AirTalk teams up with sister affiliate KNPR to bring you stories from the Las Vegas community as the country attempts to cope with the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. We also debate new state regulations that will not require Uber and Lyft drivers to submit their fingerprints, as taxi drivers do; preview the Dodgers’ postseason before it kicks off against the Diamondbacks tomorrow; and more.
Ammo in the car, hotel rooms in Chicago: the latest on the Vegas shooting investigation
Investigations continue into the motives and details surrounding Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter.
On Tuesday, his girlfriend returned to the U.S. from the Philippines and told investigators she had no idea of plans for the massacre. It’s come to light that Paddock had booked hotel rooms in August in Chicago that faced the Lollapalooza music festival, though it’s still unclear for what purpose.
It’s also now thought that Paddock wanted to create even more damage Sunday. 1,600 rounds of ammunition and explosive substances were found in the car he had left in the hotel parking lot. He had also shot at jet fuel tanks from his hotel room, though the shots did not cause a fire or explosion.
We get the latest of the last 24 hours.
Guest:
Matt Pearce, national reporter for the Los Angeles Times; he tweets
Should Uber and Lyft drivers be required to do biometric testing for background checks?
State regulators will not require Uber and Lyft drivers to do biometric background checks, such as fingerprinting, a subject that’s been hotly debated by taxi groups and the rideshare companies.
What remains in place in California are commercial background checks accredited by an industry association and annual screenings. The California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees ride-hailing companies, is declining to require biometric screening. Taxi drivers must do biometric testing and have expressed safety concerns over the lack of biometric background checks with Uber and Lyft.
The ridesharing companies have argued that another layer of background checks will not offer more safety to passengers. What do you think of biometric background checks? Do you think Uber and Lyft should do more to ensure passenger safety?
Guests:
Dave Sutton, spokesperson for Who’s Driving You?, a public safety campaign on behalf of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association
Harry Campbell, Uber and Lyft driver and founder of theRideShareGuy.com, a blog and podcast for rideshare drivers; he tweets
Go Dodgers! KPCC’s resident baseball experts preview the postseason
Tomorrow night marks the start of the National League division series, and LA’s Dodgers are beginning to feel the squeeze.
After a record-breaking 104 game wins, this season is considered the team’s best chance in 29 years for advancement to the World Series. They house some of 2017’s brightest baseball stars (Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Justin Turner to name a few), have a home-field advantage and the most playoff experience out of any team in the running.
But let’s not write-off the Diamondbacks just yet.
Although Arizona is going into Game 1 without the help of starters Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray, the team’s swift defeat of the Dodgers during regular season has their players remaining confident. Still riding the high of a wild card victory, the Diamondbacks seem poised and ready for a playoff upset.
Needless to say, there’s plenty to talk about and much to worry about. Will the Dodgers perform? Or are we going to see another – knock on wood – September slump? How good are Arizona’s chances to win Game 1?
Call and share your thoughts at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
A Martinez, host of KPCC’s Take Two; he tweets
Nick Roman, host of KPCC All Things Considered; he tweets
In wake of Sunday’s shooting, stories from Las Vegas
When a man opened fire Sunday at a country music festival opposite the Mandalay Bay resort and casino on the Las Vegas strip, the concert became a scene filled with confusion and chaos.
To many Angelenos, Vegas is known as a weekend getaway. We’re neighbors, and that’s why this tragic event feels close to home. The Las Vegas community is faced with the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, and its effects are far reaching.
As the Los Angeles Times reports, Manhattan Beach Middle School special education teacher, Sandy Casey, and Riverside Community College student, Angela Gomez, were just two of the 59 people killed at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. But amid the loss, the nation is united in its support for those impacted by the attack, and we want to do our part.
Today, AirTalk connects with KNPR in Las Vegas to bring you stories from their community. We’re taking calls from Vegas and LA to find out how listeners are dealing, healing and moving forward from the tragedy.
Guests:
Joe Schoenmann, host and senior producer of State of Nevada, the daily talk show on KNPR, our sister affiliate in Las Vegas, Nev.; he tweets
Fred Wasser, producer at State of Nevada, the daily talk show on KNPR, our sister affiliate in Las Vegas, Nev.