We look at what's happening with AB 5, the controversial bill that would give gig workers benefits. Plus, the Census Bureau releases poverty data. And, the future of USC Sports.

AB 5

Lawmakers have just THREE-AND-A-HALF days to work through a slew of bills. Tuesday, all eyes are on two headliners. One is focused on rent caps the other is AB 5, which could turn thousands of contractors into employees. 

Guest:

• Ben Adler, capitol bureau chief for Capital Public Radio

Gig Economy in Imperial Valley

 The Imperial Valley consistently has the highest unemployment rate in California. And the online gig economy —especially driving for Uber and Lyft — seems like a solution for workers facing few job prospects and traditionally low wages in this agricultural valley. As part of our California Dream collaboration, KPBS' Amita Sharma reports on how much of a boost gig jobs are providing drivers in the valley.

California Poverty

Fewer people are living in poverty, but household incomes have stalled and more people are without health insurance, according to new Census Bureau data released today.

Guest:

• David Wagner, KPCC business reporter

Older Drivers Gig Economy

California lawmakers could pass a bill this week aimed at giving workers in the gig economy new protections. Big changes could be ahead for these jobs --- jobs that revealed both pros and cons to many different kinds of workers. Among those are OLDER workers. As part of our statewide California Dream collaboration, KPCC's David Wagner, who we just heard from earlier, went to a part of the state with lots of seniors to find out what it's like to be an older Uber driver. 

AH Air Force Suicide

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week so today we turn our focus on the military. So far this year, about 80 members of the Air Force have died by suicide — a much higher number than this time last year. Air Force leaders have responded by mandating that every base hold a one day "stand down," where airmen can learn and talk about mental health issues. Dan Boyce of the American Homefront Project attended a stand down in Colorado Springs.

Vaccination Bill

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a hotly debated law Monday that gives the state the power to reject certain medical exemptions for vaccines in California. 

Guest:

• Michelle Faust Raghavan, KPCC health care reporter

School Suspension Ban

Monday night, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 419 into law. The bill is designed to keep kids in school by eliminating willful defiance suspensions in grades 4-5 and banning them in grades 6-8 for five years. The new law applies to both traditional public schools and charter schools. 

USC Sports

After three tumultuous years, USC athletic director Lynn Swan has resigned. The shakeup is the latest in a series of controversies that have rocked the sports department. Take Two looks back at its rocky past.