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California lawmakers propose moving primary up, gaining clout

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California Voters Participate In The State's Pivotal Primary

Voters go to the polls for Super Tuesday primaries in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of Boyle Heights on February 5, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

AirTalk®

In the age of Trump, California Democrats are tired of their state's votes being an afterthought.

Democratic State Senator Ricardo Lara of Bell Gardens is the second legislator to propose moving the next CA Presidential primary up to March. Supporters say it would make CA more relevant in the primary process. The new date would follow the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

CA went down this road as recently as 2008, when the primary was held in February. Despite strong turnout, the primary was moved back to its historic June date. What are the pros and cons of an early Presidential primary?

Guests:

Carla Marinucci, senior writer for POLITICO’s California Playbook

Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School and president of the LA Ethics Commission

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.


Bills call for CalPERS to divest from Border Wall, DAPL - but is it wise?

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CA's Gov't Pension Fund To Report Loss Of One Quarter Of Its Holdings

A sign stands in front of California Public Employees' Retirement System building July 21, 2009 in Sacramento, California. ; Credit: Max Whittaker/Getty Images

AirTalk®

A number of bills have been introduced in the CA Legislature to call for CalPERS - the state’s public pension pen - to pull money from companies associated with a range of projects, including the construction of the border wall and the Dakota Access Pipeline.

But CalPERS has come out to say that the divestitures would hurt taxpayers.  

Guests:

Adrian Martinez, staff attorney at the environmental law firm, EarthJustice

Randy Diamond, reporter at the trade publication, Pensions and Investments, who covers CalPERS and CalTRS

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

California mulls allowing safe spaces for IV drug users

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Vermont Battles With Deadly Heroin Epidemic

Drugs are prepared to shoot intravenously by a user addicted to heroin on February 6, 2014 in St. Johnsbury Vermont. ; Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

George Lavender | AirTalk®

A bill in Sacramento would make California the first state in the country where drug users could be provided with a place to inject.

The bill's author says the measure is aimed at reducing overdoses and other problems caused by drug abuse.

"In the U.S. we have criminalized rather than treated addiction as a medical or social issue," said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). "Our prisons are full of people suffering from issues of addiction. Being able to provide a safe place for someone to use also increases the likelihood that they [will] get into rehab."

Eggman's bill would allow cities and counties to authorize the creation of facilities "supervised by healthcare professionals or other trained staff where people who use drugs can consume preobtained drugs, sterile consumption supplies, and access to referrals to addiction treatment."

Read the full story here.

Guests:

Laura Thomas, deputy state director of the Drug Policy Alliance which co-sponsored AB 186

Dr. Damon Raskin, M.D., chief medical advisor for Cliffside Malibu Treatment Center; he is an internist board-certified in addiction medicine

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

The 100-days curse: Should a president be judged by that benchmark?

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US-POLITICS-COURT

US President Donald Trump makes his way to the Rose Garden for Neil Gorsuch's swearing-in ceremony as an associate justice of the US Supreme Court at the White House.; Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

April 29 will be the 100th day of President Donald Trump's term in office, and the news media and political pundits are gearing up to weigh in on the neophyte’s performance.

Is it fair to judge a president by what is accomplished in the first three months? How did that benchmark come about?

Guests:

Adam Cohen, journalist and author of many books, including “Nothing to Fear: FDR's Inner Circle and the Hundred Days That Created Modern America” (Penguin Books, 2010).

Julia Azari, associate professor of political science at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She is also a contributor for FiveThirtyEight, the data analysis website where her piece on the importance of a president’s first 100 days was published earlier this year.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Cats: Why we can’t live with them, can’t live without them

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BRITAIN-POLITICS-EU-BREXIT

Larry the Downing Street cat, walks outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of British Prime Minister Theresa May, in central London on March 29, 2017.; Credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

It’s estimated that approximately 30-37% of households in the U.S. have a cat. And while the widespread perception of cats is that they’re cold, secretive and maybe a little too independent, science is beginning to reveal their hidden depths of emotion and affection.

This new understanding of our feline friends is the subject of Thomas McNamee’s new book, “The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions.” McNamee, a cat owner himself, uses both behavioral science and his own personal experiences to explain why cats do they often-maddening things they do — and why people are compelled to love them anyways.

