News

California districts vary enormously in reading achievement, report finds

March 29, 2023

Results suggest how schools teach reading matters more than a student's family income or English proficiency.

State Government

Bill to extend time to investigate scams against older Californians advances

March 28, 2023

The new bill proposes to extend the current time to investigate scams from 30 days before and after an incident to 90 days, both before and after the alleged illegal activity.

Health Care

California coronavirus updates: Americans' life expectancy has dropped to 76 years, second time in a row since pandemic

March 28, 2023

If you’re planning a summer getaway outside of the country, make sure you get your paperwoJust before the holiday season last year, federal health officials confirmed that life expectancy in America had dropped for a nearly unprecedented second year

Environment

Another atmospheric river brings more rain, wind and snow to Northern California

March 28, 2023 | Claire Morgan

After a sunny weekend, another atmospheric river has moved into the Sacramento region. Forecasters say it won’t be a “super wet system,” though they have warned of gusty winds, small stream flooding and more heavy snow accumulation in the Sierra.

Food and Sustainability

Cooking with gas — or electricity? Californians wonder how electrification might impact the food we eat

March 28, 2023 | Manola Secaira

As part of its goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2045, California is working to cut emissions in all parts of life, including the kitchen.

California sees boost in student applications for college financial aid

March 27, 2023

New state law pushes numbers up. The pandemic had triggered a decline.

State Government

‘Prove you’re not price gouging:’ Newsom signs special session bill to monitor oil industry profits

March 27, 2023 | Nicole Nixon

The bills’ passage signals the end of a special legislative session, which some lawmakers described as a rushed process with little opportunity for input or debate. Newsom called it “a great day for consumers.”

Kings can clinch first NBA playoff appearance in 16 years on Wednesday

March 27, 2023 | Nick Miller | Claire Morgan

On Wednesday, the Beam Team could end the longest postseason drought — 16 years — of any major professional sports team in the nation.

A California program to fix mobile home parks approved 1 application in 10 years. Will a rebrand work?

March 27, 2023

Increasing resident ownership of mobile home parks could lead to improved living conditions for many. A revamped loan program could help.

Sacramento plans to debut hundreds of tiny homes. Will they help people move off the streets?

March 27, 2023 | Chris Nichols

Supporters say the homes offer more privacy and safety than traditional homeless shelters, but some unhoused residents worry there will be too many rules.

CSU faculty salary study shows wide dissatisfaction despite pay being at national averages

March 25, 2023

California’s high cost of living may influence upcoming contract talks.

Jazz

Women in Music: Alicia Huff

March 24, 2023 | Jennifer Reason | Avery Jeffry

CapRadio Classical and Jazz is celebrating Women in Music all month long including four spotlights on local musicians. Jennifer Reason spoke with singer Alicia Huff about starting her own band and inspiring others to as well.

Environment

California announces a rollback of some state drought restrictions

March 24, 2023 | Manola Secaira

The announcement means water agencies throughout the state can now expect a boost in supplies.

California is preparing more credentialed teachers, but is it enough?

March 24, 2023

California has had a surge in new teacher credentials in recent years, a reversal of the downward trend of the previous 10 years, but the teacher shortage isn't over quite yet.

It's not just Adderall: The number of drugs in short supply rose by 30% last year

March 24, 2023

A total of 295 types of drugs — everything from sedatives to children's flu medicine — were in short supply in 2022, according to a new report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security.

State Government

Garbology is the study of trash. This is why students love it

March 24, 2023

A professor lends worms to students, takes them to sewage processing plants and encourages them to answer their own questions about garbage. Sometimes, they even make a career out of it.

Health Care

California tribes and mental health professionals look to improve crisis hotline experience for Native Americans

March 23, 2023 | Kate Wolffe

The national suicide hotline, or 988, is underutilized by Native people in California. The state’s leaders are looking to a Washington state model as a blueprint for change.

California workers can’t get timely hearings on wage theft claims. State orders audit.

March 23, 2023

Lawmakers say California takes almost 800 days to handle wage claims. An impending audit could turn up the pressure.

Race and Equity

Black community members discuss Sacramento schools’ approach to race-related incidents

March 23, 2023 | Srishti Prabha

The N-word occupies a variety of spaces for the Black community. But when culture and societal guidelines intersect on school campuses in Sacramento, Black students are often more likely to receive punitive actions for using the word.

Health Care

Prescription for housing? California wants Medicaid to cover 6 months of rent

March 22, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom is making a bold push for Medicaid health plans to provide more housing support. He argues it’s cheaper to pay for rent than to allow homeless people to fall into crisis, which requires costly care in hospitals, nursing home.