Recapping last night’s first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
Kamala Harris pressed a forceful case against Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first and perhaps only debate before the presidential election, repeatedly goading him in an event that showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration, and American democracy. The debate had very few interruptions, as the debate stayed relatively civil, all things considered. So today on AirTalk, we recap last night’s debate in Philadelphia with Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan, Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of political science at Pomona College, and Pete Peterson, dean of the School of Public Policy and senior fellow at The Davenport Institute at Pepperdine University.
Induction stoves help cool the planet and your house, you could get assistance getting one
When it’s hot, it is not fun to cook, especially when you don’t have sufficient air conditioning like many of us here in southern California. Gas stoves also emit a lot of unhealthy, even cancer-causing, pollution. But some people are cooking cooler and cleaner with a newer kind of stove — an induction stove — and fighting climate change too. Recently, a pilot program from the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) which gave homeowners in Avocado Heights free induction stoves concluded. The state’s cumulative pollution burden data mapping tool, CalEnviroScreen, rates Avocado Heights as being in the 90th to 100th percentile for disproportionate pollution impacts. But there are dozens of other communities in Los Angeles which could benefit from affordable electrification projects, especially in the Summer months. Today on AirTalk, we look into the growing trend of induction stoves and their role in fighting climate change. Joining us is Erin Stone, climate emergency reporter for LAist. Have questions? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
What’s going on with Gen Alpha’s skincare obsession?
Gen Alpha has arrived and they are buying skincare products you’ve never dreamed of. Terms like retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and niacinamide are all in the vocabulary of today's tweens. Gen Alpha’s skincare obsession has gone so far that the once youthful Gen Z has dubbed the generation below them as “Sephora Kids” on TikTok. But Gen Alphas fanatic approach to skincare routines may be causing more harm than good. Today on AirTalk, We look at the rise of “Sephora Kids” and what it means for the future of Gen Alpha. Joining us to discuss is Dr. Brooke Jeffy, Board Certified Dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN in Scottsdale, AZ and Jean Twenge, Social Psychologist and author of Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents—and What They Mean for the Future. We also want to hear from you. Are you a parent of a Gen Alpha kid? What have you observed about their skincare habits? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Fire updates: evacuations, arrests, and a state of emergency
Authorities late Tuesday announced the arrest of a 34-year old Norco man on suspicion of arson in connection with the Line fire that has now burned more than 34,000 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains. The fire, which began Thursday (Sept. 5) afternoon at the edge of open space and homes, has forced evacuations in Big Bear, Running Springs and other mountain communities. The Bridge Fire, which ignited on Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest, exploded in size Tuesday from about 3,000 acres to more than 46,000 acres by midnight. The fire is burning through chaparral desiccated by months of extreme heat. Orange County supervisors declared a local state of emergency to deal with the Airport Fire, which quickly grew to more than 22,000 acres by Wednesday morning. The board's declaration opens up the possibility of both state and federal help. Joining us today on AirTalk for an update on the 3 fires burning in the area is Jacob Margolis, science reporter for LAist and host of the podcast The Big Burn.
Read the full LAist stories here, here and here.
Climate Solutions Week: How to ‘forage’ for your next meal in LA
Have you ever noticed fruit growing around your neighborhood? No, not your neighbor’s oranges — there are fruit trees spread across Los Angeles County that anyone can take from. These trees are important because for every piece of food we eat that comes from a faraway farm, it creates planet-heating pollution. Could eating what’s growing on L.A. streets help reduce our carbon impact?
LAist LA Explained reporter Caitlin Hernández went on a gleaning trip to see what effect, if any, taking food from public spaces would have on the climate. Gleaning is distinct from foraging in that you take from public land what would otherwise be wasted, as opposed to foraging the wild for your food. Today on AirTalk we look into gleaning, is it a fun activity or a way to avoid your next trip to the grocery store? Have questions? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Pit bulls are often stereotyped as aggressive. Are attitudes changing or should we remain cautious?
Pit bulls have long had a reputation as aggressive dogs. Once bred for dog fighting, the reputation makes sense. People were taught to fear pit bulls as these genetically violent mutants, but is that the full picture? And what does science say about pit bulls? Are they, in fact, more aggressive? In recent years, advocacy campaigns have helped change their negative image, but does that mean the danger is gone? Many say that pit bulls are not more violent than any other breed of dog and don’t deserve their reputation. Others say otherwise. Last year, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced he would ban American XL bullies after a string of attacks on humans, some of them deadly. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss the science and stigma of pit bulls is president of L.A. Responsible Pit Bull Owners, Chris Helminiak, and Melissa Bain, doctor of veterinary medicine at UC Davis.
