Vaccine Access Codes Intended for Underserved Communities Ended Up With Wealthier Ones
A new program designed to help address inequality in vaccine distribution wound up being misused by wealthier residents, who used vaccine codes intended for residents of hard-hit communities for themselves.
Guest:
- Julia Wick, Metro reporter for the Los Angeles Times, who reported on this story with colleagues Laura J Nelson and Maya Lau.
The Race to Fill State Senate Seat Left Vacant By Holly Mitchell
State Senator Holly Mitchell won a seat on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors last year -- and that created a vacancy in the 30th District, which includes parts of west and South L.A. as well as a good chunk of downtown. The special election to fill the state senate seat is going on now.
Guest:
- KPCC's Libby Denkmann has more.
Net Neutrality is Officially Here
California's landmark law that allows net neutrality … finally has the green light to go into effect. That's what a federal judge ruled yesterday. What this means for YOU when you go online is this: your internet provider can NOT pick and choose which services to slow down or put caps on – think of all those shows and movies you stream! Also, your provider CANNOT make certain websites go faster just because they have a business partnership with them.
Guest:
- Barbara van Schewick, director of the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School and a technical advisor on the development of California's law.
The Vote to Cut LA School Police: LA School Board President Explains
Last week, the school board voted to cut the school police budget by a third and use the money in other ways - to hire counselors, social workers, and what's been called "climate coaches" to be on campus instead of officers.
Guest:
Kelly Gonez, Los Angeles School Board President
After Being a Source of Misinformation Spread, One Marketing Professor Says Facebook Should Step Up with Targeted and Accurate PSAs about the Coronavirus Vaccine
Misinformation about the coronavirus spread rapidly in the past year on Facebook and other social media platforms. But one marketing expert argues in a Fast Company Op-Ed, “How Facebook can make up for disinformation and help get everyone vaccinated for COVID-19,” that social media platforms should now step up and provide free, targeted ads that spread correct information about the safety of vaccines - and where to get them.
Guest:
- UC-Irvine marketing expert Connie Pechmann
On the Lot: Hollywood Ask for Federal Pandemic Assistance
Hollywood is asking the Biden Administration for help but one bright light is that movie theaters in New York City can reopen their doors starting next month. Plus, the group behind the Golden Globes faces new scrutiny.
Guest:
- Rebecca Keegan, Senior Editor for Film for The Hollywood Reporter.