Israel and Hamas prepare for negotiations in Egypt ahead of a possible Gaza ceasefire
Israel and Hamas prepared for indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, as hopes for a possible ceasefire in Gaza grew after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a hostage release could be announced this week. Tuesday marks two years since the Hamas attack that sparked the war. President Donald Trump has welcomed the Hamas statement accepting some elements of the U.S. peace plan. Israel has said it supported the new U.S. effort. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm. Joining us on the program to discuss Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a longtime State Department official in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
With files from the Associated Press.
The best fall fun and Halloween haunts in Southern California
Looking for October activities that are sure to give you all the autumn feels? Whether you’re looking for cozy fall vibes or a Halloween fright, there are plenty of options throughout Southern California. This morning on AirTalk we're joined by Carmelle Marshall, owner and editor-in-charge of Parks and Cons to discuss some of the best things to do this fall. Plus, we want to hear your suggestions! What is your favorite fall activity? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
A new book explores how the cultural forces of the 80s influenced cinema
Pluck a random movie from the 70s and compare it to one from the 80s and you’ll notice some stark differences. Movie trends come and go, but the 80s saw the rise of blockbuster films that have persisted to this day. Now, a new book makes the case that the culture of the 80s not only made this transition possible but helped creators navigate the content they wanted to depict on screen. Today on AirTalk, we explore the movies that made the 80s with the author of Rewinding the ‘80s: Cinema Under the Influence of Music Videos, Action Stars, and a Cold War. John Malahy. We also want to hear from you! What 80s vibes do you think had a strong, lasting impact on American culture? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.
The city of LA could have a new formula to determine rent hikes. What might that look like?
The formula that determines how much landlords can increase rents in most Los Angeles apartments hasn’t been updated in 40 years. After long delays, City Council members began discussions this week to change those rules. The new effort at reform has the potential to significantly lower the yearly increases paid by most tenants in a city where housing affordability has long been a top concern. Currently, the city’s rules allow annual increases of up to 10%, depending on inflation and whether a landlord covers a renter’s gas and electricity bills. Rent hikes can be even higher in cases where tenants add new occupants to their households. A proposal from the L.A. Housing Department would instead cap increases at 5%. Meanwhile, tenant advocates continue pushing city leaders to pass an even lower limit of 3%. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the possible reforms that could be made and how those changes might affect tenants as well as landlords. Joining us are David Wagner, housing reporter at LAist and Daniel Flaming, former president of Economic Roundtable.
With files from LAist
How the police are using AI to crack cases
Law enforcement in the United States has long relied on intercepted data or evidence that helps them break a case. From hours of wiretap recordings to large amounts of social media records, police departments have massive amounts of digital evidence and datasets that can take a long time to go through. But, now that may change as Longeye, a San Francisco start-up company, is offering police departments an AI chatbot designed to answer questions and sift through large chunks of collected digital evidence within seconds. Longeye is just one of many new companies trying to sell AI tech tools to law enforcement. Today on AirTalk, we talk with Gerrit De Vynck, Tech Reporter for the Washington Post, covering the startup “Longeye” to explore the growing partnership between Silicon Valley and law enforcement, and the potential civil liberty concerns this technology may pose.
A new book highlights the cultural impact of ‘The Simpsons’
Okay, before you keep reading this blurb, click on this youtube video link and play it. Are you playing it? Great. So The Simpsons has been on the television since this writer has been alive. That alone is saying something, but in the decades the show has been on air the rambunctious family has not only entertained America, but informed it. The show served as an exaggerated satirical depiction of the American family at its best, and in many ways defined how America would be understood around the world. Now, a new book traces the arc that the iconic show traced across the country. Today on AirTalk, author and senior staff writer for Ringer joins the program to discuss his new book Stupid TV, Be More Funny, How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television-andAmerica-Forever.
