CAlifornia

"We are now shifting our attention to changing the underlying delivery system to make it more cost effective and higher quality," says Peter Lee, executive director for Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace.

California Insurance Marketplace Aims To Kick Out Poor-Performing Hospitals

1:19pm March 18, 2016

by Chad Terhune

Doctors, hospitals and insurers are balking at a Covered California proposal to eject providers of care that have inordinately high costs and low quality from its networks.

A smoker in San Francisco holds a cigarette. If Gov. Jerry Brown signs the bill, California will become the second state to raise the age limit for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.

California Lawmakers Vote To Raise Smoking Age To 21

7:02pm March 10, 2016

by Laura Wagner

If Gov. Jerry Brown signs the bill, California will become the second state, after Hawaii, to raise the age limit for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.

A member of the media tests a Tesla Motors Model S car with an Autopilot system. Regulators and manufacturers are debating whether self-driving cars should have a licensed driver inside as a safety precaution.

National

Should Self-Driving Cars Have Drivers Ready To Take Over?

10:32am February 24, 2016

by NPR Staff

California's Department of Motor Vehicles proposed that self-driving cars should have a licensed driver inside. It may disrupt the dream of driverless cars, but it's also seen as a step for safety.

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A workplace safety tool, or a restriction of artistic vision?

Should Porn Stars Use Condoms? California Grapples With Regulation

8:28pm February 18, 2016

by April Dembosky

"We're talking about gloves, full body cover and goggles," says a porn industry executive of the California proposal to require condom use on the set. Proponents say it's about workplace safety.

A crew works in early February to stop the flow of gas from the leaking gas well at the Aliso Canyon storage facility.

Science

Leaking Natural Gas Well In California Is Permanently Sealed

3:21pm February 18, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

After spewing methane into the atmosphere for months, a storage well near Porter Ranch, Los Angeles, has been permanently sealed and taken out of service, state officials and the gas utility say.

Karyn Jackson (right) helped Fernando Rico, of Pasadena, Calif., complete a Covered California application for health insurance at an enrollment fair in 2014.

Will HealthCare.gov Get A California-Style Makeover?

11:53am February 11, 2016

by Pauline Bartolone, CALmatters

The feds propose taking a page out of Covered California's book and moving to a simplified marketplace for health insurance.

Contractors who supply workers to farmers say requirements of the Affordable Care Act and the immigration status of many of the workers create a Catch-22.

Farm Contractors Balk At Obamacare Requirements

9:24am February 09, 2016

by April Dembosky

The federal health law is putting farmers in a tough spot. Many contractors supplying workers have to offer health coverage. Insurance is costly, and contractors worry about immigration fallout.

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How To Get Dads To Take Parental Leave? Seeing Other Dads Do It

12:05pm February 08, 2016

by Dianna Douglas

Social scientists see long-term benefits to new dads spending a few months caring for a baby. But these studies won't nudge fathers to take leave if they still see a work culture that frowns on it.

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This San Francisco home collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which also claimed dozens of lives.

U.S. Quake Warning System Could Save Lives When Seconds Count

7:14pm February 02, 2016

by Christopher Joyce

Before it does damage, an earthquake sends out a "P wave" that scientists use to find location and size. The U.S. quake warning system under development on the West Coast is built around the P wave.

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Skimping on health insurance carries a hidden price for some fast-food restaurants.

Health & Safety

Bosses Find Part-Time Workers Can Come With Full-Time Headaches

1:38am February 02, 2016

by April Dembosky

Some fast-food franchisees are rethinking putting workers on part-time status to avoid having to provide them with health insurance. The business hassles are exceeding the savings.

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