KQED's Forum - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Is A Labor Shortage Hampering a Bay Area Economic Recovery? Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

Across the Bay Area, employers in retail, restaurants and other industries, report that there are more jobs available than workers to fill them. As California re-opens for business, concern is rising that a labor shortage may impede the state’s ability to bounce back from the pandemic. While there appears to be no single reason for the worker shortage, economists say the high cost of living, wage stagnation, and worker demands are among the reasons that employees cite for not taking available jobs or even staying out of the job market altogether. We’ll talk to a panel of experts and hear from employers and employees about the latest labor dynamics.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Record-Breaking Heat Expected in California This Week Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Forecasters are predicting an intense, multi-day heat wave in California this week that could shatter records for mid-June. Cities across the state are expected to see triple-digit temperatures, and parts of the Central Valley could reach 120 degrees. We'll talk about what the heat wave might signal for the state's warming climate, as well as how to best stay cool this week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Renters Face Uncertainty As Eviction Protections Near Expiration Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

For more than a year, thousands of renters in California have been able to stave off evictions thanks to a state moratorium. But that moratorium is set to expire at the end of June unless state lawmakers grant an extension. Meanwhile, more than 900,000 households are behind on paying rent, according to the National Equity Atlas. So far, government programs aimed at helping renters have only reached a small fraction of eligible tenants. We talk about the prospects of extending eviction protections and the impacts on renters if the moratorium ends this month.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Fewer Undergraduates Are Enrolling in College Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

Before the pandemic took hold, some higher education institutions -- particularly community colleges and small or mid-sized private schools -- were struggling with declining enrollment and financial problems. And those challenges became far worse during the shutdown. By Spring 2021, the total number of undergraduates fell by five percent from 2020 — 727,000 students in all — according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Educators and policymakers say the drop indicates that many would-be college students are struggling to access or afford college— even if a degree could help them advance economically. We talk about these enrollment challenges and how they can be addressed.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Reopens At Last Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

California heads toward a full reopening of its economy on Tuesday, as COVID-19 infections reach their lowest levels in 14 months in the state. Capacity restrictions on most businesses will be lifted and physical distancing requirements will be gone. Some decisions still need to be made, such as whether fully vaccinated workers can go maskless. We’ll get the latest on exactly what reopening will look like and what it means for Bay Area businesses and the economy. And we’ll hear from you. Are you ready for a full reopening?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks Found on Northern California Beaches Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

As Californians get ready to go to the beach this summer, there's a new worry to consider: ticks that carry Lyme disease. A new four-year study has found that the coastal brushlands from Mendocino to Monterey are home to Lyme disease-carrying ticks, which were previously thought to populate mainly inland areas. We'll talk about the study and how you can protect yourself from tick bites.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor Department Report Rekindles Inflation Fears Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

The Consumer Price Index rose by five percent in May compared to the same period a year ago — the sharpest increase since 2008. The new Labor Department numbers come as consumers are experiencing sticker shock over products like lumber and used cars. We'll talk about whether the price increases are a temporary byproduct of pandemic-related shortages or a sign of an inflationary period to come.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist George Packer on a ‘Last Best Hope’ for a Divided America Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

In his latest book “Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal,” author and Atlantic staff writer George Packer argues that the country is not divided in two camps, but rather that it’s split into four Americas. Those Americas — Free America, Smart America, Real America, and Just America — are separated along political, economic, educational, religious and social justice lines, and Packer notes, “I don’t much want to live in the republic of any of them.” Instead, he says we need to find a way to trust one another to create a nation with the eye on the prize: to be an Equal America. We’ll talk to Packer about his book.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrating Beauty Beyond the Gender Binary Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

From celebrities like Harry Styles and the members of boy band BTS to social media beauty influencers like Patrick Starrr and Kenneth Senegal, more and more men and nonbinary folk are publicly embracing makeup in their daily lives. And as author and journalist David Yi argues in their new book, the male beauty influencers of today have ancient cultural precedents. “Pretty Boys” traces male beauty figures throughout history, from Ramses the Great to ‘80s glam rockers to drag culture newly entering the mainstream. We’ll hear about how beauty influencers, both past and present, have explored gender through makeup.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Black Male Valedictorian at Oakland Tech Highlights Those With ‘The Ability But Not The Opportunity’ Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

Ahmed Muhammad recently became the first Black male valedictorian in Oakland Technical High School’s over 100 year history. In his graduation speech Muhammad said, "there is absolutely no way you can tell me I am the first Black person capable of being valedictorian." Ahmed joins us to speak about his homage to those who "had the ability but not the opportunity" and his plans to continue supporting the youth of Oakland and the greater Bay Area community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices