Health CareBy September, nearly a third of Americans will live in states with legal aid in dyingJune 9, 2026Oregon’s aid in dying law, the first in the country, was enacted in 1997. The addition of two populous states means that almost a third of Americans will live in one where medical aid in dying is legally available.
EducationFor the Central Valley: University of the Pacific to launch new school of medicineJune 3, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezThe university says it will be the first institution granting Doctor of Medicine degrees outside of California’s major population centers. The school is expected to welcome its first class of students in 2030. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionAlmost two years after his death, an inmate's family seeks accountabilityMay 28, 2026 | Ruth FinchOn what would have been Asaiah Washington’s 42nd birthday, his wife, family and advocates gathered to call for transparency and accountability from Sacramento County.
Health CareSoaring healthcare costs put California school districts and teachers at oddsMay 27, 2026California school districts, including Twin Rivers and Natomas, are struggling to balance rising healthcare costs with declining enrollment and federal aid, leading to labor battles between teachers and districts over healthcare premiums.
Health CareThousands of U.S. countertop workers could have damaged lungs, safety expert saysMay 18, 2026A workplace safety board in California will vote on whether the state should ban the cutting of high-silica quartz countertop material. State officials say they've tracked more than 550 sickened countertop workers.
Health CareTrump and Congress cut funding for Planned Parenthood. Can Botox keep it afloat?May 12, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldIn the midst of financial uncertainty, Planned Parenthood is offering a new set of services, ranging from Botox to IV hydration for skin rejuvenation, or for after a night of drinking, all of which patients pay for with cash. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornia becomes the first state to provide free diapers to newbornsMay 8, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldNewsom says all babies at participating hospitals will receive 400 diapers starting this summer.
Housing and HomelessnessHow a Sacramento hospice home brings ‘dignity and compassion’ to people experiencing homelessnessMay 1, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezJoshua’s House started as the personal mission of former professor Marlene von Friedrichs-Fitzwater, and opened last year. It is the first hospice serving people experiencing homelessness on the West Coast. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionA new look for the Sacramento LGBT Center: From the ‘little yellow house’ to a modern community hubApril 2, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe Sacramento LGBT Center held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Lavender Heights location to renovate the over 100-year-old building.
EducationParents push for reduced screen time a year after Los Angeles Unified bans cellphonesApril 2, 2026A movement has been growing in Los Angeles to reduce screen time in and outside the classroom. LAUSD’s school board is expected to vote on a resolution to curb screen use — after it banned cellphones.
