State of Affairs

Cuts… cuts… and - sadly - more cuts, as the state tries to fill a $54 billion hole in the budget. We'll look at how lawmakers are responding. Meanwhile: California's fiscal future may hinge on Nancy Pelosi's Heroes Act. So why's it facing steep odds in Congress? We also discuss the Republican victory in LA's 25th District.

Guests:

• Marisa Lagos, political correspondent for KQED
• Zach Courser, Co-Director of the policy lab at Claremont McKenna College

Coronavirus: Fire Prevention

Wildfire season is upon us and with less rain and snowfall than years prior, there is some concern it will be a rough one. We discuss the effect the pandemic will have on our ability as a state to fight fires...from money to manpower.

Guest:

• Jacob Margolis, KPCC Science Reporter 

American Homefront Project: Virtual PTSD

Among the many things that have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic is the treatment regimen for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The VA and other providers are trying to move the therapy online. Stephanie Colombini of the American Homefront Project reports from Tampa.

Coronavirus LA Diary: Maura Hudson

Now to your stories, KPCC and LAist are documenting life in the new normal with video diaries from everyday Angelenos. Here's a good one from listener and reader Maura Hudson, if you need some inspiration to get outdoors. 

New Griffith Park Book Out Now

Griffith Park is one of the largest parks in the country set within a city. But despite its proximity to a huge population, there are still a ton of secrets around each hill and valley.

Guest:

• Casey Schreiner, author of the new book, "Discovering Griffith Park: A Local's Guide"

Faux Trafico?

Hungering for sports? Something? Anything? Well, if you are a soccer fan, the radio announcer for the LAFC, Dave Denholm will be calling the match between the team and LA's Galaxy. The only thing - there is no actual game. The match was supposed to happen this Saturday on the LAFC's home turf but instead it'll be virtual - the walkouts, lineups, two 45-minute halves, a halftime break, and, of course, Denholm’s famous goal calls. It first started as an inside joke but now its a reality.

Guest:

• Dave Denholm, LAFC Radio Announcer

Weekend Preview: Online Events

The Renegade Craft fair returns to a virtual venue. Atlas Obscura brings tours to armchair adventurers. The Orphan Black cast reunites for a fundraiser. And there are free storytelling hours from various writers and a drag queen.

Guest:

• Leo Duran, Take Two's Reporter and Producer

To see the full list of events on LAist, click here. 

USC Holds Online Commencement Ceremony

Universities across the country have either canceled or postponed in-person graduation ceremonies because of the coronavirus pandemic. But that’s not stopping them from celebrating the Class of 2020 with online alternatives. And today - among others - it's graduation day for USC! The University of Southern California held a virtual ceremony today to celebrate its more than 19,000 students receiving degrees.

Guests:

• Melody Waintal, USC graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism
• Roy Pineda, USC graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture