EnvironmentHere’s what you need to know about death caps, the mushroom responsible for a recent rash of poisoningsJanuary 14, 2026 | Manola SecairaCalifornia officials recently advised residents against foraging for wild mushrooms due to a rash of over 30 poisonings linked to its consumption. Consuming it can result in severe liver damage or even death. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentMany L.A. fire survivors face insurance delays and can’t return home a year laterJanuary 8, 2026Despite billions in dollars of claims paid out, fires exposed problems in California’s beleaguered insurance market. All policyholders are likely to see premiums rise.
EnvironmentSMUD cancels agreement to purchase power from Coyote Creek solar projectJanuary 7, 2026 | Manola SecairaThe project involves developing over a thousand acres in southeastern Sacramento County and was meant to help SMUD reach its clean energy goals. But environmental groups and locals protesting the project say it would destroy sensitive habitats.
EnvironmentWinter storms provide a welcome boost to California’s snowpackJanuary 6, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezA series of storms at the end of the year dumped heavy snow across much of the state, which was suffering from a snow drought headed into winter as warmer temperatures caused more rain to fall. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentLake Natoma’s beloved bald eagles displaced as storm claims nestJanuary 5, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThe nest tree fell Sunday morning due to shallow roots and heavy rain. Volunteer Kathy Kayner found the eagles on Monday afternoon near an island and said they were unharmed.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s ‘snow drought’ leaves ski resorts waiting for the coldDecember 18, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezWarmer temperatures have prevented significant snowfall across the Sierra, leading several ski resorts to postpone the start of their seasons until conditions improve. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentThe hydrants will run dry: Trump’s LA fire claims missed the mark, study showsDecember 16, 2025Echoing state and local officials, a new analysis agrees: hydrant failures in the Palisades fire were ‘the rule rather than the exception.’
EnvironmentCalifornia drivers may be seeing dense fog — but research says it’s becoming less commonDecember 10, 2025 | Manola SecairaThis fog, sometimes called radiation fog, can happen when the ground is saturated from previous rainfall and current weather conditions are stagnant. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionWhat is the state of Sacramento’s flood control?December 8, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezMajor infrastructure projects are underway in the famously flood-prone region to shore up levees and improve the Sacramento Weir. But some of these efforts have run into setbacks and opposition from the community. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentThere’s power in public comment: The Sacramento Lorax’s case for showing upDecember 4, 2025 | Riley PalmerWhat does it take to make a lasting impression on city councilmembers who listen to hours of public testimony? One Sacramento woman is getting into full character. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
