Jan 28 2025
Gov. Newsom’s first-in-the-nation plan to produce cheaper insulin is behind schedule. Also, how President Trump’s immigration policy is impacting Sacramento and the Central Valley. Finally, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge is now underway.
CA Insulin Production Behind Schedule
It’s been almost five years since Governor Newsom first introduced a plan for California to produce cheaper insulin. The medication is vital for those with diabetes and the costs - even with insurance - have been difficult for many to pay. Newsom’s first-in-the-nation plan to partner with a drugmaker to produce cheaper insulin was one attempt to curb prices. It has yet to deliver. Kristen Hwang is a health reporter for CalMatters and she’s been following this story since it first developed. She joins us today to explain what the hold up is when it comes to insulin production in the state.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Immigration Enforcement in California
President Donald Trump delivered on his campaign promise to crack down on immigration, putting in place executive actions to close the border, shut down asylum protections, and potentially expel undocumented residents. We’ll learn how the initial days of the Trump Administration are impacting Sacramento and the Central Valley. KVPR Reporter Joshua Yeager shares his reporting on U.S. Border Patrol raids in the Central Valley ahead of President Trump’s inauguration. We’re also joined by Autumn Gonzalez, a volunteer attorney with NorCal Resist, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization focused on mutual aid, community resources, and immigration justice. And Jessie Mabry is the CEO of Opening Doors, a nonprofit that supports immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking.
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge
It’s time to become a podcast nerd. That is if you’re a kid between fourth and 12th grade. The 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge is now underway, with all submissions due by May 2. Steve Drummond and Janet Woojeong Lee are the editor and producer behind this incredibly popular competition and they join us today to talk about why it happens and how young people get involved.