Direct Relief spokesperson Brea Burkholz talked to KCSB's Ashley Segat about how they are aiding families affected by the continually-growing fires in LA County.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Direct Relief)

CalAIM is a statewide program run under MediCal, California’s health insurance program for low-income people. The program uses federal Medicaid money to help homeless people find and secure housing, but some worry about what a second Trump administration could mean for its future. KCSB’s Joyce Chi talked to CalMatters’ Marisa Kendall to find out more.

The Los Angeles wildfires have raged on for nearly a week. Among those battling the fires are incarcerated firefighters and private firefighters, both of which have sparked controversy. KCSB’s Joyce Chi explains.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of the LA County Fire Department)

As fires spread in LA, Santa Barbara residents may be wondering what is in store for our region’s air quality. Rosie Bultman spoke with Lyz Bantilan, Public Information Officer for the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, to learn more about what to expect over the next few days.

The Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors has a new member. Restaurant owner Roy Lee was sworn in at this week’s board of supervisors meeting. KCSB's Rosie Bultman has more.

Although formaldehyde is a pervasive and dangerous chemical, the EPA has taken little action to research and regulate it. KCSB News' Devon Szalva talks to Sharon Lerner of ProPublica about the dangers of formaldehyde, historical failure to address its cancerous effects, and how things will change after Trump's inauguration.

The Central Coast’s Representative in Congress is weighing in on the incoming president’s threat of mass deportations - and explains what he did to help protect our coastline from offshore oil drilling ahead of this month’s presidential transition in Washington. KCSB’s Lisa Osborn has the story.

As unions make waves across the country, states are passing bills to support workers before Donald Trump takes office. But businesses and corporations are fighting back. The latest: California’s Chamber of Commerce is suing the state over a newly signed bill meant to protect workers. KCSB's Rosie Bultman has more.

UCSB's Researchers Against War has been working together for a little over a year now to highlight and organize against the US military’s involvement in university research and recruitment, in particular regarding connections to the ongoing War on Gaza. KCSB's Zoha Malik speaks with three grad students in the group to learn more about their ongoing efforts and findings.

Project link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f15aca7e0f2640cda46edf9bc77e3777

(Photo credit: Ashley Segat)

Puerto Rico has been a colony of the United States for over 125 years. As the country faces growing poverty rates, continuous blackouts, and a declining population, many Puerto Ricans feel the need for change. While the Island just elected yet another pro-statehood governor, support for independence is rising. Rosie Bultman speaks with Alberto Media of Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora and Edil Sepúlveda of the Puerto Rican Alliance to discuss the case for Puerto Rican independence.

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