Sacramento RegionSacramento is going extreme. Here’s what to expect for X Games LeagueJune 22, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThe X Games League is debuting this weekend at Cal Expo featuring co-ed teams that will compete for a championship that takes place in New Orleans.
Health CareCalifornia is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax. Will it affect your premium?June 22, 2026Legislators approved a redesigned health tax that shifts more cost onto privately insured Californians to help preserve billions in federal Medi-Cal funding.
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 RegionJudge denies bail for Esparto fireworks defendant charged with murder, weighs unsealing grand jury recordsJune 18, 2026 | Greg Micek | Sarit LaschinskyA Yolo County judge denied bail Thursday for Douglas Tollefsen, ruling there is enough evidence suggesting he was heavily involved in the alleged illegal operations in Esparto.
State GovernmentCalifornia celebrates Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary with free historic park passes.June 18, 2026 | Chris FeltsGovernor Gavin Newsom offered a “stark contrast” to the Trump administration in his announcement that admission to California's historic parks will be free for a limited time in honor of Juneteenth and America's 250th birthday.
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.
State GovernmentA tax on billionaires qualified for the November ballot. 5 things to know about the measureJune 18, 2026A healthcare workers union is pushing a one-time 5% tax on the state's roughly 200 billionaires to offset federal Medicaid cuts. One billionaire has already spent $82 million trying to stop it — and that may be just the beginning.
State GovernmentWaves of lawsuits and internet tracking: CIPA in the digital ageJune 18, 2026 | Ruth FinchSmall businesses are getting sued at an alarming rate for violating internet privacy laws, with one law firm fielding over 500 lawsuits alone citing the California Invasion of Privacy Act.
Food and SustainabilityCapitol region caviar: How conservation led to industry in Northern CaliforniaJune 18, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe Sacramento region is home to a unique industry that was born and raised in the area: sturgeon aquaculture.
Sacramento RegionHow a Hampton Inn in Roseville went from hotel to homeJune 17, 2026 | Greg MicekA former Hampton Inn in Roseville was converted into permanent housing. Now called Sun Rose Apartments, it provides a home for 82 residents.
Sacramento RegionSacramento County approves Upper Westside plan despite city oppositionJune 17, 2026 | Tony RodriguezThe Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday a plan to build a massive new housing development just west of Natomas. Once fully completed, it would add 9,400 homes on farmland along Garden Highway.
Sacramento RegionAfter their first Vegas series, what kind of excitement are the Athletics receiving?June 17, 2026 | Vicki Gonzalez | Sarit LaschinskyThe Athletics recently played their first stint in their future home, and their new stadium is under construction. But have they improved their standing in Sacramento, where the A’s will play for at least one more season? Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionFormer CapRadio GM’s court case continued until September, no plea enteredJune 17, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyFormer general manager Jun Reina made a brief court appearance via Zoom on Wednesday, where his criminal case was continued until September. The former executive has not entered a plea to the felony charges leveled against him.
Sacramento RegionHave the city of Sacramento’s efforts to help the homeless been working? The data is unclearJune 17, 2026 | Riley PalmerCity audit raises questions about the link between Sacramento’s homeless shelters and connecting unhoused residents with stable housing.
EducationCalifornia’s childcare and preschool providers struggle amid transitional kindergarten expansionJune 17, 2026Transitional kindergarten has been gradually expanded since 2021 and is now free for all California 4-year-olds. Childcare providers were expected to care for younger children, which comes with additional licensing and staffing requirements.
Health CareYour medical provider might be recording your mental health care visitsJune 17, 2026Mental health professionals at Kaiser are raising concerns about an artificial intelligence tool that records medical appointments, saying it should have more safeguards.
State GovernmentUS tells states to deal with unemployment fraud - or face penaltiesJune 17, 2026The U.S. Department of Labor is telling states they have to combat fraud, waste and abuse in their unemployment insurance programs. And if they don't, they could face having federal administrative funds withheld.
Sacramento RegionFormer Sac State diversity officer sues President Luke Wood, CSU system over alleged discriminationJune 16, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyDr. Mia Settles-Tidwell worked at Sac State for over two years before resigning in April 2024. Her lawsuit was filed last year in Los Angeles and alleges multiple instances of discrimination and harassment.
Sacramento RegionKaplan declares victory in Sacramento City Council race to represent North NatomasJune 16, 2026 | Chris NicholsKaplan faced first-time candidate Jenn Chawla, who was endorsed by Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. Chawla has conceded the race.
