional hall would need to close if these demands weren’t met. Today on AirTalk, we update listeners on how the juvenile hall got to this point with LAist mental health reporter Robert Garrova. We also hear from Jonathan Byrd, 2nd Vice President & Chief Steward for the L.A. County Deputy Probation Officers' Union, and Milinda Kakani, Youth Justice Director for Children's Defense Fund – California. With files from LAist; read Robert’s latest story here. We reached out to the L.A. County Probation Office, but they were unable to provide a representative to join the program.

Today on AirTalk, the University of Southern California announced yesterday that its undergraduate valedictorian will not be permitted to speak at the school's graduation ceremony due to safety concerns. Also on the show, a flurry of new bills looks to answer how California can create more affordable housing on its coast; Dodgers great Ron “The Penguin” Cey visits the studio to talk about his new memoir; and more.

Today on AirTalk, it’s Mosquito Awareness week and we’re looking behind the scenes at the science that’s keeping you safe. Also on the show, what you need to know about Google’s announcement to remove links to California news sites; Listeners let us know about the best steakhouses in Los Angeles; and more.

Today on AirTalk, there will be overnight closures on the southbound 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills starting Monday as construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing begins. Also on the show, we look at the best pizza in Los Angeles; our Film critics review the latest releases; and more.

Today on AirTalk, OJ Simpson, Fallen Football Hero Acquitted Of Murder In ‘Trial Of The Century,’ Dies At 76. Also on the show, a new California legislative committee looks to explore if happiness can be legislated; our TV critics look at the latest release ; and more.

O.J. Simpson, the decorated football superstar and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend but later found liable in a separate civil trial, has died. He was 76. Simpson’s attorney confirmed to TMZ he died Wednesday night in Las Vegas. A message posted Thursday on Simpson’s official X account — formerly Twitter — said he died after battling cancer. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren,” the statement said. Simpson earned fame, fortune and adulation through football and show business, but his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Live TV coverage of his arrest after a famous slow-speed chase marked a stunning fall from grace for the sports hero. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss OJ Simpson’s death and controversial legacy is Linda Deutsch, retired AP special correspondent who covered the OJ Simpson trial, and A Martinez, host of NPR’s Morning Edition. With files from the Associated Press

Today on AirTalk, a new state audit has found that California hasn’t properly tracked the effectiveness of its homelessness programs. Also on the show, California homeowners continue to struggle as State Farm announces non-renewals for thousands of customers; We take a look into the trends and major factors that are driving chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools ; and more.

For those frequently driving around Southern California, you’ve probably notice gas prices tick upward over the last month or so, with AAA estimating that LA County gas prices are at an average of $5.34. Despite being a couple cents cheaper than the statewide average, it’s much higher than the $3.61 nationwide average, which becomes a compounding issue for a region that relies on cars as heavily as Southern California does. So what’s the outlook for this spring and summer look like for gas prices? And how much more price increases can working-class Californians see during these warmer months? Today on AirTalk, we get into the the gas price uptick with Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gasbuddy, and William Lee, chief economist of the Milken Institute. How’ve gas prices looked like in your part of SoCal? Tell us about it by calling 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Today on AirTalk, the IRS Direct File program is out now in California – what to make of its first year roll out. Also on the show, we remember Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, his powerful legacy and his impact on Los Angeles; A new book examines the history of the alt-weekly publication The Village Voice; and more.

Today on AirTalk, the partial solar eclipse arrives in Southern California this morning – we talk to LAist staff and AirTalk listeners about how and where they’re viewing the eclipse. Also on the show, we look at the history and science behind Los Angeles’ iconic observatories; Listeners weigh in on the do’s and don’ts of hanging out with an ex; and more.

It’s almost time! The total solar eclipse is upon us, and while Los Angeles and Southern California are not along the path of totality and will only see a partial eclipse, that doesn’t mean local astronomers and scientists aren’t watching intently. LAist Climate Emergency Reporter Erin Stone join us from an eclipse watch party at Caltech’s Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, because where better to view this phenomenon? Plus, Mazatlan, Mexico will be the first place in North America to see the total solar eclipse at approximately 11:07 a.m. Pacific Time, when they will experience totality. We’ll talk with LAist listener and longtime Angeleno Eric Streit who now lives in Mazatlan and will be watching the eclipse with other Angelenos who have traveled to his home there for this unique experience.

Revival House is breaking format for this episode, and we’re saying goodbye to a historic first-run movie theater. The Highland Theatre in Highland Park was one of the only movie theaters in Northeast LA. A designated historic cultural monument, the exterior will remain intact, but its future is uncertain. In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro chats with host Brian De Los Santos about community memories, the history of the theater, and what might be next… Links we mentioned in this episode: Eastsider LA Los Angeles Theatres Guests: Highland Park Independent Film Festival co-founder and executive director, Marita De La Torre; historian and film professor Ross Melnick, and local employee Denise Hernandez

Today on AirTalk, the 99 Cents Only retailer has announced they’ll be closing all of their 371 stores across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas . Also on the show, what to consider when moving in with a romantic partner; our FilmWeek critics review the newest releases; and more.