Could Congress Step In To Help Struggling Theaters? Big Names Are In Washington Today To Make Their Case

Big name theater professionals are headed to Washington D.C. to meet with members of congress to talk about struggling non-profit theaters and how to help them. The Supporting Theater and Generating Economic Activity Act – or STAGE Act – would assist regional theaters by providing $500 million a year over the next five years. Today on AirTalk, we speak with some folks in the industry about the proposal and what the future holds for theaters across the country and in southern California. Joining to discuss is Gil Cates, Jr., executive director of the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. If you work in local theater and have thoughts to share, or you’re a regular patron of one of Southern California’s many local nonprofit theaters, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

Second GOP Debate Devolves Into Chaos As Candidates Steamroll Moderators To Snipe At Each Other

Several of Donald Trump’s rivals stepped up their attacks against him in the second Republican presidential debate, urgently trying to dent the former president's commanding primary lead during an event that often seemed like an undercard without him. Trump went to Michigan, aiming to capitalize on the autoworkers’ strike in a key state that could help decide the general election. The debate’s tone was far removed from a campaign that’s been driven by Trump’s attacks on his rivals and democratic institutions as well as his grievances about a litany of criminal indictments and civil cases targeting him and his businesses. The moderators did not ask about the indictments or why the people onstage were better qualified than Trump, instead posing questions about issues including education, economic policy and the U.S.-Mexico border. The candidates often went after Trump on their own, hoping to distinguish themselves at a critical moment with less than four months before the Iowa caucuses launch the presidential nomination process. Trump has continued to dominate the field even as he faces a range of vulnerabilities, including four criminal cases that raise the prospect of decades in prison.

Today on AirTalk, we’ll speak with University of Michigan Director of Debate Aaron Kall, who was in the audience at the Reagan Library for the debate.

Iconic Roxy Theatre Celebrates 50 Years

The Roxy Theatre, an iconic Los Angeles live music venue, is celebrating 50 years of memorable music and performances. There will be an array of celebratory events happening this fall to mark the occasion. From Neil Young to Bob Marley to Tina Turner, the club has hosted a variety of unforgettable artists. Today on AirTalk, hear listeners' memories. What was the best performance you saw at the Roxy? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com. Joining to discuss is Randy Lewis, former Los Angeles Times Music Writer and Critic from 1981 to 2020.

What’s Going On With The New California Department Of Insurance Deal And What Does It Mean For My Home?

California will let insurance companies consider climate change when setting their prices, the state’s chief regulator announced last week, a move aimed at preventing insurers from fleeing the state over fears of massive losses from wildfires and other natural disasters. Previously, insurers could only consider what’s happened on a property in the past to set the price, but these new rules allow them to look to the future. Companies will only get to do this if they agree to write more policies for homeowners who live in areas with the most risk — including communities threatened by wildfires. The rule change could mean higher rates for homeowners who are already seeing dramatic increases. Eight insurance companies doing business in California have requested rate increases of at least 20% or higher this year, according to the California Department of Insurance. Here to talk about these insurance policy changes and what they mean for the average homeowner is Ben Christopher, Housing Policy Reporter for CalMatters. Also with us are Carmen Balber, Executive Director of Consumer Watchdog and Mark Sektnan, Vice President at the American Property Casualty Association. Have thoughts on the new deal or questions about your insurance? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

TV-Talk: 7 Shows To Watch Including ‘The Golden Bachelor,’ ‘Gen V,’ Beckham & More

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network tv and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we’re going to try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week Larry talks to Kristen Baldwin, TV critic for Entertainment Weekly, and Dominic Patten, senior editor & chief tv critic for Deadline.

Today’s shows include:

• The Golden Bachelor (ABC & Hulu next day)
• Gen V (Amazon Prime Video)
• Bargain (Paramount+)
• Beckham (Netflix)
• Found (NBC & Peacock)
• Lupin [Part 3] (Netflix)
• Love Is Blind [Season 5] (Netflix)
• News: return of late-night talk shows