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East Orosi’s Long Struggle for Water Part 2: The Role of Community Utility Districts
Aug07

East Orosi’s Long Struggle for Water Part 2: The Role of Community Utility Districts

In Part 1 of our series on water in the Central Valley of California we visited a town called East Orosi, which has been fighting for clean water for over 20 years. This week we turn our attention to their sewage system, which is also falling apart. Why has it been so difficult for East Orosi to get clean drinking water and fix its sewage problems?  To answer that question we take a look at the entities that run things like sewage and...

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East Orosi’s Struggle for Clean Drinking Water
Jul25

East Orosi’s Struggle for Clean Drinking Water

East Orosi hasn’t had safe drinking water in over 20 years. The water is full of nitrates, runoff from industrial agriculture, which is harmful to human health. The community has taken action to find a solution, from lobbying at the state capital to working with neighboring towns.  And they may finally have one. New California laws, passed  in the last five years, have opened up funding to build water infrastructure in small...

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The Response: Heatwaves and Energy Poverty in the Mediterranean
Aug31

The Response: Heatwaves and Energy Poverty in the Mediterranean

In today’s episode, we’re going to focus on energy poverty. When temperatures rise to the point where they become dangerous, what happens to people who can’t escape the heat? As temperatures continue to soar and extreme heatwaves become the norm, a lack of resources to stay cool — so, having access to things like air conditioning, for example, — is a huge issue across the world. To find out how people are fighting energy...

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Don’t Let Them See You Bleed: PERIOD
Nov12

Don’t Let Them See You Bleed: PERIOD

Don’t Let Them See You Bleed Don’t Let Them See You Bleed: PERIOD examines the feminist movement through the lens of period activism. We will look at aspects of women’s health and social justice that are often overlooked – From period stigma to the unfair tax on feminine hygiene products and the fight to regulate and disclose ingredients in tampons and maxi pads.  We’ll hear from activists,...

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70 Million: How Bail Shackles Women of Color
Oct15

70 Million: How Bail Shackles Women of Color

How Bail Shackles Women of Color Tamiki Banks’ life was turned upside down when her husband was arrested, leaving her the sole breadwinner and caregiver to their twins. More than two years later, she’s still struggling, and he’s still in custody, even though he hasn’t been convicted of any crime. From Atlanta, Pamela Kirkland reports on the heavy burden women of color like Tamiki bear when a loved one is...

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Wealth Inequity and Universal Basic Income
Apr11

Wealth Inequity and Universal Basic Income

Chuck Collins When Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United states, the wealth gap between rich and poor was already very wide. The top 10% of families — those who had at least $942,000 — held 76% of total wealth. The average amount of wealth in this group was $4 million. And the entire bottom half of the population had just 1% of the total wealth pie, this gap continues to rise and when the...

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Call for Pitches!

  Do you have a story with perspectives on an ongoing local, national, or global issue? Do you have access to voices and perspectives that get lost in mainstream media landscape? How are people working to cope, and change things? If so, consider pitching to Making Contact!  We’re looking for pitches from freelancers on several themes. See list below.   Seeking Pitches Immigration: We want your pitches!...

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Wealth Inequity and Universal Basic Income
Jan17

Wealth Inequity and Universal Basic Income

When Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United states, the wealth gap between rich and poor was already very wide. The top 10% of families — those who had at least $942,000 — held 76% of total wealth. The average amount of wealth in this group was $4 million. And the entire bottom half of the population had just 1% of the total wealth pie, this gap continues to rise and when the statistical scope...

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A New Way of Life and the New Underground Railroad

After serving time, finding food, a job and a place to live with a criminal record can become an almost impossible task. On this edition, Women building their own support network after being released from prison. We’ll hear “A New Way of Life and the New Underground Railroad” a documentary by Chris Moore-Backman.

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A New Way of Life and the New Underground Railroad

After serving time, finding food, a job and a place to live with a criminal record can become an almost impossible task. On this edition, Women building their own support network after being released from prison. We’ll hear “A New Way of Life and the New Underground Railroad” a documentary by Chris Moore-Backman.

Listen