President Biden proposes reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court in the aftermath of their presidential immunity decision
President Joe Biden has unveiled a long-awaited proposal for changes at the U.S. Supreme Court, calling on Congress to establish term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the court’s nine justices. He’s also pressing lawmakers to ratify a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity. The White House on Monday detailed the contours of Biden’s court proposal, one that appears to have little chance of being approved by a closely divided Congress with just 99 days to go before Election Day. Still, Democrats hope it’ll help focus voters as they consider their choices in a tight election. The likely Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, who has sought to frame her race against Republican ex-President Donald Trump as “a choice between freedom and chaos,” said the court’s fairness had been called into question following recent decisions. The White House is looking to tap into the growing outrage among Democrats about the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, issuing opinions that overturned landmark decisions on abortion rights and federal regulatory powers that stood for decades.
Today on AirTalk, we talk to Jess Bravin, Supreme Court correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and Laurie Levenson, professor of law at Loyola Marymount University about the changes President Biden is proposing.
With files from the Associated Press
New UCI study looks into Gen-Z’s cannabis consumptions habits
To use a pre-roll or a pen? That isn’t the question most Gen-Z cannabis users are asking themselves according to a new study published in the journal Addiction, finding that these younger consumers prioritize products like vape pens that offer more value or convenience. For those familiar with smoking habits among different age groups, this isn’t too surprising given the similar trend that’s showing up among those using nicotine products like cigarettes versus nicotine pouches. To better understand what these consumptions habits mean, and their future implications, is study author Connie Pechmann, professor of marketing at UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business. We also are joined by Virgil Grant, owner of California Cannabis, to get local industry insights tied to consumption habits of Gen-Z.
SoCal history: Black women as a force in politics
It sure feels like a massive feat for Vice President Kamala Harris to be headed toward the Democratic presidential nomination. It’s re-energizing a lot of the Black community, particularly, Black women. Most of the 30 Black women in Congress have promised their support to Harris. But many Black women paved the way in politics. Today on AirTalk, we look at the history of Black women in politics and voting. Austin Cross is joined by Brenda Stevenson, professor of history at UCLA who focuses on the intersection of race and gender, and Chaya Crowder, professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University. Do you have thoughts, memories to share, questions? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
A new study offers a breakthrough in HIV prevention. But who gets access to it and at what cost?
Globally, there are approximately 1.3 million new HIV infections each year, with men getting infected at a slightly higher percentage than women. But in sub-Saharan Africa, 62% of infections are girls and women. Now, a new study from the region shows that a twice-yearly injection could dramatically reduce infections, not just in the region but worldwide. But what is the cost of the shot and how available will it be to those most at-risk? Today on AirTalk we also check in on the state of HIV/AIDS worldwide and the advancement we could see in the next few years. Joining us for the conversation is Moupali Das, Executive Director, HIV Clinical Development at Gilead Sciences, a research-based pharmaceutical company and Dr. Shriner, infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.
Social Security funds are depleting. Gen Z and Millennials are worried they may not get access to it.
In the United States, once you turn 67, you’re supposed to be able to retire, with Social Security funds ready to help replace your income. But, younger generation Amercians are worried that by the time they can retire, those funds will be all but gone. According to the Social Security Administration’s latest report, for funds to remain solvent Social Security would have to be cut by over 20 percent this year, meaning Americans will only be receiving about 80 percent of what they were promised. These cuts increase to about 25 percent for the year 2035. So, why is Social Security depleting? And what can be done to ensure the amount promised can be paid for generations to come?
Today on AirTalk, we talk to Erin Cottle Hunt, assistant professor of economics at Reed College, to discuss the state of Social Security and Kevin Mahoney, certified financial planner, and founder and CEO of Illumint, to talk about how Gen Z and Millennials can better plan for retirement.
Have a favorite bakery stop in Southern California? We want to hear about it
Although it might not be the most nutritious breakfast, lunch, or even dinner, strolling into a bakery for a fresh piece of bread is a delightful treat and sometimes a difficult decision in a region with as many options as Southern California. There's of course the most well known Los Angeles institution, Porto's Bakery. But there's also ethnically specific shops like La Monarca or various 85°C bakeries. Thankfully there are also bakeries catered to diets like Sweet Laurel for those with gluten-intolerance, and shops like Just What I Kneaded for all those vegans in need of a treat.
Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the best bakeries in Southern California. Here to talk about his favorite LA bakeries is Gab Chabrán, LAist associate food and culture editor. But we want to hear from you, what's your favorite place to pick up a cake, croissant or cookie in Southern California? Is it a hole in the wall or a well known beloved touchstone of the community? Let us know! Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or e-mail atcomments@laist.com.
