Today on AirTalk, we update you on the latest political news in Washington D.C.. Also on the show, we discuss the trend of out-migrations from California; we answer your COVID-19 questions; and more.
The Latest On Congressional Proceedings On Impeachment, The 25th Amendment, Plus What Inauguration Day Security Will Look Like Following Capitol Siege
With the House set to impeach, President Donald Trump is blaming Democratic congressional foes for “tremendous anger” in the country and last week's deadly attack on the Capitol by his supporters after he urged them on their way.
The embattled president, in his first remarks to reporters since last week's attack, took no responsibility Tuesday for the deadly mob invasion of the building but also said he wanted “no violence.” Trump defended his fiery rally remarks to a protest crowd last week as “totally appropriate,” and he showed no remorse for the following attack, the most serious and deadly domestic incursion at the Capitol in the nation's history. On impeachment, Trump said it’s “a really terrible thing that they’re doing.” “To continue on this path, I think it’s causing tremendous danger to our country, and it’s causing tremendous anger," he said. "I want no violence. The president spoke as he left for Texas to survey the border wall with Mexico. He took no questions.
Impeachment ahead, the House on Tuesday will first try to convince the vice president and Cabinet to act even more quickly to remove Trump from office, warning he is a threat to democracy in the remaining days of his presidency. House lawmakers are reconvening at the Capitol for the first time since the deadly pro-Trump riot to approve a resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare the president unable to serve. Pence is not expected to take any such action. The House would next move swiftly to impeach Trump. Trump faces a single charge - “incitement of insurrection” - in the impeachment resolution that the House will begin debating Wednesday, a week before Democrat Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated, Jan. 20.
Today on AirTalk, we’ll catch you up on the last 24 hours in national politics, look ahead to the Congressional proceedings tonight and tomorrow regarding the 25th Amendment and article of impeachment, respectively, plus we’ll hear from a national security expert about how Inauguration Day might look from a safety perspective following last week’s events.
Guests:
Siobhan Hughes, congressional reporter for the Wall Street Journal; she tweets
George Thomas, professor of American Political Institutions at Claremont McKenna College
M. Tia Johnson, visiting professor of law and former director of the National Security Law Program at Georgetown Law; she served in the Obama Administration as the Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2015-2017)
State Department Finds Increasing Out-Migration Across California Counties
Between skyrocketing housing costs, pandemic restrictions, frequent wildfires, and high taxes, many feel that they have no choice but to leave the state they’ve long called home. According to the California Department of Finance, California only gained 21,200 new residents between July 21, 2019, and July 21, 2020, marking the state’s slowest growth rate in over a century.
Rural counties are no longer alone in losing residents; most coastal areas also declined in population over the last year. Low birth rates and deaths from COVID-19 along with other economic, political, and environmental factors have led many to move. Los Angeles County alone experienced a net loss of 40,036 residents, according to reporting by the L.A. Times.
Regardless, a downward trend in California’s population has been building momentum since 2016, and there’s no indication that it will slow down any time soon. Have you ever considered leaving the state? Call 866-893-5722 and let us know what factors have influenced your decision to stay or leave California.
Guests:
Taylor Marr, lead economist and data scientist on the research team at Redfin; he tweets
Dowell Myers, demographer and a professor of public policy at USC; he tweets
COVID-19: Disneyland Becomes Vaccination Super Site, Gorillas Test Positive For Virus And More
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.
Topics today include:
Gorillas at San Diego Zoo test positive for COVID-19
Disneyland to become vaccine testing site
COVID-19 vaccine requirement for LA students returning to campuses
UC system aims to return to in-person learning in fall semester
Trump administration plans to speed up vaccine distribution
The three stages back to normalcy
Guest:
Peter Chin-Hong, M.D., infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center; he tweets
Billion Dollar Budget Proposal Seeks to Settle Compounding Crises in California
On Jan. 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his $227 billion budget proposal which includes incentives to reopen schools, grants for small businesses, and a “Golden State Stimulus,” which would provide $600 checks for low-income Californians.
Billions of dollars have been earmarked for expanded summer school programs, infrastructure, rental assistance, and “immediate action” pandemic programs, according to CalMatters reporting. Up $31 billion from the fiscal budget for 2020, the proposal would be the largest the state has ever implemented.
Still, the budget is not finalized and negotiations may take months. Have questions or comments? Let us know your thoughts about the proposed budget at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Ben Christopher, reporter covering California politics and elections for CalMatters; he tweets
Meditation Practices, Long Phone Calls: What Habits Do You Hope To Take Forward After The Pandemic?
This time of year, social media is typically full of New Year’s resolutions to eat, sleep, exercise, date and work differently for the year ahead.
But in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the classic New Year’s resolutions don’t seem to have an appropriate place in our lives. Instead, after nearly a year of incredible social shifts caused by the pandemic, many of us are reflecting on the kinds of adaptations we’ve made and what we hope to carry forward. Maybe you began a weekly habit of Zoom movie nights with a friend, or connected with a neighbor you had never met. Or perhaps you started a daily meditation practice that has helped you feel better connected to others. No matter what form it takes, we want to hear from you: what practices are you hoping to take forward after the pandemic?
Give us a call at 866-893-5722 to share your experiences.