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The latest on California vote counting, network TV still tops ratings, and more
Workers count ballots during the 2026 California primary election at the Ballot processing center on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, CA.
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Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times
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Getty Images
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Jump to
- The latest on CA results and why the process takes time
- ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent Scott Pelley spoke against new CBS leadership. They fired him
- This FIFA World Cup is not the first global game to be set against a backdrop of conflict
- Network television is still at the top of TV ratings
- TV Talk: ‘Cape Fear,’ 'Not Suitable for Work,’ ‘The Vampire Lestat,’ and more!
Today's show: AirTalk host Larry Mantle discusses the latest on California vote counting, '60 Minutes,' international games and conflict, network TV still tops ratings, and TV Talk.
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The latest on CA results and why the process takes time
The topic:
Two days out from California’s primary election, who will move onto the general election in November is still unclear for a number of races with 56% of ballots counted. Ballots will continue to be counted until June 26, and today we look at why the process takes the time it does.
The latest: While many ballots are still outstanding, the L.A. mayor’s race has become more clear with incumbent Karen Bass reaching a threshold that suggests she’ll make it to November. Who she will face is still in question. On the governor’s side, who will move on between Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, and Tom Steyer is still in question.
Background: Things take a while here largely because California works so hard to expand the ways people can vote. For example, Californians in recent years overwhelmingly vote by mail — nearly 90% of votes cast in the 2024 presidential election were mail-in ballots. California also offers same-day voter registration at any voting center.
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Read more: Understanding why declaring winners in California may take a minute
Guests:
- Megan Garvey, senior vice president of news and editor in chief at LAist
- Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focusing on improving the voting process
- Dean Logan, registrar of voters for Los Angeles County
‘60 Minutes’ correspondent Scott Pelley spoke against new CBS leadership. They fired him
60 Minutes new executive producer has fired veteran journalist Scott Pelley.
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Michael Tran
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AFP via Getty Images
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The topic:
Scott Pelley spent decades as one of CBS News' most trusted voices. CBS fired him this week — reportedly after speaking out against network leadership in a staff meeting. Today on AirTalk, we look at what his departure reveals about the changing media landscape and future of journalism.
Recent changes at CBS: Bari Weiss’ time at CBS News has led to changes on flagship show 60 Minutes. In December, executives pulled a segment on Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador’s CECOT.
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Pelley’s tenure: Pelley had been at CBS News since 1989, having reported on a variety of stories for 60 Minutes at that time, including financial crises and wars happening overseas.
Guest:
- David Folkenflik, media correspondent for NPR
This FIFA World Cup is not the first global game to be set against a backdrop of conflict
Soccer fans fill the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., prior to the World Cup final between Brazil and Italy on July 17, 1994.
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Lois Bernstein
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AP
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The topic:
As the U.S. war in Iran drags on, the United States is the first host nation in FIFA World Cup history to be at war with a participating country. Today on AirTalk, we look at how global games are played during times of conflict.
Why it matters: Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month in these unprecedented circumstances. And the Iran men’s team is scheduled to play two of its matches in Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian population outside of Iran.
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Background: Iran's participation in the tournament has been in question since the U.S. and Israel launched a bombing campaign against the country in late February. Whether they show up or not won't be settled until the team arrives in the U.S. to play.
Read the full story on LAist.com.
Guest:
- Victoria Jackson, sports historian and associate clinical professor of historical, philosophical, and religious studies at Arizona State University
Network television is still at the top of TV ratings
Network television still dominates ratings.
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Choreograph (Konstantin Yuganov)
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iStockphoto
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The topic:
Despite an overall downtrend in primetime viewership, CBS represented eight out of the top 25 most-watched programs across all streaming and broadcast networks, according to Neilsen’s latest data.
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Franchise dominance: Recently, Paramount has dominated serialized television with series like NCIS and Yellowstone, and its eternal spinoff catalogue that has proven to draw massive audiences and fandom.
Guests:
- Eric Deggans, TV critic and media analyst at NPR
- Tyler Aquilina, media analyst for Luminate, a data and insights company for the entertainment industry
TV Talk: ‘Cape Fear,’ 'Not Suitable for Work,’ ‘The Vampire Lestat,’ and more!
What should you watch this weekend?
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Pituk Loonhong / Getty Images
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iStockphoto
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The topic:
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. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching.
TV Shows:
- Cape Fear [Limited Series] (Apple TV)
- Not Suitable for Work [Season 1] (Hulu | Disney+)
- What It Feels Like for a Girl [Season 1] (BBC | Prime Video)
- The Vampire Lestat [Season 3] (AMC)
- Euphoria [Season 3 Finale] (HBO MAX)
- The Boys [Season 5 Finale] (Prime Video)
Guest:
- Liz Shannon-Miller, senior entertainment editor for Consequence
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Today on AirTalk: Primary statewide and local election results, California vote count, and more. -
Today on AirTalk: Primary Election 2026, L.A.'s 'mansion tax,' voter turnout, and your first voting experience. -
Today on AirTalk: Voter Game Plan, important issues for voters, summer activities, county registrars, history of L.A. term limits, and the 1994 World Cup.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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