Following the Germanwings crash last week, we ask experts why a suicidal co-pilot would want to kill all the passengers and crew when killing himself? Also, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell stops by AirTalk today for the first of what will be a monthly check-in with AirTalk. Then, business owners in the state of Indiana can now legally deny services to same-sex couples on the grounds that it would go against their religious beliefs.
New findings about mental health of Germanwings pilot raises questions about airline standards
In the wake of Germanwings flight 9525 crash into the French Alps, Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz’s history of ‘suicidal tendencies’ is raising questions about how pilots are mentally evaluated.
As the workplace increasingly faces the topic of mental illness and how to balance worker’s rights with the safety of those with whom they work, the Germanwings crash shows just how important it is not only to ask the right questions but also to get the answers right.
At the moment, the most pressing question is why would a suicidal co-pilot want to kill all the passengers and crew when killing himself? We'll also look at what latitude airlines have in deciding whether a pilot's mental health should lead to grounding.
Should annual psychological evaluations be required? What steps can be taken to protect both passengers and pilots?
Guests:
Dr. Russell Rayman, (M.D.), practicing physician and Former Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association (18 years). Doctors like Rayman are the first line of defense when determining the mental stability of a pilot.
Bill Schmitz, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and president of the American Association of Suicidology
Tesla Model S improvements include driverless capabilities and an app to alleviate ‘range anxiety’
Ever thought to yourself: “I wish my car could pick me up.” Now there’s an app for that.
Tesla is diligently working on software that may drive state regulators and insurers mad, namely the ability for your car to have certain autonomous or ‘autopilot’ functionality.
Although the automaker is also planning on alleviating ‘range anxiety,’ or the fear that drivers of electric cars will get stuck on the road without the ability to charge a battery, it’s the thought of cars driving people that has propelled Tesla to the latest headlines. Tesla plans on releasing the software update this summer.
Now that cars can park themselves and have become increasingly autonomous, should we accept self-driving cars as the future of travel? Who is liable if a ‘hands-free’ or ‘driverless’ car hits someone?
Guest:
Antuan Goodwin, Associate Editor at Car Technology at CNET
LA County Sheriff McDonnell on MEU jail proposal, body cams, Jessica’s Law and more
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell stops by today for the first of what will be a monthly check-in with AirTalk.
Much like we do with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, we’ll chat with the Sheriff about the biggest crime and public safety stories locally and nationally, as well ask take a few calls from our listeners who have questions for the Sheriff.
Today, Larry and the Sheriff will be discussing body cameras, the proposal to build a jail solely to house those in need of correctional rehab, the battle over an emergency radio system that would connect all of L.A.’s first responders and emergency personnel, the easing of Jessica’s Law for some sex offenders, and more.
Guest:
Jim McDonnell, Sheriff of Los Angeles County
White House announces major plan to fight superbugs
The White House rolled out a five-year plan to fight the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria on Friday, a major effort undertaken by the Obama administration to address a growing health issue.
The 60-page report is put together by a government task force that include top health, agriculture and defense officials.
Does the White House plan go far enough? Where would the funding come from?
Guests:
Amanda Jezek, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which represents physicians, scientists and other health care professionals who specialize in infectious diseases.
Tom Talbot, DVM, veterinarian, cattle producer and past president of the California Cattlemen’s Association
Legal experts debate Indiana ‘religious freedom’ law
Last week, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which “prohibits a government entity from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion” unless the governmental entity can demonstrate a compelling governmental interest.
The LGBT community and its allies have condemned the law, saying it essentially legalizes discrimination. Apple CEO Tim Cook authored an op-ed in the Washington Post in which he said laws like this "rationalize injustice by pretending to defend something many of us hold dear." Others, who defend the law, say that it simply gives business owners (i.e. florists, bakers, etc.) with strong religious beliefs the opportunity to say no if they feel that providing a service to a same-sex couple would infringe on their religious beliefs.
What do you think about this law? Should those with strong religious beliefs be allowed to refuse services to same-sex couples or does this law go too far? Are there other states in the U.S. with similar legislation? What does this mean for Indiana’s LGBT community?
Guests:
John Eastman, professor of law and founding director of the Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence at Chapman University.
Jennifer Pizer, senior counsel, and law and policy project national director for Lambda Legal, a law firm that specializes in defending LGBT rights.
PBS documentary series tackles the past, present, and future of cancer
Produced by Ken Burns and directed by Barak Goodman, a new three-part documentary series on cancer begins on PBS tonight.
Based on the book by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee of the same name, the series takes a broad look at the history of cancer during the past century, focuses on how it affects the lives of millions today, and explores the future of cancer and the research that is racing against time to treat it.
Part 1 of "Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies" will be shown on PBS stations across the country. For Southern California viewers, you can catch the program on KOCE tonight at 9pm.
You can watch the official trailer for the series HERE
Guests:
Barak Goodman, director and producer of the PBS documentary series "Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies"