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.

• A look at rising CA gas prices (00:17)
• What to make of the new IRS Direct File program (16:10)
• Musician Jose James talks new album ‘1978’ (30:42)
• Remembering Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray (51:27)
• Does your dog really understand you? (1:06:59)
• How The Village Voice changed journalism (1:20:38)

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.

• What to know about today’s solar eclipse (00:17)
• From Mazatlan, Mexico to Burlington, VT — LAist staff & AirTalk listeners share their view of the solar eclipse (16:10)
• The history behind LA’s iconic observatories (31:58)
• Is it okay to hang out with an ex? (51:24)

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. 

• What the 99 Cents Only closures means for SoCal communities (00:17)
• Things to consider when moving in with a partner (21:23)
• Food Friday: The delicious world of empanadas (40:36)
• Our critics review the latest film releases (51:29)
• Larry Interviews the directors of the new documentary ‘Girls State’ (1:22:33)

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 Liz Shannon Miller, senior entertainment editor at Consequence, and Jen Chaney, television critic for Vulture.

This week’s shows include:

• Ripley (Netflix)
• Sugar (Apple TV+)
• George & Mary (Starz) 
• Loot [Season 2] (Apple TV+)
• Dinosaur (Hulu) 
• Curb Your Enthusiasm [Series Finale]

Today on AirTalk, California Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced a new bill that would guarantee California workers the ‘right-to-disconnect’ from employers after work hours. Also on the show, the invisible work of ‘Emotional Labor’ in romantic relationships; Scotland’s new hate speech law and its potential impact on free speech; and more.

• Should CA workers have a "right to disconnect?" (00:17)
• Pros and cons of adaptive reuse (19:37)
• Emotional labor 101 (32:14)
• LA Public Library takes on book publishing (51:28)
• Scotland’s controversial new hate speech law (1:07:28)
• Our TV critics on what to watch this weekend (1:23:23)

A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticized by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalize religious views or tasteless jokes. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior on the basis of characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Racial hatred was already banned under a law dating from 1986. The maximum sentence is seven years in prison. Critics argue that the law will have a chilling effect on free speech, making people afraid to express their views. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss the new law and criticisms of it is Eugene Volokh, professor of law at UCLA where he teaches First Amendment law.

Today on AirTalk, what California’s above-average April snowpack tells us about the year to come. Also on the show, Oakland is set to deploy surveillance cameras to track vehicles and battle crime; what became of Marlon Brando’s private island ‘Eco-Resort’ Tetiaroa; and more.

• Latest on Hwy 1 collapse (00:17)

• CA April snowpack results (7:14)

• The world of eclipse tourism (16:27)

• What makes your neighborhood special? (28:44)

• Are vehicle-tracking cameras effective? (51:18)

• What became of Marlon Brando's island resort? (1:09:58)

• Why hairstyling is so expensive (1:24:51)

Today on AirTalk, the latest on the Disney shareholder shakeup and its potential impact on the company. Also on the show, Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the long legacy of Black country musicians; California unions allege misuse of voter-approved funds for Arts Education; and more.

• Disney's looming shareholder vote (00:17)
• LED headlights' increasing popularity (16:22)
• Legacy of Black country music (31:48)
• Why CA unions allege misuse of arts ed funds (1:07:34)
• New skin test to help diagnose Parkinson's (1:24:50)
• How 'growth mindset' can transform organizations (1:33:20)