AirTalk

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.

• USC Cancels Valedictorian’s Graduation Speech, Citing Security Concerns (00:17)
• Does your name match your identity? (35:55)
• New bills looks to fix affordable housing on CA coast (51:26)
• How States Are Trying To Attract Film & TV Production (1:10:13)
• Dodgers great Ron Cey on his new memoir (1:23:29)

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.

• What to know for Mosquito Awareness Week (00:17)
• A recap of CinemaCon (20:15)
• New book on the “Lost Landmarks of Orange County” (28:53)
• Google to limit access to CA news sites — what to know (51:29)
• The etiquette behind swapping airplane seats (1:09:27)

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.

• The latest on the looming 101 lane closures as wildlife crossing work begins (0017)
• A look into why it’s so hard to treat TMJ (16:54)
• Is Los Angeles 'the Wild West of pizza?' (41:06)
• Our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases (54:34)
• Larry Talks to ‘Civil War’ Stars Wagner Moura & Cailee Spaeny (1:25:38)

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.

• OJ Simpson dies at 76 — what we know (00:17)
• A look behind the scenes at Boeing (21:07)
• New poll shows movie watchers prefer their homes (30:45)
• Can happiness be legislated? A new CA committee is determined to find out (51:30)
• Our critics review the latest TV shows (1:18:06)

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.

 

• The latest on CA homelessness audit (00:17)
• California homeowners struggle to find policies (16:00)
• How Nazi experiments led to the War on Drugs (35:19)
• What is causing absenteeism in K-12 schools? (51:19)
• New exhibit examines the ‘art’ of the highway (1:22:35)

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 [email protected].

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.