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AirTalk

with Larry Mantle

Larry Mantle hosts lively and in-depth discussions of city news, politics, science, the arts, entertainment, and more. Airs weekdays 9-11am on 89.3 FM and streaming online at LAist.com and the LAist app. Austin Cross hosts AirTalk Fridays — watch the Friday show live on Instagram (@laistofficial).

To comment, contact 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

Show Hosts

Larry Mantle
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Austin Cross
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Featured Episode
Inside a $27M property deal funded by taxpayers now under federal investigation
Listen 1:39:16
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Today on AirTalk: $27M property deal funded by taxpayers now under federal investigation, Thanksgiving meal mishaps, TV Talk, FilmWeek, and the Big Lebowski.
Today on AirTalk:
  • Taxpayer-funded $27M property deal under investigation
  • What are your Thanksgiving meal mishaps?
  • TV Talk: What to watch
  • FilmWeek: What to watch
  • Why does everyone love The Big Lebowski?

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  • TOPSHOT - This picture taken on August 9, 2017 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 10, 2017 shows a rally in support of North Korea's stance against the US, on Kim Il-Sung square in Pyongyang. North Korea on August 10 said US President Donald Trump was "bereft of reason" and would only respond to force, as it elaborated on a threat to attack the US Pacific territory of Guam. / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS / STR / South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PHOTO IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY AFP. / (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:35:57
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    AirTalk explores the possibilities of back-channel diplomacy following news that the U.S. has been secretly in contact with North Korea as tensions continue to rise. We also look at the role of Snapchat in social media as it suffers major losses; review this week's movie releases on FilmWeek; and more.
    US and North Korea in secret talks, and how South Korea is viewing the escalating crisis
    AirTalk explores the possibilities of back-channel diplomacy following news that the U.S. has been secretly in contact with North Korea as tensions continue to rise. We also look at the role of Snapchat in social media as it suffers major losses; review this week's movie releases on FilmWeek; and more.
  • TOPSHOT - A propaganda poster is diplsyed during a rally in support of North Korea's stance against the US, on Kim Il-Sung square in Pyongyang on August 9, 2017. US President Donald Trump said the United States' nuclear arsenal was "more powerful than ever" in a fresh warning to North Korea over its repeated missile tests. / AFP PHOTO / KIM Won-Jin (Photo credit should read KIM WON-JIN/AFP/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:36:16
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    AirTalk looks into the latest news on North Korea. We also debate whether city contractors should disclose ties to Trump's border wall; discuss Hamilton in LA; and more.
    As tensions rise, what you need to know about North Korea’s nuclear threat
    AirTalk looks into the latest news on North Korea. We also debate whether city contractors should disclose ties to Trump's border wall; discuss Hamilton in LA; and more.
  • One person waves to the camera on a drone as people pose for a photo, July 3, 2016, at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. NASA's solar-powered Juno spacecraft is scheduled to enter into orbit around Jupiter on July 4 to begin an in-depth study of the planet's formation, evolution and structure. The key event on July 4 is a 35-minute engine burn at 11:18 p.m. EDT (0318 GMT on Tuesday), which is designed to slow Juno down enough to be captured by Jupiter's powerful gravity. / AFP / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:36:15
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    AirTalk dives into the privacy and public safety concerns of using drones in law enforcement after the LAPD proposed a one-year test program Tuesday. We also look at realistic options for President Trump as North Korea's nuclear threats heat up; the possible effect Disney's new streaming service could have on Netflix; and more.
    Debating police use of drones, as LAPD looks to launch pilot drone program
    AirTalk dives into the privacy and public safety concerns of using drones in law enforcement after the LAPD proposed a one-year test program Tuesday. We also look at realistic options for President Trump as North Korea's nuclear threats heat up; the possible effect Disney's new streaming service could have on Netflix; and more.
  • SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 01: Children at Scripps Ranch KinderCare in San Diego play in their classroom on October 1, 2013 in San Diego, CA. Later, LuAnn Cline, a Prekindergarten teacher at the center, was surprised with the Early Childhood Educator Award and a $10,000 check from Knowledge Universe. (Photo by Robert Benson/Getty Images for Knowledge Universe)
    Listen 1:36:18
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    AirTalk speaks with teachers about what changes they'd like to see in classrooms, schools and districts this upcoming year. We also discuss Senator Jeff Flake's new book; delve into a leaked Trump administration climate report; and more.
    Teachers, let us know what changes you’d like to see in your schools and districts
    AirTalk speaks with teachers about what changes they'd like to see in classrooms, schools and districts this upcoming year. We also discuss Senator Jeff Flake's new book; delve into a leaked Trump administration climate report; and more.
  • Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, points toward Republican vice presidential candidate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
    Listen 1:36:10
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    AirTalk dives into a full hour of political analysis on the latest news coming out of the White House, including the New York Times reporting Republican shadow campaigns for 2020. We also get updates on the Venezuela crisis; discuss the controversy surrounding HBO's "Confederate" show yet to be filmed; and more.
    Week in politics: President Pence? Not so fast. Plus, more sanctions for North Korea and a DOJ crackdown on leaks
    AirTalk dives into a full hour of political analysis on the latest news coming out of the White House, including the New York Times reporting Republican shadow campaigns for 2020. We also get updates on the Venezuela crisis; discuss the controversy surrounding HBO's "Confederate" show yet to be filmed; and more.
