KQED's Forum

In this engaging discussion, Betty Clark, an 80-year-old African American chaplain, and Dr. Jessica Zitter, a palliative care physician, delve into the vital role of empathy and spirituality in healthcare. They reflect on their contrasting backgrounds and how they navigate end-of-life care, transforming initial tensions into a profound friendship. The guests emphasize the necessity of addressing emotional and spiritual needs, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of unconditional love in hospice care, as explored in their heartwarming documentary.

Danielle Venton, a climate change reporter for KQED News, and David Brancaccio, host of Marketplace Morning Report and a wildfire survivor, dive into the home insurance crisis plaguing California and Florida. They discuss how insurers are raising rates and denying coverage due to climate-related disasters. David shares his personal story of loss, while Danielle highlights community-driven solutions and innovative insurance strategies. The conversation reveals the urgent need for reform and resilience in the face of climate change.

In a riveting discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin, author of "AI Valley," shares insights from his year-long exploration of the AI landscape in Silicon Valley. He dives into AI's rich history, tracing its evolution from the Eisenhower era to the rise of ChatGPT. Rivlin contrasts varying perspectives from tech titans like Elon Musk and Sam Altman while emphasizing AI's potential to augment rather than replace human roles, particularly in healthcare and law. He urges a thoughtful approach to the ethical implications of AI's rapid advancement.

Votes are still being tallied for Oakland’s Special Election that will determine who will finish out the term left vacant after former mayor Sheng Thao was recalled last fall. As of Wednesday, former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor held a narrow lead over former U.S. representative Barbara Lee. Taylor campaigned as someone who knows the local issues and politics and can move the city forward. Lee represented Oakland in Congress for nearly 27 years and promised to bring more funding to address the city’s pressing needs. Final results could take several weeks using Oakland’s ranked-choice voting system. We’ll look at the latest results and talk about this unusual race and the future of Oakland.Guests:Darwin BondGraham, news editor, OaklandsideAlex Hall, enterprise and accountability reporter, KQEDShomik Mukherjee, Oakland reporter, Bay Area News Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join finance correspondent Maria Aspan, Congressman Mike Levin, democracy reporter Erin Mansfield, and ProPublica's Robert Faturechi as they dissect the chaos caused by President Trump’s fluctuating tariffs. They delve into allegations of insider trading among lawmakers, discuss the urgent need for transparency in congressional stock trades, and explore the ethical implications of power and wealth in politics. The panel calls for accountability amidst the turmoil, challenging the very intersection of finance and governance.

Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert from UC Berkeley, delves into Trump’s executive orders threatening California's environmental policies. Abigail Dillen of Earthjustice discusses legal battles against these rollbacks. Lisa Friedman from The New York Times sheds light on the repercussions of these actions, particularly on federal agencies and research funding. Sonia Aggarwal, former Biden climate advisor, highlights the economic implications for clean energy and electric vehicles. Together, they explore the balance of power between state and federal authorities in combating climate change.

Hamed Aleaziz, an immigration policy reporter for The New York Times, dives into the Trump administration's tightening grip on legal migrants. He reveals alarming news about the termination of many immigrants' legal statuses and the wrongful classification of thousands as deceased, cutting off their access to vital services. The discussion sheds light on the impacts of harsh deportation strategies, the bureaucratic manipulation faced by migrants, and the economic repercussions for industries reliant on their labor, painting a stark picture of the current immigration landscape.

In this enlightening discussion, Vauhini Vara, a tech journalist and novelist renowned for her collection "Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age," explores the profound intersections of technology and grief. She shares her experience of processing her sister's death through conversations with an early version of ChatGPT. The talk dives into how technology shapes personal identity and creativity, the ethical implications of AI in art, and the tension between human emotion and machine interaction. Vara prompts listeners to reflect on their own experiences with technology and self-expression.

In this enlightening discussion, Joe Kloc, a senior editor at Harper's Magazine and author of "Lost At Sea," shares insights from nearly a decade of documenting Sausalito's ‘anchor-out’ community. He explores the struggles faced by residents living on makeshift boats, as they navigate societal pressures and the challenges of urban development. Kloc highlights the diverse stories and supportive bonds within this unique lifestyle, while emphasizing the resilience of a community fighting for their right to exist amid rising living costs and increasing displacement threats.

Join personal finance expert Ramit Sethi, columnist Jessica Roy, and managing editor Susannah Snider as they unpack economic uncertainty. They discuss practical strategies to navigate fluctuating markets and rising inflation, emphasizing the importance of savings and investment diversification. The trio tackles the emotional toll of financial instability and offers advice on adapting plans as retirement approaches. They also highlight the significance of financial literacy and maintaining an emergency fund in these unpredictable times.