AirTalk LAist 89.3

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.


We remember NBA legend Jerry West  (00:17)
How to prepare for a loved one’s final moments (37:20)
What to know about Universal Transitional Kindergarten (51:00)
Does MDMA have any medical benefits? (1:07:50)
What have your cousins meant for you? (1:27:04)

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.


Remembering civil rights leader Reverand James Lawson Jr. (00:17)
What’s behind Gen Z’s interest in the trades? (20:06)
What’s the best city to raise a family? (36:13)
An update on LA rent hikes (51:35)
Is earthquake insurance important? (1:08:37)
Why is Spotify expanding beyond music? (1:29:20)

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.


Are we due for the ‘big one?’ (00:17)
Do theme parks have an annual pass problem? (17:19)
The history of LA’s civil defense sirens (34:54)
The future of nuclear energy (51:28)
What to know about ‘buy now, pay later’ plans (1:09:12)
New study shows there’s less sex in films (1:26:45)

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.