Tensions unfold between Ukraine and US. Here’s where things stand
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday of living in a Russian-made “disinformation space,” pointed comments that risked further souring relations with Washington as the American leader pushes for an end to the war. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would like to meet with Trump, a day after senior American and Russian officials held talks that were partially aimed at preparing such a summit. Zelenskyy said he “would like Trump’s team to be more truthful” in his first response to a series of striking claims the U.S. president made the previous day, including suggesting that Kyiv was to blame for the war, which enters its fourth year next week. Russia’s army crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that Putin sought to justify by saying it was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining NATO. Ukraine and its allies denounced it as an unprovoked act of aggression. Joining to discuss is Steven Erlanger, chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe for The New York Times, and Brian Taylor, Syracuse University professor of political science.
With files from The Associated Press
Trump administration gives schools a deadline to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money
The Trump administration is giving America’s schools and universities two weeks to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the president’s fight against “wokeness” and sowing confusion as schools scramble to comply. In a memo last week, the Education Department gave an ultimatum to stop using “racial preferences” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other areas. Schools are being given 14 days to end any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race. Educators at colleges nationwide were rushing to evaluate their risk and decide whether to stand up for practices they believe are legal. The sweeping demand threatens to upend all aspects of campus operations, from essays on college applications to classroom lessons and campus clubs. What does this mean for schools here in Los Angeles County? How will they be impacted?
Joining us today on AirTalk is Jaweed Kaleem, education reporter at the Los Angeles Times, where he covers news and features on K-12 and higher education and Zach Montague, New York Times reporter covering the U.S. Department of Education, the White House and federal courts.
With files from the Associated Press
Should the California Latino Legislative Caucus admit GOP members?
Since its inception, the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) has historically been composed solely of members from the democratic party. Despite numerous petitions from republican politicians over the years, the CLLC has repeatedly denied membership to those outside the party, generally citing differing opinions on policy such as immigration and the economy. Recently, California state Assemblymembers Kate Sanchez and Leticia Castillo — both members of the republican party — have said they’ve not been allowed to join the caucus, and have raised concern on how the decision to deny their entry will impact the range of representation in the caucus. Last week, in response to the continual exclusion from the CLLC, Assemblymember Sanchez and State Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares announced the formation of the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus — a new bipartisan effort they say will focus on the broader concerns of California’s Latino community. Joining us on AirTalk to discuss is Mike Madrid, republican political consultant and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, Leticia Castillo, California Assemblymember representing District 58, and Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, Lena Gonzalez.
Forecasting California’s agriculture sector under Trump’s second term
Despite President Donald Trump losing California in last year’s general election, there is one constituency that he’s had success with — the state’s agriculture sector. When it comes to early efforts, President Trump has shown a willingness to release water, having pushed to maximize water deliveries at the beginning of his term. However, his early policies have raised questions, not just with California farmers but across the nation. During the president’s last term in office, tariffs had a notable impact on the country’s two main crop exports, corn and soybeans. With China and Mexico being major purchasers of both crops, the tariffs caused issues that we could see reoccur during the president’s second term. Alongside this prior history, his anti-immigrant rhetoric has left many farmworkers questioning their status, working in the United States. Joining us to help forecast the next four years of President Trump’s impact on farms is the California Bureau Chief for the agriculture publication Agri-Pulse West, Brad Hooker, distinguished professor emeritus of agricultural and resource economics at UC Davis Colin Carter, and Joe Del Bosque, owner and president of the family-owned Del Bosque Farms, on the westside of Fresno and Merced Counties in the San Joaquin Valley.
Breakfast is booming, but egg prices might spoil the morning rush
Breakfast is a business all of its own. In LA, we have countless restaurants solely devoted to the morning meal and even more that serve breakfast all day. But with egg prices soaring, the demand is outweighing the supply. And with such a limited menu and hours of operation, the margins for profit are slimmer. Today on AirTalk, we try to crack the egg that is the breakfast industry. What makes a place successful and what are some of the unique challenges. We’ll talk to Nick Starr, owner of Cofax Coffee, known for their coffee and breakfast burritos with locations in Fairfax and Culver City. We also want to hear from you! What’s your favorite breakfast restaurant in LA? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
