Health CareFDA relaxes blood donation eligibility for gay, bisexual men. Experts say they’re ‘delighted’May 17, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezLast week the FDA eased restrictions for gay and bisexual men who want to donate blood. CapRadio’s Vicki Gonzalez spoke with blood donation non-profit Vitalant, which contributed research that helped the department come to this decision. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
'From $260 to $23': Californians navigate the end of pandemic food benefit boostsMay 17, 2023 | Kate WolffeDuring the pandemic, many people received the maximum in food aid through CalFresh. Now that the COVID emergency benefits have ended, they’re adjusting to a world with record inflation and some are relying on food banks to meet their needs. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentUnderstanding how a California bill dies without public debateMay 16, 2023 | Nicole NixonThe twice-yearly procedure releases hundreds of bills to the Senate and Assembly floors, allowing for debate before the entire chamber. But for other bills, the suspense hearing provides a quiet, anticlimactic end. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentProtecting Molok Luyuk, a haven of biological diversity in Northern CaliforniaMay 16, 2023 | Manola SecairaIn 2015, Berryessa Snow Mountain became a national monument. But Molok Luyuk, nestled along the eastern side of the monument’s center, was excluded. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareMillions of people have long COVID brain fog — and there's a shortage of answersMay 15, 2023Psychologist James Jackson says people with long COVID experience impaired brain function and mental health issues. He offers some practical advice and support in his new book, Clearing the Fog.
Health CareCalifornia debates extending PTSD coverage to more first respondersMay 14, 2023A state Senate bill would extend workers’ compensation coverage of post-traumatic stress injuries for firefighters and police officers. But a separate bill to cover paramedics and EMTs is unlikely to be heard.
BusinessCompanies are shedding office space — and it may be killing small businessesMay 13, 2023With so many people still working from home, companies are cutting back on office space. That spells trouble for small businesses that depend on foot traffic.
California is one of 16 states that allows forced labor, but a constitutional amendment seeks to change thatMay 12, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezWhile involuntary servitude is basically banned in the state, it’s still allowed in prisons as punishment for a crime. One lawmaker introduced an act that aims to end this practice. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentHow Gavin Newsom wants to close California’s $31.5 billion budget shortfall May 12, 2023 | Chris Nichols | Nicole Nixon | Manola Secaira | Kate WolffeThough the budget deficit has grown to nearly $32 billion, Newsom said he does not plan to dip into the state’s rainy day fund, instead proposing a mix of funding delays, cuts and renewing a tax on health insurers.
Mid Pacific | BonusBONUS EPISODE: Introducing Vietnamese Boat People PodcastMay 11, 2023How would your identity be shaped if you had to escape your home country by boat? Sarah speaks with fellow podcast host Tracey Nguyen Mang, who fled Vietnam with her family at the age of 3. Hear her journey to uncover her family’s story. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
