American civil rights icon Jesse Jackson has passed
Over the long weekend and into this morning, multiple American figures passed. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. As a young organizer in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, shortly before King was killed, and he publicly positioned himself thereafter as King’s successor. Today on AirTalk, we speak on Jackson’s legacy with Jody Armour, professor of law at University of Southern California, and Kerman Maddox, managing partner for Dakota Communications.
With files from the Associated Press.
What are extended-range electric vehicles?
Although the Trump Administration hasn’t been fond of electric vehicles, ending any Biden-era assistance in growing this part of the automotive industry, these manufacturers still seem invested in expanding their presence. Added investment has seemed to come to grips with consumers' biggest EV-related question: could their range make it easier to quell any long-distance driving anxiety? One answer to this seems to come from extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), which can offer drivers a couple of hundred more miles than most common EVs. As manufacturers like Ram, Ford, and Nissan look to invest in extended range, we’ll help explain what makes them unique. Today on AirTalk, we’ll discuss EREVs with Alistair Weaver, editor-in-chief for Edmunds, and Gil Tal, professor of environmental science and policy at UC Davis and director of its EV Research Center.
Two titans of American cinema have died
Frederick Wiseman, the celebrated director of “Titicut Follies” and dozens of other documentaries whose in-depth, unadorned movies comprised a unique and revelatory history of American institutions, died Monday at age 96. Also, Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” died at age 95 on Sunday. Today on AirTalk, we remember these two Hollywood figures with Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide andCineGods.com and Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor.
What is bipolar disorder, really?
Bipolar disorder is a condition we’ve all heard about. Maybe we have someone in our life with the disorder or we’ve come across it in the media. But how much do we really know about it? What are some of the biggest misconceptions and how is science advancing what we know and how we treat BD? Ye, formerly, Kanye West, has brought Bipolar Disorder into public conversation through his struggles with mental health, even saying that his manic states were cause for some of his worst behavior, which people with the disorder know is not something you can “snap out of” or choose. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss is Erin Michalak, professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and Sara Schley, author of the memoir BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum, which is serving as the basis for the upcoming documentary of the same name.
Islamic Society of Orange County celebrates 50 years
Today, California is home to one of the largest and most diverse Muslim populations in the country, with estimates suggesting the Golden State is home to around 500,000 Muslims, as the exact number is skewed due to the lack of demographic data. As more communities migrated from all over the world, Southern California’s Muslim community during the early to mid-20th century became more diverse, comprising South Asian, African, Arab, Persian, and many more ethic backgrounds. But the visibility of Muslims in SoCal didn’t significantly increase until descendants of these early communities began to reconnect with their faith and explore their religious identities in a rapidly changing society. This period led to the creation of new Islamic institutions and hubs that served local muslims for worship, education, and activism. One notable pillar of the Muslim SoCal community was the Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC), established in 1976. It is the largest Muslim community center in Southern California, serving more than 10,000 followers throughout the area. As the Islamic Society of Orange County celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are joined by Muzammil Siddiqi, director and Islamic scholar for ISOC, who has served the community since 1981, and Deana Helmy, Chairwoman of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California. We also want to hear from you! How has ISOC played a role in your life? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
