California lawmakers weigh tougher DUI consequences

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Today on AirTalk: CA lawmakers weigh tougher DUI consequences; How do you get offline? Economy check-in; Interview with CalMatters co-founder David Lesher; and TV Talk.

California lawmakers weigh tougher DUI consequences

Today on AirTalk: CA lawmakers weigh tougher DUI consequences; How do you get offline? Economy check-in; Interview with CalMatters co-founder David Lesher; and TV Talk.

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California lawmakers weigh tougher DUI consequences

California lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are introducing a number of bills which, if passed, would create or enhance consequences for driving under the influence (DUI). This comes after the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters series looking into the comparatively lax drunk driving laws in the state. The series found that repeat offenders suffered few material consequences and were able to get back on the road faster than they could in other states. Joining us to explain how our current DUI legal landscape came to be and what changes could be on the way are Lauren Hepler, investigative reporter at CalMatters, and Robert Lewis, reporter at CalMatters.

What’s your go-to physical, IRL way to get off the screens?

These days, it can be easy to stare at a screen for nearly the entire day. It’s not uncommon to immediately reach for your phone right when waking up, whether that’s to turn off your blaring alarm or take a few scrolls through the social media app of your choice. But with phone, computer, and television screens always lurking just off in the periphery, offering a quick break from the world that can turn into a long and unplanned doomscroll fest, getting off and staying off your screens can feel like a chore. Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from you: when it’s time to look away from the screens, what’s your go to activity, hobby, or thing you lean on. Maybe it’s knitting and keeping your hands busy, a bit of woodworking in the garage, or (we hear this is still a thing) picking up a book. Whatever your digital detox method is, we want to hear about it! Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.

What’s up with the economy? We check in with two economists.

Following sharp disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems the economy has rebounded. Inflation, which surged in 2022, has eased and job growth has been at a steady incline. Overall, the US economy seems to be doing better than many had predicted. We haven’t fallen into the recession that so many economists feared. Joining us to delve into the state of the economy and why consumer sentiment doesn’t seem to match the economic reality is Chris Thornberg, economist and founding partner at Beacon Economics and William Lee, Chief Economist and Managing Director at Global Economic Advisors.

CalMatters co-founder David Lesher retires, we talk to him about today’s CA news landscape

CalMatters co-founder David Lesher recently announced his retirement, having covered California in many facets over decades. Having spent time in outlets like the Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee, he might be best known today as the co-founder of CalMatters, the non-profit news outlet that’s been doing accountability journalism across the state since 2015. In that time, the outlet’s staff and services have grown, not only reporting across the state but also providing platforms like its Digital Democracy database, which allows readers to comb through a database of state politicians and bills introduced. Today on AirTalk, we speak with CalMatters co-founder, David Lesher, about his career, non-profit newsrooms, and how state capitol reporting has changed in California.

TV Talk: ‘The Night Agent,’ ‘Strip Law,’ and many 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 withDominic Patten, executive editor at Deadline Hollywood and Kathryn VanArendonk, television critic for Vulture.

TV SHOWS

• The Night Agent [S3] (Netflix)
• Strip Law [S1] (Netflix)
• Dreaming Whilst Black [S2] (Paramount+)
• Paradise [S2] (Hulu)
• Olympics – Men’s Hockey Final (NBC)