Today on AirTalk, we break down the latest COVID-19 news. Also on the show, we discuss the controversy surrounding "In the Heights" and Latinx representation in the film industry; analyze the newest movie releases with our KPCC film critics; and more.
Judge’s Proposed Ruling Deems LA County Measure J Unconstitutional
Last November, Los Angeles County voters passed Measure J, which required the county to set aside 10 percent of unrestricted county funds to social justice and diversion programs. But a proposed ruling from Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mary Strobel calls the measure unconstitutional in the way that it restricts county executives from The Los Angeles Times reports the official ruling is expected in the coming weeks.
Today on AirTalk, we’ll look at some of the legal underpinnings of the ruling, and what it could mean for the county if the ruling is upheld.
With guest host Sharon McNary
Guest:
Fredric Woocher, partner at Strumwasser & Woocher LLP in Los Angeles
DOC AMA: California Loosens Mask Rules For Vaccinated Workers, The U.S. Is Betting On A Pill To Treat COVID-19 And More
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Timothy Brewer from UCLA.
Topics today include:
California loosens COVID-19 mask rules for vaccinated workers
A pill to treat COVID-19? The U.S. is betting on it
Mental health worsens for parents, other unpaid caregivers during COVID-19
Hundreds of vaccinated Indonesian health workers get COVID-19, dozens in hospital
CDC lowers warning for cruises, recommends only fully vaccinated travel
High hopes for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine have fizzled in the U.S.
Gavin Newsom says vaccine incentives have worked. Have they?
New COVID-19 study hints at long-term loss of brain tissue, Dr. Scott Gottlieb warns
With guest host Sharon McNary
Guest:
Timothy Brewer, M.D., epidemiologist and professor of medicine at UCLA’s school of public health; has served on the advisory boards of the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
“In The Heights” & The Limits Of Latinx Representation In The Entertainment Industry
Last week saw the release for the film “In The Heights,” a film that was hailed by many as a means to showcase the Latinx experience in Washington Heights, as well as represent the diversity found in that specific community.
This all came to a head during an interview conducted by Afro-Cuban journalist Felice Leon, who had noted to “In The Heights” director John M. Chu that there was a lack of Afro-Latinx leading actors in the film. Following this, talks of Latinx representation became a larger conversation of Afro-Latinx erasure and white-washing of the whole community by the entertainment industry.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the controversy surrounding “In The Heights” and how it ties in with Latinx representation in the entertainment industry. Join the conversation, call us at 866-893-5722.
With guest host Sharon McNary
Guests:
Clayton Davis, Variety's Film Awards editor; he's the founder and president of the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, and a member of African American Film Critics Association; he tweets
Monica Castillo, arts and culture reporter for Colorado Public Radio; freelance film critic; she wrote the piece “The Limitations Of ‘Latinidad’: How Colorism Haunts ‘In The Heights’”; she tweets @mcastimovies
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA); she tweets
FilmWeek: ‘Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It,’ ‘Les Nôtres,’ ‘Luca’ And More
Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms.
"Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It," at Laemmle’s theaters (Newhall, Town Center 5, NoHo 7, Claremont 5, Playhouse 7) and other select theaters
"Les Nôtres," at Laemmle’s Royal and Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema
"Rise Again: Tulsa And The Red Summer," premieres on National Geographic June 18 at 6pm PT & on Hulu June 19
"Luca," at the El Capitan Theater (Hollywood) & Disney+
"The Sparks Brothers," in wide release
"Sisters on Track," on Netflix June 24
"Fatherhood," on Netflix
"Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation," at Landmark’s Nuart Theater & Virtual cinemas
"Sweet Thing," Laemmle’s Royal and Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema
"Summer of 85," at Laemmle’s theaters (Playhouse 7, Royal and Town Center 5)
"12 Mighty Orphans" in wide release
Our FilmWeek critics have been curating personal lists of their favorite TV shows and movies to binge-watch during self-quarantine. You can see recommendations from each of the critics and where you can watch them here.
With guest host John Horn
Guests:
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA); she tweets
Lael Loewenstein, film critic for KPCC and film columnist for the Santa Monica Daily Press; she tweets
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
Director Edgar Wright On His New Documentary ‘The Sparks Brothers’ And Why The Musicians Deserve To Be LA Rock Royalty
The joke about Sparks — if you’ve even heard of them — is that it’s the best British band to come out of America. That confusion is why Edgar Wright, the director of “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead,” wanted to make his first documentary about the group, headed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Quite simply, Wright was tired of explaining who the band was and why he loves them. His documentary, called “The Sparks Brothers,” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. John Horn talked with Wright after its January premiere about his personal connection to the band, how he connected with the brother, the editing process of the documentary and more. The film is in theaters now.
With guest host John Horn
Guest:
Edgar Wright, director of the new documentary “The Sparks Brothers;” he tweets