Covered California’s executive director on healthcare subsidies at center of government shutdown

It has been 20 days since the Federal Government shutdown, with no clear end in sight. Democratic lawmakers have insisted that any deal address their health care demands and Republicans say those negotiations can happen after the government is funded. At issue are tax credits that have made health insurance more affordable for millions of people since the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsidies, which go to low- and middle-income people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, are slated to expire at the end of the year if Congress doesn’t extend them. Their expiration would more than double what subsidized enrollees currently pay for premiums next year, according to an analysis by KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues. Today on AirTalk, Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California joins the program to talk about how the state’s health insurance marketplace is being impacted.

How did robotexts get so out of control?

Back in 2021, the government created rules to rid us of scammers. The “Do Not Call” lists were meant to mitigate the onslaught of robotexts. But did it work? Now, a new report reveals that robocalls and texts have hit a 6-year high as fewer phone companies protect consumers. Why haven’t the phone companies complied? What is the future of anti-robocall technology if it’s not enforced? Joining us this morning on AirTalk to discuss the new report is Consumer Watchdog Director and author of the report, Teresa Murray.

Craft Brewing Industry check-in

A brewskie. Poppin’ a cold one open with the bros (and/or sisters)! Beer—as we’ve come to know it in America—has been a quintessential part of our social fabric. It serves as a symbol of community gathering, sports fandom, and, notably in recent times, a very receptive fascination with craft breweries. The elevation of beer as an alcoholic beverage has been a key driving force in the success of small-batch breweries in the last two decades, but now the industry seems to be at its first impasse, as the Brewers Association reported that for the first time in 20 years, more breweries in the U.S. closed than opened in 2024. Now, many beer makers are rethinking how to stay afloat. Today on AirTalk, we’re checking in on the state of the craft beer industry. Joining us are Ben Turkel, operations manager for Boomtown Brewery, located in DTLA’s Arts District, and Joshua M. Bernstein, award-winning author and beer, spirits, and food journalist.

The Marine Corps launched live rounds over the I-5. What exactly happened?

Over the weekend Camp Pendleton celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps 250 year anniversary with the firing of live rounds over Interstate 5 near San Diego. The demonstration drew concerns from the community about the possible danger, but federal officials assured that the artillery launch would be safe. After the demonstration, the California Highway Patrol announced that a cruiser parked on I-5 was hit by small pieces falling artillery shrapnel. Today on AirTalk, we explain exactly what went on over the weekend with the 250 anniversary. Joining us is Melody Gutierrez, staff writer for the LA Times.

In need of power, AI data centers are building their own power plants

By 2030, data centers in the U.S. are expected to triple their power usage, accounting for more than 14% of the country’s power demand. However, the electric grid as it’s been set up wasn’t built to accommodate both current customers and these growing new facilities. This has caused long lines for access and a gridlock for tech companies vying for a spot on the grid. Now, as companies wait for upgrades and new infrastructure to be built, they’re turning to on-site power. But is this a tenable long-term solution? Joining us to discuss is Ellen Thomas, reporter for Business Insider covering data centers and energy use.

Technology is improving real-time translation, but what’s it mean for language learning?

In a piece recently published in the Los Angeles Times, Rice University director of language instruction Hossam Elsherbiny explains that technology has come a long way in language translation— but that it still can’t replicate a lot of nuances that come from interpersonal communication. Can real-time translation perfectly capture the tone that is meant for sincerity or sarcasm? Are we at a place where the machine-learning models can capture romantic dialogue, the same way that even intermediate speakers can share? Today on AirTalk, we speak to Hossam Elsherbiny about the current situation with real-time translation technology, and how it interacts with language learning.

Covered California’s executive director on healthcare subsidies at center of government shutdown