AirTalk

Today on AirTalk, Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico go into effect this morning. We'll talk about how this will impact U.S. trade. Some education experts say it's time we let go of the letter grade system in schools. We'll discuss why the letter grade may do more harm than good and explore alternate approaches to grading. The viral Big Bear eagles are gaining traction once again this morning as their long-awaited eaglets began to hatch. The LA Times rolled out a new AI tool for some of their articles. We'll ask our listeners what they think about this new feature. As Ramadan begins, we're checking on Houses of Worship in the aftermath of the L.A. wildfires. And, what's in a name? Call in and tell us the story behind yours.

Today on AirTalk:

Trump's Canada and Mexico tariffs go into effect today (0:15)

The case for getting rid of the letter grade (18:08)

Big Bear Eagles welcome hatchlings (44:44)

LA Times bias meter (50:57)

Houses of worship after LA wildfires 1:11:45)

What's the story of your name? (1:32:57)

Today on AirTalk, we're reflecting on the most memorable moments of the 2025 Academy Awards last night. An L.A. staple, The Original Pantry Cafe, is set to close its doors after a century of operation. Slate's ICYMI podcast host is here to talk about the lifecycle of a viral meme and everyone's favorite debate...Was the dress black and blue or white and gold? What to know about a proposed CA bill would ban private firefighters from using public infrastructure. For the SoCal history segment, we're looking at an invasive species that became a symbol of Los Angeles: Palm Trees. Help this Instagram account crown the worst parking lot in all of L.A.

Today on AirTalk:

Oscars recap (0:15)

Classic LA diner closes its doors after a century (16:22)

The lifecycle of a viral meme (36:19)

Proposed CA bill targets private firefighters using public utilities (51:17)

SoCal history: Palm Trees (1:06:27)

The award for worst parking lot in LA goes to... (1:27:45)

Today on AirTalk, U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to flesh out the details of a minerals deal. We have a White House correspondent here to tell us what they know about what Trump calls a 'very big' deal. Why are birthrates declining and what will be the long-term societal impacts of a smaller population of kids? Experts in sociology and demography weigh in. Chef Genet Agonafer has been making Ethiopian food for Angelenos for 25 years at her restaurant 'Meals by Genet.' Today, she's here to share her story and cuisine with us for Food Friday.

Today on AirTalk:

What we know about the US-Ukraine minerals deal  (0:15)

Why are birthrates falling worldwide, and what are the long-term effects? (12:26)

Food Friday: LA chef shares her legendary Ethiopian food (37:24)

Today on AirTalk, California schools are facing low enrollment and closures. What's next for the staff and students? We'll honor the career and life of actor Gene Hackman who passed away today. We have a Pulitzer Prize winner with us to talk about his new book on California history. As of December, Culver City completed its contentious MOVE project to make the city more bikeable. What do residents think of the results? Historically, many Oscar winners have used the podium as a soapbox. We're reflecting on the most memorable advocacy speeches at the Academy Awards. You won't want to miss TV Talk today, we're covering '1923', 'Running Point', and much more.

Today on AirTalk:

CA K-12 schools face low enrollment and closures (0:15)

Remembering Gene Hackman (25:09)

Pulitzer winner's new book on CA history (33:22)

Results of Culver City's contentious bike lane project (51:27)

Political Oscar speeches: love or hate? (1:16:48)

TV Talk:1923 and more (1:31:13)

Today on AirTalk, L.A. wildfire recovery gets political as the Fire Chief gets ousted. We're joined by legal experts who will give us the lowdown on all the active litigation against President Trump's administration. 'The Points Guy' released a new book called How to Win at Travel and he's here to give us tips on making the most of your trip. Will California's overabundance of solar energy cause solar incentives to be cut? Energy experts weigh in. We want to hear from listeners: Do you think your parent had a favorite child and how did you navigate favoritism with your own kids?