AirTalk listeners: send us pictures of your cats, and call in with your feline anecdotes and quandaries.

Guest:

Thomas McNamee, author and the recipient of a 2016 Guggenheim fellowship, whose latest book is “The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions” (Hachette Book Group, 2017)

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

8-year-old boy in Ohio drove his family van to get McDonald’s: So what’s the craziest thing you did as a kid?

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McDonald's Same Store Sales Up 7.1 Percent In January

A sign stands outside of a McDonald's restaurant February 9, 2009 in San Francisco, California. ; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

AirTalk®

An 8-year-old boy in Ohio’s craving for a McDonald’s cheeseburger was so great that he took his family’s work van and drove it to the local Micky D along with his younger sister.

In honor of this story that has gone viral, AirTalk wants you to call in at 866 893 5722 and tell us what was the craziest, wildest, funniest thing you did when you were a kid.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Weighing chances of success of 1st lawsuit filed against proposed US-Mexico border wall

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US-MEXICO-IMMIGRATION

The United States - Mexico Border wall near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Ysidro, California on Friday, February 10, 2017.
; Credit: SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

The first lawsuit has been filed against the proposed border wall between the US and Mexico. It's from an environmental group claiming a wall would harm jaguars, wolves, and dozens of other species.

What are the prospects of suits like this succeeding? We'll look at the odds.

You can read the lawsuit below: 

Center and Grijalva v Kelly Complaint 2017-04-12 by Southern California Public Radio on Scribd

Guests:

Brian Segee, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity

Julie Axelrod, director of investigations and staff counsel at the Immigration Reform Law Institute

 

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

What Aspen Skiing buying Mammoth means for SoCal skiers

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Nature Valley Aspen Winternational Women's Slalom Audi FIS Ski World Cup

Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA skis the first run of the women's slalom at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Aspen Mountain on November 25, 2012 in Aspen, Colorado. ; Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Ben Bergman | AirTalk®

With the news that Colorado-based Aspen Skiing Company. is buying the company that runs four of California’s most popular ski resorts, skiers are wondering what the consolidation means for them.

Under the deal signed this week, Aspen Skiing Company and private equity firm KSL Capital Partners are buying Mammoth Resorts, which operates Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and took over both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in the San Bernardino Mountains in 2014.

Proponents of the deal are excited for what they anticipate will be a boon to local real estate and draw more tourism to the area. But others worry what the consolidation will mean for the price of lift tickets, lodging and food.

Aspen Skiing Company and its private equity partners will most likely invest heavily in Mammoth resorts, according to Andrew Alvarez, who tracks the ski industry for IBIS World.
 
“I think it plays into their best interest to have updated facilities and more opportunities for consumers to spend more time at the mountain,” Alvarez said.
 
Skiers can expect more lifts, more lodges and more snowmaking equipment — but the catch, of course, is that someone has to pay for all that.

Alvarez said lift tickets for casual skiers will get even pricier than they are now. A one-day pass at Mammoth this weekend will set you back more $152.
 
“It’s an exorbitant expense for everyday travelers,” Alvarez said.
 
Higher prices for one-day tickets is part of ski companies’ strategy to get customers to spend more days on the mountain, Alvarez said. As the cost of single-day tickets rises, the resorts are offering season passes that are not only cheaper, but good at more resorts.
 
Industrywide, ski resorts make a profit of 8.1 percent, according to IBISWorld. Bigger companies are more profitable, which helps explain this week’s acquisition.

Guests:

Hugo Martin, business writer for the  Los Angeles Times who’s been covering this story

Ben Bergman, KPCC senior reporter on the Southern California economy

This story has been updated.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.


United CEO promises to stop forced removal of passengers, but how would it work?

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US-AVIATION-UNITED-AIRLINES-PASSENGER-ABUSE

An airport worker walks through the United Airlines terminal at O'Hare International Airport on April 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. ; Credit: JOSHUA LOTT/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

The forced removal of a man from a United flight has caused the airline carrier dearly. Days after the incident was captured on phone video and went viral, the company is still dealing with the repercussions.

