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The latest on protests in Iran, and how Iranian Angelenos are reacting
The latest on protests in Iran, and how Iranian Angelenos are reacting
Demonstrations broke out in Iran on Dec. 28 and have spread nationwide as protesters vent their increasing discontent over the Islamic Republic’s faltering economy and the collapse of its currency. Dozens of people have been killed and thousands arrested as the daily protests have grown and the government seeks to contain them. While the initial focus had been on issues like spikes in the prices of food staples and the country’s staggering annual inflation rate, protesters have now begun chanting anti-government statements as well. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic. Trump said late Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of increasing deaths and the government continue to arrest protesters. We’re joined by Sahar Razavi, associate professor of political science at Sacramento State and director of its Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center.
With files from the Associated Press.
E-bikes have been surging in popularity — are the roads prepared for them?
E-bikes, or electronically motored bikes, have become one of the most ubiquitous forms of transportation on streets, campuses, and sidewalks in recent times. The relatively new tech has proven to be environmentally friendly, affordable, and an efficient mode of transportation for riders, but doctors and experts say the injuries they are seeing from e-bike-related incidents are anything but routine, as many people feel that the technology has leapt ahead of regulation. Prompted by a devastating crash in Marin County that left a 15-year-old with a traumatic brain injury, trauma surgeons began sounding the alarm about a sharp increase in severe and fatal e-bike-related injuries — injuries they say look more like motorcycle crashes than traditional bike accidents. Today on AirTalk, we examine the rise of e-bikes, the lack of regulation for them, and the growing concerns around the dangers they pose. We’re joined by Dr. Blake Taylor, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at UC San Francisco. We’re also joined by Dr. John Maa, Governor of the American College of Surgeons, who practices in San Francisco, and Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition. We also want to hear from you! Have you bought an e-bike for yourself or for your kid? Are you concerned with the dangers associated with riding them? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
As we enter the last year of Governor Newsom's tenure, what defines his legacy?
Last week, Gavin Newsom addressed Californians, serving as the beginning of the end for his tenure as governor of the Golden State. Referencing his legacy for housing and homelessness policy, Governor Newsom touted a drop in unsheltered homelessness, with a 9% decrease in 2025 from the year prior. This marks just one aspect of the governor's tenure since he took over the position in 2019. Entering his final year, he continues to promote his legacy at a time when the state has legally fought against the Trump Administration on multiple occasions, and mulls over a potential run at the presidency. So today on AirTalk, we'll dig into what policies Governor Newsom is looking to promote, and what will most define his legacy. Joining us is Jeanne Kuang, California Capitol reporter for CalMatters. We also want to hear from you: what defines Newsom's legacy as California governor in your eyes? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
SoCal History: What’s it been like growing up Black in Los Angeles?
For most of our Black listeners, the experience of being a person of color in Los Angeles has been overcoming many of the discriminatory practices the country has imposed on them, while also looking to preserve the hard-fought political capital they’ve gained over the decades. Over the decades, Black Angelenos have seen desegregation practices like bussing, the election of Tom Bradley (the city’s longest serving mayor), as well as two uprisings that were in response to systemic racism. Today on AirTalk, we put the ask out to our Black listeners about what it’s been like living in Los Angeles over the years, for them and their families. Share your experience by giving us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
The American whiskey industry may be on the rocks
It’s a strange time in the American whiskey market, with art broker Sotheby’s predicted to set records with its first live, single-owner whiskey auction at the same time Jim Beam is halting distillation at its flagship facility for all of 2026. Changing alcohol consumption habits, tariffs, and growing price consciousness have turned the whiskey market on its head — but are these just bumps in the road, or are they signs pointing to a larger downturn? Joining us to discuss the outlook for the industry are Clay Risen, reporter for the New York Times who regularly covers whiskey, and Melkon Khosrovian, co-founder of and spirit maker at Greenbar Distillery in the Arts District.