KQED's Forum

California Democrats have long criticized gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district maps to influence election outcomes. But as Texas Republicans have unveiled district maps intended to favor conservatives in the 2026 midterms, California lawmakers are sketching new plans of their own. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to seek a special election in November, asking California voters to approve new districts that might lend Democrats an edge in the national election – temporarily sidelining California’s independent districting commission. We’ll talk with political reporters about what’s at stake in this redistricting fight. Guests: Laurel Rosenhall, California Politics Editor, LA Times Alexei Koseff, Capitol reporter, CalMatters Erin Covey, U.S. House of Representatives editor, The Cook Political Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2008, the Obama administration compiled a massive report with the goal of answering one big question: Is climate change a danger to human health in America? Comprised of some of the most comprehensive scientific findings of all time, the Endangerment Finding concluded that it was, which allowed the  government to regulate climate change—including putting restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. Now, the Trump administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have ruled to rescind the Endangerment Finding, in turn stripping climate regulations. It’s just the latest in Trump’s attack on climate science and regulations including the firing of hundreds of scientists, and the erasure of critical climate reports and data. We talk with climate reporters and scientists about what’s at stake. And what’s coming next.  Guests: Molly Taft, journalist and climate reporter, WIRED Kristen Sissner, executive director, Berkeley Earth Shaye Wolf, climate science director at the Center for Biological Diversity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Elias Zerhouni, former NIH director and a professor at Johns Hopkins, shares his inspiring journey from war-torn Algeria to the heights of American medical research. He discusses the vital role of immigrants in innovation and the need to protect science from political influence. Zerhouni tackles the politicization of public health, especially during the pandemic, and calls for strategic reforms to safeguard health organizations like the NIH. His memoir highlights the ongoing challenges of funding and the importance of unbiased scientific advancement.

In this conversation, Yale professor Daniel Martinez HoSang, an expert on voters of color, discusses how discontent has shifted the political landscape for Democrats, particularly among Latino and Black voters. Republican strategist Mike Madrid, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, highlights the misalignment between the party’s policies and the concerns of younger voters. They explore the implications of changing loyalties, economic challenges, and the need for meaningful engagement to regain lost support ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms.

Jahari Stampley, an award-winning jazz pianist known for his genre-blending talents, shares the stage with his family trio, including his mother and fellow musicians. They discuss the creative journey behind his forthcoming album, 'What A Time,' highlighting the interplay of late-night reflections and spontaneous jams. Listeners get a glimpse into their deep familial bond through music and anecdotes of transformative experiences. Their live performance bursts with improvisation and emotional resonance, showcasing the significance of community and family in shaping their artistry.

David Gans, a musician and author known for his deep connection to the Grateful Dead, joins Hollie Rose, who lived on the Dead Tour in the late '80s and now shares her experiences as an author. Together, they delve into the band's rich history and improvisational style, exploring how their music fosters an enduring community. With stories spanning decades, they celebrate personal journeys and the profound impact of Grateful Dead concerts, highlighting iconic performances and the unique bond formed among fans.

Greta Morgan, a talented musician and author known for her work with The Hush Sound and Vampire Weekend, shares her poignant journey after losing her voice due to a neurological disorder from COVID-19. She explores how this drastic change taught her to listen deeply, even experiencing the sensation of hearing the stars during a meteor shower. Topics include the healing power of songwriting, redefining her identity as an artist, and the emotional resilience required to navigate loss and adapt to new forms of creative expression.

S. Baum, a correspondent focusing on trans issues, and Michelle Jurkiewicz, a clinical psychologist and co-author of 'Gender Explained', shed light on Kaiser Permanente's shocking decision to halt gender-affirming surgeries for minors. They discuss the emotional toll this policy has on families and patients, navigating healthcare systems under political pressure. The conversation reveals the broader implications for transgender healthcare rights, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible care and community support amid evolving political landscapes.

Costa Samaras, a professor and director at Carnegie Mellon, and Michael Wara, a Stanford sustainability policy expert, dive into the rising costs of energy bills across the U.S. They examine how factors like aging infrastructure and increased demand from data centers are skyrocketing prices. The duo also discusses California's unique challenges with electrification, wildfire resilience, and the push for renewable energy. Although concerns are raised, they also highlight strategies for improving energy efficiency and making the grid more sustainable.

Paloma Aguirre, the Mayor of Imperial Beach, advocates urgently for solutions to the calamity of Tijuana River pollution. Soumya Karlamangla, a National Correspondent for The New York Times, shares sobering reports on the environmental disaster wreaking havoc on the community. Paula Stigler Granados, an expert in Environmental Health, explains the alarming chemical and health impacts affecting local residents, linking pollution to serious health issues. The discussion paints a dire picture of the crisis and highlights the need for immediate action to protect public health.