United CEO Oscar Munoz told ABC News that the airline will no longer use security officers to remove passengers.

With flights frequently overbooked, what will be the effect on air travel if airlines would no longer involuntarily remove passengers?

Guest:

Charlie Leocha, president and founder of Travelers United, a nonprofit consumer travel organization

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Weighing the potential risks and payoffs in President Trump’s bombing of Afghanistan

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AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-IS-CONFLICTS

Afghan security forces take part in an ongoing operation against Islamic State (IS) militants in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on April 14, 2017.; Credit: NOORULLAH SHIRZADA/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

President Trump's foreign affairs stance seems to be shifting from his campaign rhetoric. A shift isn't unusual in transition from candidate to President, but this one's happening fast.

Events in Afghanistan, Syria, North Korea, and elsewhere are leading threats of force and bombings. What are the potential risks and payoffs in the President's approach?

Guests:

Megan Oprea, senior contributor and editor of INBOUND, the national security and foreign policy newsletter published by The Federalist website

Vikram Singh, vice president of National Security and International Policy for the Center for American Progress in DC

Max Boot, senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of several books, including ‘Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present’ (Liveright, 2013); he tweets @MaxBoot

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Nearing 100 day mark, Republican analysts explore competing narratives on Trump's core supporters

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Donald Trump Arrives In West Palm Beach For Weekend At Mar-A-Lago Estate

US President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport to spend Easter weekend at Mar-a-Lago resort on April 13, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

AirTalk®

Depending on what you’re reading or who you’re talking to these days, you’ll probably very different perspectives on whether President Trump’s core supporters are still in his corner or starting to feel, as some voters often do after their candidate wins a presidential election, that he isn’t following through on promises made during the campaign.

Two recent articles, one by POLITICO and the other by the New York Times, paint very different pictures of how the president’s main supporters are feeling about Trump now, as president, versus Trump as a candidate.

Since being elected, President Trump has gotten a Supreme Court nominee confirmed, has begun the process of getting bids for his highly-touted border wall, and has got many people pointing to his immigration crackdown as a cause for the decrease in illegal border crossings.

However, some supporters see the missile strike he called for on Syria as a walk-back of previous rhetoric cautioning against action in Syria while others point to his change of tune on NATO and China being a currency manipulator as signal that the president may be abandoning the populist, anti-establishment message from his campaign that captivated his core voter base as he grapples with the pressures of governing and the realities of mainstream Washington politics.

Guests:

Tevi Troy, president of the American Health Policy Institute and author of the book, "Shall We Wake the President? Two Centuries of Disaster Management from the Oval Office"

Sean T. Walsh, Republican political analyst and partner at Wilson Walsh Consulting in San Francisco; he is a former adviser to California Governors Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger and a former White House staffer for Presidents Reagan and H.W. Bush

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Under pressure: should homework be abolished for elementary school students?

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Daily Life At A Secondary School

A student enters the library at a secondary school on December 1, 2014 in London, England. Education funding is expected to be an issue in the general election in 2015. ; Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

AirTalk®

In a recent opinion piece for Time, writer Vicki Abeles argues for doing away with all homework in school.  

While the amount given per grade and subject continues to be debated, proponents continue to see a real need for homework. The belief is that with homework, additional practice provides for greater mastery of subjects, frees up limited class time, encourages parents’ active participation in their child's understanding, and promotes accountability and responsibility. Opponents see it a different way. Homework adds stress and anxiety, inhibits the ability to deeply pursue other passions such as sports and the arts, and clearly affects family life.

What has your experience been? How effective is homework in the learning process?  

Guests:

Vicki Abeles, author of the book, "Beyond Measure: Rescuing an Overscheduled, Overtested, Underestimated Generation," and director and producer of the documentary, “Race to Nowhere,” which looks at the pressure students face today

Jay Mathews, an education columnist for the Washington Post who has been following the issue

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Major hiking path to the Hollywood Sign set to close

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Los Angeles March Heat Wave Shatters Records

The Hollywood Sign is seen high above drying vegetation in Griffith Park on March 29, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

AirTalk®

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the trek up to the Hollywood Sign, but one of its most popular access routes is about to be closed to the public.

