California health leaders want people to get insured so they can better cope with coronavirus-related Medical bills. Medi-Cal announced Friday that it won’t bump people off their plans if they don’t renew their coverage on time. And Covered California, the state’s individual health exchange, is extending its special enrollment period past its April 30th end date. Lee: “Effective immediately, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up

The owner of several small businesses in Redlands is calling for a bail-out for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Ryan Berk owns the ice cream shop A La Minute, the chocolate store Parliament Chocolate, and the Thai restaurant Aroi Mak Mak in Redlands. He’s had to close all but the Thai restaurant, which is only offering to-go and call-in orders. Berk: “I just don't feel comfortable with customers coming in being that close quarters, especially customers and our employees.” Berk says

With the coronavirus pandemic becoming more serious every day, what is Congress doing to help Americans affected by it? KVCR’s Benjamin Purper spoke with Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside. Mark Takano says the Congressional response to coronavirus so far has been the Families First Act, which includes free coronavirus testing, expanded family and medical leave, paid emergency sick leave, unemployment benefits, and more. Takano: “Specifically it mandates two weeks of paid sick leave, which

Local food banks are struggling to keep up with increased demand after the coronavirus has impacted people’s livelihoods. Stephanie Otero is the CEO of Feeding America Riverside / San Bernardino. She says that the coronavirus has led to a lot more people in need of a food bank. Otero: “The coronavirus has definitely affected us just by the increase in demand obviously. I think people who maybe weren't in need of food bank services before are definitely in need now. M any people have reduced

Some census experts worry that the coronavirus pandemic could impact the 2020 census count. As COVID-19 spreads throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, some worry that it will make counting the two counties’ population in the 2020 census even harder. Karthick Ramakrishnan is a professor of political science at UC Riverside and director of the Inland Empire Complete Count Committee. He says the disruption caused by coronavirus can make people harder to count. Ramakrishnan: “ So if

Monday through Thursday at lunchtime, Empire KVCR News has your daily news rundown. Stories highlighted today include: Riverside County Courts Reduce Operations in Face of Coronavirus. Advocates push for universal coverage to help fight new coronavirus. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations fell victim to the closure of bars and the elimination of dine-in operations at restaurants. While many companies have implemented work-from-home policies, most of California’s state workers are still showing up

Monday through Thursday at lunchtime, Empire KVCR News has your daily news rundown. Stories highlighted today include: Two residents in the Coachella Valley have died from complications related to the coronavirus. With half the school districts in California shut down, parents are looking for childcare solutions and substitute teachers are looking for work. California lawmakers authorized a billion dollars emergency spending to fight the coronavirus. Governor Gavin Newsom signed executive orders

Monday through Thursday at lunchtime, Empire KVCR News has your daily news rundown. Stories highlighted today include: Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy is being asked to apologize for what some say is his xenophobic description of the coronavirus. California’s homeless population is among the communities most vulnerable to COVID-19. Rain is expected in Riverside County through Thursday.

Monday through Thursday at lunchtime, Empire KVCR News has your daily news rundown. Stories highlighted today include: T-Mobile customers may not have to worry about a spike in their phone bills after controversial merger with Sprint. It appears California voters have rejected a $15 billion bond to improve aging school facilities. Congress has approved a bipartisan measure to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to launch military operations against Iran. Federal agents fanned out across the

Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey unveiled 30 pre-assembled cabins today that will provide temporary shelter for Riverside’s homeless. The Riverside City Council in December approved almost $500,000 in appropriations for the “Emergency Shelter Cabin Village.” It’s a “village” of small cabins in the former parking lot of the Riverside Access Center, where homeless people in Riverside can access services. Mayor Rusty Bailey said at the unveiling that while these cabins won’t end homelessness in the