  • FULLERTON, CA - APRIL 17: Students walk between classes near the site where the seven people were killed by a gunman on July 12, 1976 inside the California State University, Fullerton library April 17, 2007 in Fullerton, California. Janitor Edward Allaway said later that he went on his killing spree after being taunted by co-workers that gay men were plotting to kill him. Allaway was found innocent by reason of insanity by a judge after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. He remains confined at Patton State Hospital. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:36:04
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    Under an executive order signed Wednesday, CSU schools will no longer require freshman who may need extra help to complete remedial courses. Will this lower the overall value of a CSU degree, or prevent students from spending time and money on classes that don't go toward their degree? We also ask doctors and patients to call in about their experiences with Medi-Cal; review this weekend's movie releases on FilmWeek; and more.
    Cal State will drop remedial courses and placement tests by fall 2018
    Under an executive order signed Wednesday, CSU schools will no longer require freshman who may need extra help to complete remedial courses. Will this lower the overall value of a CSU degree, or prevent students from spending time and money on classes that don't go toward their degree? We also ask doctors and patients to call in about their experiences with Medi-Cal; review this weekend's movie releases on FilmWeek; and more.
  • State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones calls for Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Co., to reduce it's planned rate increase on small group major medical policyholders during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. Jones called it "unreasonable, " for the health insurer to raise rates on small group major medical policy holders by as much as 10.6 percent. Anthem Blue Cross spokesman Darrel Ng said the health plan disagreed with Jones figures. Ng said the rate increase with benefit changes will be around 7.5 percent, which is comparable to their competitors. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
    Listen 1:36:15
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    Larry sits down with Dave Jones after a whirlwind week in state healthcare, including projections of higher premiums for Covered California and Anthem’s following exit from the SoCal insurance market. We also dive into the published transcripts of President Trump’s phone calls with foreign leaders; speak with “A Prairie Home Companion” creator Garrison Keillor; and more.
    ‘I’ll sue him’: CA Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones on Trump’s threat to cut ACA subsidies
    Larry sits down with Dave Jones after a whirlwind week in state healthcare, including projections of higher premiums for Covered California and Anthem’s following exit from the SoCal insurance market. We also dive into the published transcripts of President Trump’s phone calls with foreign leaders; speak with “A Prairie Home Companion” creator Garrison Keillor; and more.
  • ANN ARBOR, MI - JANUARY 17: Workers staff the front desk of the University of Michigan's Undergraduate Admissions office January 17, 2003 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The University's admissions policy is the subject of a U.S. Supreme Court case. U.S. President George W. Bush opposes the university's affirmative action program. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:36:01
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    A document obtained by the New York Times shows plans for the Trump Administration to investigate and sue universities favoring affirmative action laws deemed to marginalize white applicants. We also dive into Trump's major legal immigration overhaul proposal; debate Playa del Rey's controversial "road diet;" why grocery shopping for men is at an all time high; and more.
    Justice Dept. could look into affirmative action decisions at universities
    A document obtained by the New York Times shows plans for the Trump Administration to investigate and sue universities favoring affirmative action laws deemed to marginalize white applicants. We also dive into Trump's major legal immigration overhaul proposal; debate Playa del Rey's controversial "road diet;" why grocery shopping for men is at an all time high; and more.
  • The Los Angeles Coliseum, venue for the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, and one of the possible locations for a public memorial service for music legend Michael Jackson, is pictured on July 1, 2009 in Los Angeles. The family of Michael Jackson ruled out holding a poignant funeral at the star's Neverland estate as the singer's will was made public for the first time. Local media reported a public memorial for Jackson may now be held at the 20,000-seat Staples Center or the bigger 100, 000 seat Los Angeles Coliseum. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:34:54
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    LA will host the 2028 Olympics, the International Committee announced yesterday - we speak with Mayor Eric Garcetti about what this will mean for the city, and to listeners about their thoughts on hosting the games. We also explore a Broadway casting controversy; debate the ethical implications of diagnosing the president; and more.
    Mayor Eric Garcetti on Olympics 2028, plus AirTalk listeners weigh in on games coming to LA
    LA will host the 2028 Olympics, the International Committee announced yesterday - we speak with Mayor Eric Garcetti about what this will mean for the city, and to listeners about their thoughts on hosting the games. We also explore a Broadway casting controversy; debate the ethical implications of diagnosing the president; and more.
  • WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: T-shirts with marijuana slogans are displayed during a ComfyTree Cannabis Academy conference February 28, 2015 in Washington, DC. Attendees participated in the conference to gain knowledge on how to legally enter and operate in the cannabis industry. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
    Listen 1:36:11
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    AirTalk debates SB162, a bill that would prohibit state-licensed businesses from selling branded cannabis merchandise. We also explore a Federal Trade Commission investigation into a google advertising program; consider the implications of Venmo; and more.
    Discussing the CA bill looking to restrict how state-licensed cannabis businesses advertise
    AirTalk debates SB162, a bill that would prohibit state-licensed businesses from selling branded cannabis merchandise. We also explore a Federal Trade Commission investigation into a google advertising program; consider the implications of Venmo; and more.
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Credits & Support

Larry Mantle, Host
Austin Cross, Host
Lindsey Wright, Senior Producer
Lucy Copp, Producer
Nicolas Perez, Producer
Manny Valladares, Associate Producer
Payton Seda, Associate Producer
Faheem Khan, Associate Producer
Courtney Eileen Fulcher, Apprentice News Clerk