Previously, the most-traversed path to the Hollywood Sign was up a road in Beachwood — much to the chagrin of many of the neighborhood’s residents. But after years of strife between residents, tourists, and City Hall, the Beachwood path will be closed this month. That decision comes as the result of a court battle between the city and a commercial stable that was leasing land at the Beachwood trailhead.

Now there’s a $100,000 plan in place to evaluate a different trail to the Hollywood sign, one that goes through Griffith Park. So what’s next for the Hollywood Sign and the many people that travel to LA to see it?

Guests:

Sarajane Schwartz, resident of Hollywoodland for nearly 40 years

Linda Othenin-Girard, president of The Oaks Homeowners Association

Sarah Dusseault, chief of staff for Councilman David Ryu

DISCLOSURE: Linda Othenin-Girard is a former senior producer of 'AirTalk with Larry Mantle'

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Despite ambitious incentive program, film and TV production in LA falls

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New Study Finds Hollywood Film Industry To Be Major Polluter

Crew members set up a camera for the shooting of an auto insurance commercial on-location downtown on November 18, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. ; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

AirTalk®

Film production in LA dropped more than one-third in the first quarter of 2017 compared to last year - the lowest level since 2012.

Production of TV pilots also dropped -- down 15.5 percent from the first quarter of 2016.

TV production has also slipped, though at under 1 percent.

California expanded its film and TV production tax credit program from $100 million to $330 million in 2014. AirTalk looks at what is behind the drop in production this year -- and whether the generous tax incentive program is accomplishing what it wants to do.

Guests:

Dominic Patten,  senior editor and Chief TV Critic at the news and entertainment site, Deadline; he authored the article, “On-Location Film Production In L.A. Falls To 5-Year Low & TV Dramas Dip In Q1”; he tweets @DeadlineDominic

Kevin Klowden, managing economist at the Milken Institute, where he also directs the California Center

Joseph Henchman, vice president, Legal & State Projects, The Tax Foundation

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Week in politics: Talking tax protests and reforms ahead of tax day, plus what to make of rising tensions between US and North Korea

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The U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Visits S. Korea - Day 2

(L to R) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with South Korean acting president and prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn during their joint press conference on April 17, 2017.; Credit: Pool/Getty Images

AirTalk®

As millions of Americans wrap up their tax filings with tomorrow being the final day to do so, many are still calling on President Trump to release his own tax returns.

Organized marches in Los Angeles and other major cities around the country drew thousands to the streets to protest the president’s refusal to make his own returns public, something that presidents have traditionally done for the last 40 years. Republicans have vowed to make tax reform a legislative priority for them after they were unable to pass a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and we’ll look at how that’s going ahead of tax day on Tuesday.

As many expected, North Korea continued to escalate tensions with the U.S. by launching a missile over the weekend. While the test launch was ultimately unsuccessful as the missile blew up almost immediately after launch, it’s a sign that the North likely will not be fazed by harsh rhetoric from the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Seoul, South Korea over the weekend as well, saying in a press conference that “the era of strategic patience is over” when it comes to the North and its nuclear and ballistic missile program. Is the U.S. prepared to back up that rhetoric? What is the path forward with North Korea?

Guests:

Caroline Heldman, associate professor of politics at Occidental College and co-author of ‘Rethinking Madam President: Are We Ready for a Woman in the White House?’ (Lynne Rienner Pub, 2007)

Jack Pitney, professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.


Who wins in the privatization of air traffic control

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Bush Takes Step To Curb Air Traffic Congestion

A jet lands at Los Angeles International Airport on Thanksgiving eve, traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, November 22, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. ; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

AirTalk®

President Trump is proposing to privatize the country’s air traffic controller system, and he is looking to our northern neighbor for inspiration.

The system air traffic control system currently being used by Canada is run by a non-government entity and is entirely funded by airport user fees - and that’s what Trump wants the US to do. Supporters of the idea see this as a system free from funding cuts and Washington politics, while opponents see it differently, that privatization could favor commercial airlines and big-city airports.

