Today on AirTalk, we discuss Long Beach's universal basic income experiment. Also on the show, we answer your COVID-19 questions; learn more about the success of big box retailers during the pandemic; and more.
State, Federal Unemployment Check-In: Who’s Getting Paid, Who’s Not And Whether More Benefit Money Is On The Way
Next week, eligible Californians should start receiving supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 each week, thanks to federal funding approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help those whose jobs have been impacted by the coronavirus.
Today on AirTalk, we’ll check in on the latest with unemployment benefits at the state and national level, look at who is getting paid and who is not, and find out whether more economic relief for Americans whose jobs have been furloughed or lost during the pandemic.
For more information on applying for unemployment insurance in California, click here.
Guests:
Lauren Hepler, economy reporter for CalMatters; she tweets
Scott Horsley, economics reporter for NPR; he tweets
COVID AMA: COVID-19 Deaths Reduced By Steroid Treatment, Large Antibody Report & More
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Dr. Kimberly Shriner.
Topics today include:
COVID-19 deaths significantly reduced by use of steroids, analysis says
US says it will not join global effort to find COVID-19 vaccine
Coronavirus symptoms can last much longer than initially thought, experts say
Large antibody study offers hope for virus vaccine efforts
Health officials worry nation not ready for COVID-19 vaccine
Guest:
Kimberly Shriner, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena
Long Beach Is Launching A Universal Basic Income Experiment
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia has announced plans to give money — no strings attached — to a select group of city residents.
The idea is to study the effects of a so-called “universal basic income,” a policy favored by some economists for tackling high poverty rates and pushed heavily during the Democratic Presidential primaries by Andrew Yang.
Read more on LAist.
Yesterday, the Long Beach City Council voted to support the UBI project.
Guests:
Robert Garcia, mayor of Long Beach; he tweets
Andrew Yang, 2020 presidential candidate and entrepreneur; he is the chair of the advisory board for Californians for Consumer Privacy, which advocates for the passage of Proposition 24; he tweets
The Success Of Big-Box Retail Several Months Into The Pandemic
The future of retailers became uncertain when the pandemic hit and many stores had to close or shift their business online.
But several months in, we’re seeing that big-box retailers like Walmart, Target and Costco have been able to capitalize on the pandemic. With the infrastructure to do curbside pick-ups and e-commerce already in place, those big retailers have become many people’s go-to shopping destinations.
And, of course, Amazon has continued its dominance of the online shopping space.
Today, we dive into the state of big-box retail, how it’s adapted to the pandemic and how it’s orienting itself for the future.
Guests:
Sarah Nassauer, retail reporter for the Wall Street Journal; she tweets
Alexis DeSalva, senior research analyst at Mintel, where she focuses on U.S. Retail and eCommerce
Prop 17: Should CA Residents On Parole Be Allowed To Vote?
Proposition 17, which will be on the November ballot, would allow people on parole with felony convictions to vote in the state. The state constitution currently disqualifies those residents from voting until their parole is complete.
Nineteen states allow people convicted with felonies to cast a ballot in elections, and advocates hope California will soon be added to the list. According to CalMatters, around 40,000 California residents have been released from prison but are unable to legally cast their vote. Proponents of Prop. 17, including the ACLU of California and the League of Women Voters, argue that encouraging those who have done their time to use their voice helps reintegrate them into society. But opponents of the ballot measure say the state has already taken steps to reform the criminal justice system. They believe those who have committed violent crimes should remain unable to vote until after they’ve completed their parole. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the pros and cons of Prop. 17. What are your thoughts on the initiative? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Brittany Stonesifer, voting rights attorney at the ACLU of California
Ruth Weiss, director of legislative oversight for the Election Integrity Project California (EIPCa), a non-partisan organization that aims to protect the voting process
It’s Been A Hard Year. But What Has Been Something Positive For You In 2020?
In 2020, we have witnessed a global pandemic, mass demonstrations against racism and police violence, the loss of several popular American icons and an economic crisis that has many Americans struggling to make ends meet.
It has been, needless to say, an intense year. Amidst all the turmoil, Twitter users this week generated the hashtag #SomethingPositiveAbout2020 to share moments from 2020 that brought them joy. Some users shared photos of engagements and new babies, while others reflected on the music they’ve loved this year or shared pictures of new pets they have adopted.
We want to hear from you. What are the experiences or moments that have been special to you this year? Did you deepen your relationship with someone you care about? Pass a major life milestone? Become engaged with your community in a new and fulfilling way? Join the conversation by giving us a call at 866-893-5722.