What Putin’s Largest Political Opponent, Alexei Navalny, Died Means For the Opposition Movement.

As President Vladimir Putin’s most ardent opponent, Alexei Navalny led campaigns against government corruption and organized large-scale anti-Kremlin demonstrations. He passed away on Friday in the Arctic prison colony, where he was serving a 19-year term, according to Russia’s jail administration. His age was 47.

Less than a month before an election that might extend Putin’s six-year term in office, the shocking news of Navalny’s passing shocked and infuriated the Kremlin chief, who has clamped down on domestic opposition. In many Russian cities, people placed flowers at memorials honoring those who lost their lives to political repression during the Soviet era. However, there was little apparent sign that Navalny’s passing, which will be a severe blow to the opposition’s disarray and hardship, would lead to widespread demonstrations.

Coming along to talk about is Director of the 2022 documentary Navalny is Daniel Roher, while the author of “Elections, Protest, and Authoritarian Regime Stability: Russia 2008–2020” is Regina Smyth, an Indiana University political science professor.

utilizing Associated Press files

A Half Century Of Groundbreaking Television, From Flip Wilson and Diahann Carroll To “Fresh Prince” and “Black-ish,” “Black TV” Reflects Back On.

The popular television series about black experiences that we see much more frequently now than in the past include “Black-ish” on ABC and “Atlanta,” a hit series on FX starring Donald Glover, to name just a few. However, without trailblazers like Diahann Carroll, who played the lead in the sitcom “Julia” and became the first Black woman to star in a non-stereotypical role in a TV series, or comedian and actor Flip Wilson, who hosted his variety show “The Flip Wilson Show” in the 1970s and became the first Black man to host a popular variety TV show, shows like them might not have been possible. In her most recent book, “Black TV: Five Decades of Groundbreaking Television from Soul Train to Black-ish and Beyond, author Bethonie Butler examines fifty years of black television.” From early pioneers like Carroll and Wilson and programs like “Soul Train” and “The Jeffersons” to 90s hits like “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters,” and “Sister, Sister,” to more recent hits like “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder,” Butler covers a half century of black television.

Bethonie Butler joins us on Air Talk today to discuss her latest novel.

Food Friday: Win-Win Wedding Cakes

LISTEN • 10:02

In 2024, wedding cakes will be characterized by floral embellishments, fanciful watercolor designs, and metallic touches. It’s not chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet anymore, however, the flavor combination is still important. However, these days, wedding cakes appear to be canvases with a variety of themes, sizes, and forms. Couples are becoming more inventive in their conception of the ideal cake as well; some figure out how to make their cake interactive so that each guest can design a separate piece. Some couples choose the traditional three-tier wedding cake, which is elegant and timeless. Wedding cakes should, at the very least, taste good and capture the happiness of the occasion. We would also like to speak with you! Was there a cake at your wedding that you particularly remember? Contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 866–893–5722. Melanie Pendergast, the founder and cake decorator of Sweet Pea Cakery LA, a La Cañada Flintridge-based business, will be joining us on Air Talk today.

Cinema Week:

“Madame Web,” “Drift,” "Monolith,” and Additional

Listen to 30:36.

This weekend’s latest film releases in cinemas, on demand, and streaming services are reviewed by Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Amy Nicholson:

“Madame Web”: Wide Distribution

Amazon Prime is currently streaming “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story.”

Netflix streams “Players” at Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades

“Slip” Expanding In Certain Theaters Is Laemmle Monica Film Center February 23rd

“Heart-wrenching Love” Laemmle Center 5 [Encino] | Streamable via Video on Demand

In a few theaters, “Land of Bad”

“This is where” Expanding to Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] is Los Feliz 3. February 23rd

“Inside Dallas Town” Using Amazon Prime for streaming February 19, “Monolith” Film Center Laemmle Monica | Streaming on VOD Platforms

“Lights Out” at the Beverly Hills Lumière Cinema is accessible via VOD platforms.

Cinema Week

Sandra Huller, an Oscar-nominated actress, talks about “Anatomy of a Fall” in this feature.

LISTEN AT 19:06

The French drama “Anatomy of a Fall” is directed by Justine Triet. During the pandemic lockdown, she and her husband, Arthur Harari, co-wrote the screenplay. The movie made its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May of last year, where it took home the coveted Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor. In addition to garnering five Oscar nominations in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Editing, it went on to win numerous other accolades. Oscar-nominated actress Sandra Huller joins Larry Mantle on Film Week today to discuss the film’s production and her widely praised performance.