Guests:

Baruch Feigenbaum, assistant director of transportation policy with Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank that backs the proposal

Selena Shilad, executive director, Alliance for Aviation Across America, an organization that represents farmers, crop duster pilots and other rural groups

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Weighing the stakes between public safety and punishing the poor with state bail reform

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Reading, Pennsylvania Struggles To Overcome Vast Swaths Of Poverty

A man walks by a bail bonds store on October 20, 2011 in Reading, Pennsylvania.; Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

AirTalk®

A bill to reform the way the state administers bail bonds making it’s way to Sacramento this week.

As reported by Bay Area News Group, AB 42 would enable people to be released at no cost while waiting for trial. The bill will be heard Tuesday before California’s State Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Under the proposed legislation, judges would be able to decide whether individuals would need to be held until their court date.

The bill’s author, Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), argues that high bail fees punish those who cannot afford to be released. But opponents say this bail reform may not keep serious offenders away from the public. Is this the right reform for California’s bail system?

Guests:

Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), California assemblyman representing District 18; he authored AB 42

Eric Siddall, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney; vice president of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy District Attorneys, a collective bargaining agent representing nearly 1,000 Deputy District Attorneys who work for Los Angeles County

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

In controversial move, President Trump congratulates Turkey's president on latest win

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TOPSHOT-TURKEY-POLITICS-REFERENDUM-VOTE-RALLY

Supporters of the "No voters" and members of Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), hold a flag of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
; Credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

Despite a controversial referendum including internationally condemned voting irregularities, President Trump became the first Western leader to congratulate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his win, which greatly expands his executive powers as president.

The two leaders also discussed Turkey's support of the U.S. response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack and efforts to counter the Islamic State group, according to the White House summary of their phone call Monday. Trump’s congratulations stand in stark contrast with many European leaders as well as a statement issued by the US State Department warning against further repression by the Turkish government of its political opposition.

What does Trump’s congratulations signal for future U.S - Turkey relations and for political power in that region?

Guest: 

Nahal Toosi, foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

H-1B Executive Order: Debating the economic feasibility of ‘Buy American, Hire American’

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US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One prior to departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, April 18, 2017, as he travels to Wisconsin.; Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

AirTalk®

President Trump is in Wisconsin today to sign a "Buy American, Hire American" executive order. The order takes aim at H-1B visas heavily used by the tech sector to import Indian and other international employees. It also calls on the government to use American materials whenever possible.

The H-1B visa program is controversial. Employers in tech and some other sectors claim they need to hire international workers for positions there aren't enough Americans to fill. Critics deny there aren't enough Americans to do those jobs. They claim employers use the H-1B so they can hire from elsewhere at lower salaries.

Guests:

Rob Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a research group sponsored by several tech companies

Ron Hira, an associate professor of public policy at Howard University, and author of the book, “Outsourcing America,” which looks at the economic implications of the offshoring of high-skilled jobs

Brian Riedl, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute; he was director of budget and spending policy for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign and also spent six years as chief economist for Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

AirTalk asks: Is professional baseball boring or just in need of rebranding?

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Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers

Grant Dayton #75 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the fifth inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on April 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. ; Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

AirTalk®

Baseball is at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of making changes to speed the pace of games and make them more appealing to new, diverse and younger audiences while not infringing too much on parts of the game that baseball’s older, more traditionally-minded fan base that wants to keep the purity of the game intact. 

After the NY Times asked its readers to share their thoughts on whether baseball is boring and what they’d do to make it more interesting, thinky-type articles from outlets like NPR, Huffington Post, and ESPN started appearing taking a look at why baseball might be seen by some as ‘boring’ and what the league could do to fix that. MLB has introduced rule changes in the last several years that are designed to speed up the game. Just this year, the league eliminated the need for pitchers to throw four pitches for an intentional walk, instead allowing managers to signal that they plan to walk a batter. Just today, reports surfaced that MLB is considering having umpires be on microphone to explain instant replay decisions, much like referees do in the National Football League.

Do you think baseball needs a makeover to make it more interesting or do you think the issue is with the people who think it’s boring, not necessarily the game itself. What would you change about the game to make you more interested in watching?

Guest:

Rob Arthur, baseball columnist at FiveThirtyEight; he tweets @No_Little_Plans

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

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