A look at the state of free speech through the lens of Jimmy Kimmel and antifa
President Donald Trump on Monday signed an order designating a decentralized movement known as antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, though whether he can actually do that remained unclear. Trump blames antifa for political violence. But there is no current legal definition of a “domestic terrorist organization,” in part because of broad First Amendment protections enjoyed by organizations operating within the United States. And despite periodic calls to establish a domestic terrorism law, no singular statute now exists. At the same time, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump's ability to police the words of journalists, commentators and even comics. Both occurrences here raise questions about the state of free speech in the country, and here to help break down those questions is Brian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino and Rory Little, professor of constitutional law at UC Law San Francisco.
With files from the Associated Press.
California’s engulfed in artificial turf wars. So how safe is fake grass really?
From high school football fields to residential lawns, synthetic turf can be found all throughout California. In fact, the state leads the country in its use of artificial turf with an estimated 1,100 acres installed each year. For many, the fake grass is a godsend as they claim it reduces the state's water use and provides year-round recreational use for athletics. However, opponents of the turf claim the fields are full of toxic chemicals, like PFAS, and are harmful to children and athletes. Already, four California cities have banned the material and now the Los Angeles City Council’s Energy and Environment Committee is considering following suit. But what do we know about the makeup of the material and its impact on our health? Joining us to discuss is Susanne Rust, investigative reporter at LA Times specializing in environmental issues. Also joining us is Joe Fields, president and CEO of TenCate Americas which manufactures synthetic turf, and Dianne Woelke, board member of Safe Healthy Playing Fields. We also want to hear from you! What is your experience using artificial turf? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
A judge orders the Trump administration to restore $500 million in funding to UCLA
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore $500 million in federal grant funding that it froze at the University of California, Los Angeles. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction on Monday, saying the government likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires specific procedures and explanations for federal funding cuts. Instead, the government informed UCLA in generalized form letters that multiple grants from various agencies were being suspended but offered no specific details. In August, UCLA announced that the Trump administration had suspended $584 million in federal grants over allegations of civil rights violations related to antisemitism and affirmative action. Lin issued a ruling later that month that resulted in $81 million in grants from the National Science Foundation being restored to UCLA. She ruled that those cuts had violated a June preliminary injunction where she ordered the National Science Foundation to restore dozens of grants that it had terminated at the University of California, which operates 10 campuses across the state. Joining us to discuss the latest is Jaweed Kaleem, higher education reporter at the Los Angeles Times.
With files from the Associated Press
What to know about the H-1B visa Trump has targeted with $100,000 fees
The Trump administration’s abrupt decision to slap a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas has stunned and confused employers, students and workers from the United States to India and beyond. Since announcing the decision Friday, the White House has tried to reassure jittery companies that the fee does not apply to existing visa holders and that their H-1B employees traveling abroad will not be stranded, unable to re-enter the United States without coming up with $100,000. The new policy took effect this past Sunday. Joining us to discuss the potential economic impacts of this decision is Harriet Torry, economics correspondent at The Wall Street Journal.
With files from the Associated Press.
We all have 'common knowledge' so why do we sometimes avoid it?
In renowned psychologist and researcher Steven Pinker's new book, he tackles the idea of "common knowledge," which he describes as a special state of awareness. Part of this awareness means we're constantly thinking about what other people are thinking about. He says it's in our nature. And, according to his research, there's hidden logic in this concept that has a significant impact of nearly all important aspects of our lives. Pinker joins AirTalk to discuss his new book, When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows (September, 2025). If you have questions, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Steven Pinker will be at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center in Vista Del Mar on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Learn more here
