LA’s budget outlook is not looking good
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass directed the city administrative officer to develop a proposal to save between $500 million and $900 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1. L.A. is “in a particularly challenging financial position,” according to the city administrative officer. The city has overspent this fiscal year by about $300 million, in part because of rising liability costs, generous labor contracts with city workers, and spending associated with the Palisades Fire. In addition, general fund revenues are $13 million below their projection, and an uncertain economic outlook means revenues could drop significantly next year. Joining to discuss the budget outlook is Frank Stoltze, LAist civics and democracy correspondent.
With files from LAist. Read the story here
New Trump administration task force eyes federal lands to solve US housing crisis
On the 2024 campaign trail, then-candidate Donald Trump proposed opening up federal land for large-scale affordable housing development, promising “ultra-low tax and ultra-low regulations.” Now, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) have announced a joint task force to identify underutilized federal land for potential residential development. According to a recent Wall Street Journal analysis, roughly 7.3% of federal land falls within metropolitan areas, like Los Angeles, that are in need of more housing. And while experts say the idea is sound in theory and not new — just last July, former President Biden asked federal agencies to assess surplus federal land for building affordable housing— many hold reservations as details on the proposal are still few and far between. Joining us to talk about the proposal and its impact is Rebecca Picciotto, housing reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
A new California bill takes aim at ‘ultra-processed’ foods
“Ultra-processed” foods have been a hot topic in recent years. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this January for the state to investigate the possible harm of food dyes and “ultra-processed” foods. A large part of RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign, and now subsequent role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been skepticism of chemicals in food. Now, a new California bill introduced this week calls for the state to investigate chemicals used in “ultra-processed” foods and eventually ban them. Proponents of the bill cite health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives that are present in processed foods. However, some food industry officials have pushed back on claims that these types of foods are harmful or as unhealthy as the media purports them to be. They also point out that the chemicals used in food, such as preservatives, are vital to our food supply chain. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the bill and the concerns around “ultra-processed” foods. We’re joined by Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs for Environmental Working Group, a national environmental health organization that co-sponsored the bill, and Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy for Consumer Brands Association.
Cesar Millan on being the ‘dog whisperer’ for the last 20 years
With more than twenty-five years of experience in the field, Cesar Millan knows a thing or two when it comes to dog training. From his early career focusing on rehabilitating aggressive dogs at his Dog Psychology Center in South Los Angeles to his pop cultural breakthrough with the reality television show ‘Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,’ the dog behaviorist has been a vital resource for many pet owners looking to better understand the psychology of their best friend. His show ‘Better Human Better Dog,’ just wrapped its fifth season and continues his journey training not just dogs but their parents as well. Cesar Millan joins us today to talk about his latest show, the complexities of dog behaviors, and his long-standing career as a beloved dog behaviorist.
TV Talk: ‘The Residence,’ ‘Ludwig,’ and the highly anticipated ‘Severance’ finale
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 will 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, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching with Melanie McFarland, TV critic for Salon.
