Sacramento RegionContractor files civil lawsuit over investigation into Yuba County powerhouse disasterJuly 9, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyA company hired to make upgrades and other work on the penstock at New Colgate Powerhouse argues its being painted as a scapegoat after the pipe catastrophically failed in February.
EnvironmentAt least 117 dead dogs found in ‘horrific scene’ at California ‘no-kill’ shelterJune 29, 2026Over 100 dog remains were found at a rescue sanctuary in Humboldt County.
EnvironmentWatch Duty, the fire tracking app used by millions, expands to help monitor dangerous floodsJune 22, 2026Watch Duty, a free cellphone app that tracks fires, became a vital tool for millions during the 2025 LA fires. The nonprofit app will now monitor flooding across all 50 states, expanding as climate change increases extreme weather events.
EnvironmentRiver Partners announces results of eDNA research, collections across the San Joaquin ValleyJune 22, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezLast year scientists from the nonprofit visited over a dozen locations to collect soil samples, which were then analyzed to determine different organisms, species and habitat conditions across the region. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionCalifornia’s FAIR Plan will hike its rates this fall. How will that impact policyholders?June 18, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezHundreds of thousands of people have turned to the state’s “insurer of last resort” in recent years as wildfires grow larger and more devastating. The FAIR Plan is reportedly planning to raise its rates an average of 30% this fall. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentEl Niño Is Here. Here’s what it could mean for the Bay Area this winterJune 12, 2026Federal officials report that there’s a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño this year. As a result, Sacramento, the Bay Area and the Central Valley may experience a wetter, riskier winter.
Sacramento RegionWhat’s really going on with Tahoe’s power situation?June 11, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyThousands of California customers in the Lake Tahoe region will need a new power supplier next year. This is raising concerns from residents over potential rate hikes, representation issues and the role of data centers. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentSouthern California officials lift all evacuation orders for residents near damaged chemical tankMay 27, 2026Officials have lifted evacuation orders for final 16,000 residents near a damaged chemical tank in California.
Sacramento RegionSurvivor’s statement, no 911 calls: Sheriff’s reports reveal new details around Lake Tahoe boat accidentMay 26, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyRecently-released reports from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office shed new light on the final hours before the recreational boat capsized during a sudden storm, killing eight of the 10 people aboard.
EnvironmentThousands still evacuated near Southern California chemical tank despite eased explosion fearsMay 26, 2026Thousands of people who live near a damaged hazardous chemical tank in Southern California still can't return home, even as officials say the risk of a catastrophic explosion had largely passed.
