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New study on NFL players with CTE, Iran sanctions, latest on Colorado River and more
A hand reaches for the The Duke Wilson football ball with the NFL logo on August 22, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.
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Nic Antaya
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Today's show: AirTalk host Larry Mantle discusses a new study on NFL players with CTE, Iran sanctions, how technology affects school learning, the latest on the Colorado River and selfishness in relationships.
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1 in 4 NFL players will get brain disease CTE
The topic:
New data published by the British Medical Journal suggests that one in four athletes who have played professionally in the NFL will end up with chronic dramatic encephalopathy, most commonly referred to as C.T.E.
What is C.T.E.? The progressive neurological disease is caused by repeated hits to the head that end up causing long term irreversible trauma, and has been only definitively diagnosed after death. Symptoms include memory loss, issues with executive function, as well as erratic and impulsive behaviors. Most C.T.E. cases are not publicly disclosed, but many NFL families have donated their loved ones brains for research.
NFL’s response: The degenerative brain disease has been linked to the sport for the last two decades, however the prevalence of it among current and former players has long been disputed by the NFL, often citing the lack of research and uncertainty around C.T.E. too great to draw any sort of definitive conclusion. Although neurological experts have struggled to find why some athletes who play contact sports for decades do not get C.T.E., many find the rise of prevalence in recent research hard to ignore.
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Guests:
- Yafa Minazad, D.O., Huntington Hospital-affiliated neurologist, she’s also a practicing neurologist at Southern California neurology consultants
- William P. Flavin, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at UCLA; he also played college football for Notre Dame
What do the new sanctions on Iran entail?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at a news conference at the Treasury Department in Washington, Monday.
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The topic:
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new round of sanctions aimed at Iran yesterday and warned every country that does business with the Islamic Republic to sever those financial ties or face retaliation from the United States.
Offramp to the war: The sanctions come as the Trump administration struggles to find a way out of nearly six months of an unpopular war with an increasingly obstinate Iran. As U.S. officials appear to shift their focus away from military force and towards economic warfare, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has still not ruled out resuming strikes on Iran during a lull in hostilities.
With files from the Associated Press.
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Guest:
- Jennifer Welch, chief geoeconomics analyst for Bloomberg Economics
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New book looks at how classroom technology affects student learning
Elementary students in Computer Lab.
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Adam Kaz
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The topic:
The role of technology in classrooms like laptops and tablets has come under heightened scrutiny in the last few years after studies have shown their use does not confer learning improvements. Today on AirTalk, we hear from a neuroscientist who argues they actually diminish learning.
The book: In The Digital Delusion, author and neuroscientist Jared Horvath makes the case that the widespread use of classroom technology undermines students’ ability to learn how to learn, and it is affecting their cognitive development. The book also offers advice to families and educators on how to reassess device use.
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Guest:
- Jared Cooney Horvath, neuroscientist and director of the LME Global, which provides classroom learning strategies; he is the author of The Digital Delusion How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning–and How to Help Them Thrive Again; Updated Edition
How states are reacting to a plan to cut Colorado River water usage
The bottom end of a boat ramp at Antelope Point now ends hundreds of feet from water at Lake Powell on August 20 near Page, Arizona.
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The topic:
The Trump administration released plans last Friday that outline Colorado River water cutbacks for California, Nevada, and Arizona. According to the plans, California will cut 12% of its Colorado River water usage, while Arizona will cut 31% and Nevada will cut about 28%, all by the end of 2028.
The future of cuts: The plan also proposes additional cuts to be made – a mandatory cut of 3 million acre-feet each year – if the water levels do not improve.
Fight for water: The state of Nevada sued the Trump administration on Monday over the water cutbacks. The plans do not require the other four states that rely on the river’s water — Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming — to cut their share of Colorado River water.
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Guests:
- Ian James, reporter for the LA Times, focusing on water and climate change in California and the West
- Fiona Nye, Director of Water Resources at Irvine Ranch Water District
- Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University
When is it OK to be selfish in a relationship?
Have you experienced selfishness in relationships?
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The topic:
Being called selfish hurts, especially when the comment comes from a partner. But we all need to take care of ourselves to some degree, so how can you toe the line between prioritizing your own needs and the needs of your partner?
Selfishness: It’s a slippery slope of not just constantly thinking about and acting on your own needs, but also minimizing those of your partner. It can lead to resentment from your partner, especially if you still expect them to think about your needs.
Self interest: The key difference between self interest and selfishness is keeping your partner’s needs and wants in mind at the same level as your own. Have boundaries and priorities, but know that your partner does too, and as partners you want to work together to help each other in your efforts.
Talking it through: Like all interpersonal problems, communication is key to resolving disagreements. Letting things linger can lead to lasting resentment, which can be tough to overcome.
Jon the conversation: Do you find yourself struggling to meet both your and your partner’s needs? Or maybe you feel like your partner doesn’t prioritize your needs enough, and are looking for advice on how to speak with them? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Guest:
- Josh Coleman, clinical psychologist in the Bay Area, and guest columnists for the Washington Post’s Ask a Therapist column; He’s also senior fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization studying American family structures and dynamics
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