Checking in on the CA Gubernatorial race as new faces enter a wide-open race 

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Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war.

Checking in on the CA Gubernatorial race as new faces enter a wide-open race 

Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war.

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Checking in on the CA Gubernatorial race as new faces enter a wide-open race

The California gubernatorial race is starting to gain momentum, following the approval of Proposition 50, which has become a major focus for Democrats in the state. With the likes of former vice president Kamala Harris and senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff not running, it’s left a group of candidates who haven’t been able to break through as a true frontrunner. Democrat Katie Porter and Republican Chad Bianco have seemed to generate some interest, but that could be impacted by the announcement of Tom Steyer’s candidacy this morning. Steyer was one of many faces promoting Proposition 50, and had previously been best known in politics for running in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Joining us to dig into the current state of the race is Melanie Mason, senior political reporter for POLITICO, and Dan Walters, political columnist for CalMatters.

How does the menstrual cycle impact our brain?

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Throughout the menstrual cycle, the brain is constantly responding to shifting hormone levels. When estrogen rises in the first half of the cycle, it tends to give brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex a boost, which can support focus, memory, and emotional balance. After ovulation, progesterone becomes the star of the show, often making people feel more emotionally sensitive or tuned-in to stress. These natural ups and downs can influence mood, thinking, and even how different parts of the brain “talk” to each other, showing that the menstrual cycle affects much more than just the reproductive system. Today on AirTalk we’d love to hear from you as well. How does your menstrual cycle impact you? Joining us for the conversation are two experts, Sara Mednick, professor of cognitive science at UC Irvine and Katie Unverferth, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and director of UCLA Women's Life Center.

Pet Talk: all your burning pet questions, answered by a professional

Why is Fido barking at 3am? Why has Mr. Whiskers’ palette suddenly shifted away from his favorite wet food? Why is Fido STILL barking at 4am? These are all valid questions, but also maybe ones not worth an entire trip to the vet. So today on AirTalk, we’re bringing the vet to you! What are some burning pet care questions you have about your family’s furriest member? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com. And don’t worry, Larry won’t be spitballing answers here. He’ll be joined by dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of Health Systems Sciences at Western University Dr. John Tegzes for the heavyweight questions.

Checking-in on the current tech race with China

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced their plan to sell the nation’s most advanced fighter jet — the F-35 — to Saudi Arabia. The move has raised concerns that Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner, China, would gain access to the jet's technology through the deal, adding tension to an already competitive tech race between the United States and China who are wrestling for global dominance in the future technologies of the 21st century. The announcement comes as China continues to employ hacking and espionage tactics to extract U.S. technologies for their use. Today on AirTalk to talk about the current tech race between China and the U.S. is Phelim Kine, China and Indo-Pacific correspondent for Politico.