Today on AirTalk:

The politics of a wildfire (0:15)

Tracking litigation against Trump's Administration (20:43)

'The Points Guy' shares how to win at travel (36:37)

CA's overabundance of solar energy may cause incentive cuts (54:46)

Do parents actually have a favorite child? 1:28:59)

Today on AirTalk, Calmatters report reveals a disturbing lack of oversight and dangerous conditions at homeless shelters in CA. In a recent LA Times opinion piece, an urban policy expert argues housing density will not solve California's housing shortage. Find out why. Divide deepens between U.S. and Europe as the future of NATO gets murky. How will federal funding cuts affect CA's high-speed rail progress? The James Bond franchise has been handed off to Amazon. The film industry is abuzz with ideas of what this means for the future of the iconic character.

Today on AirTalk:

Calmatters reports lack of oversight in homeless shelters (0:15)

What's next for CA housing shortage? (32:57)

NATO's future as divide deepens between U.S. and Europe (51:51)

Funding cuts threaten CA bullet train (1:09:57)

James Bond franchise handed to Amazon (1:29:04)

Today on AirTalk, we're bringing you the latest on L.A. wildfire recovery and we'll hear from listeners who the fires have displaced about what they are facing now. For our SoCal History segment, we're diving into the most memorable moments in Academy Awards history. Wine industry experts share their thoughts on the decline in sales. Could it be attributed to Trump's tariffs or perhaps lessened interest in wine from younger generations? We're doing a roundup of everyone who has declared themselves candidates for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. What is their profession, which party do they align with, and what are their plans for office? Dating someone with kids, but don't want any of your own? We want to hear from listeners how they navigate dating and children.

Today on AirTalk:

Check-in on LA wildfire survivors and recovery (0:15)

SoCal History: Academy Awards memorable moments (38:47)

The uncertain fate of the CA wine industry (51:49)

Who is running for CA governor in 2026? (1:10:58)

Dating someone with kids? How to navigate your role (1:26:43)

Today on AirTalk, from long lines to locked bathrooms, Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, sends national parks and other federal-run agencies into chaos after a huge round of layoffs. How will your camping trips be affected and what is the lasting impact of this decision? A psychologist joins us to talk about the place nostalgia holds in our lives. The meaning of nostalgia is not universally accepted, which raises questions like; why do we get nostalgic for difficult times, and why do we idealize the past? For Food Friday we are diving into the deliciously intricate world of Caribbean cuisine with the co-owner of Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA.

Today on AirTalk:

From long lines to locked bathrooms, federal layoffs send national parks into understaffed chaos (0:15)

What is nostalgia and why do we depend on it? (21:46)

Food Friday: Caribbean cuisine (39:04)

Today on AirTalk, we're speaking with experts in economics to understand what is causing inflation rates to steadily rise. We want to hear from listeners about the toy that made their childhood. What was your favorite? CA electricity rates among highest in country and climbing, why? We are doing a round up of the latest in the NBA, including All-Star games, Dončić Lakers debut, and the 3-point revolution. We finish off the show with TV Talk. We're reviewing Zero Day, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Cobra Kai to name a few.

Today on AirTalk:

Why is inflation getting worse? (0:15)

The toys that made your childhood (31:20)

CA electricity rates among highest in country and climbing (51:26) 

NBA roundup: Dončić Lakers debut and All-star games (1:11:32)

TV Talk: Zero Day, and more (1:26:47)

Today on AirTalk, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, slams President Trump for his comments on Russia negotiations, accusing him of spreading disinformation about the conflict. Trump has given U.S. schools 14 days to end DEI programs or risk losing federal funding. How are LAUSD schools handling the ultimatum? The California Latino Legislative Caucus has historically been made up of Democrats. As CA politics change, is it time to admit GOP members? We're taking a look at how the California agriculture industry may be affected by Trump's second term trade decisions. L.A. breakfast and brunch restaurants are making a killing. How will their business be affected by egg prices?

Today on AirTalk:

Zelenskyy slams Trump for Russia conflict disinformation (0:15)

Countdown to end DEI in schools or risk federal funding (20:12)

Should the CA Latino Caucus admit GOP members? (34:01)

Four-year CA agriculture forecast (51:31)

L.A. breakfast spots face steep egg prices (1:23:21)