State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats unveil their new congressional map to counter RepublicansAugust 15, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldIn response to critiques, Governor Gavin Newsom argued his redistricting proposal is transparent because voters will have the ultimate say. The Texas plan will not be sent to voters.
Sacramento RegionCoroner report, new task force: The latest on the Esparto fireworks disasterAugust 14, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Greg MicekThe Yolo County coroner says all deaths were “immediate,” as state officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and prepare to evaluate California’s fireworks regulations.
State GovernmentAudit finds California can save hundreds of millions if state workers stay remoteAugust 14, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom’s unpopular order for state workers to return to the office four days per week is getting more pushback. The state auditor found it would save $225 million annually to maintain a predominantly remote workforce.
Housing and HomelessnessSan José developers pioneer new California law: selling ADUs as condosAugust 14, 2025People are just starting take advantage of a new law that allows homeowners to sell ADUs as condos
State GovernmentCalifornia grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argueAugust 14, 2025Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration.
Sacramento RegionSacramento City Council formally opposes Upper Westside Natomas developmentAugust 13, 2025 | Tony RodriguezThe Sacramento City Council voted 8-1 to oppose the 9,400-home Upper Westside project in Natomas on Tuesday, saying it breaks a 2002 city and county growth deal and violates environmental protections. Council members also warned of traffic gridlock.
EducationSacramento organizations host backpack challenge to help students in needAugust 13, 2025 | Keyshawn DavisThe Sacramento County Office of Education and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union competed against each other to stuff backpacks with school supplies and hygiene items for students in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
State GovernmentAs e-bike sales soar, California delays requirements for bike parkingAugust 13, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia’s e-bike sales outpace electric cars, but secure bike parking remains scarce. A 2022 law aimed to address this, but a separate law pushed requirements back. Advocates warn this discourages people from ditching their cars.
Arts and LifestyleElectronic show will honor Sacramento’s legendary 1940s jazz club Zanzibar CafeAugust 13, 2025 | Chris Nichols | Sarit LaschinskyThe Zanzibar Cafe was a black-owned communal space to enjoy jazz in Sacramento that was forcefully shut down in the 1940s. A local artist is reviving the essence of the Zanzibar with an electronic show in Del Paso Heights this weekend.
Sacramento RegionGo bananas at the 14th annual Banana Festival in William Land ParkAugust 13, 2025 | Keyshawn DavisThe two-day festival is family-friendly and will include a parade, reptile show, food and drinks, and a fashion show.
State GovernmentCalifornia strikes deal to temporarily protect $4B in bullet train funds, but project’s future still uncertainAugust 12, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia has placed $4 billion in federal high-speed rail funds in a legal trust amid a lawsuit, preventing the money from being redirected. Supporters call it a win, but soaring costs and political opposition leave the project’s future uncertain.
State GovernmentNewsom to Trump: Stop redistricting plans or California will redraw its own mapsAugust 12, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to President Trump threatening to redraw California’s maps if GOP-led redistricting in states like Texas doesn’t stop.
Health CareNorthern California Republican heckled at packed town hall over Trump and Medi-CalAugust 12, 2025At his first in-person town hall since Trump’s megabill became law, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa largely defended his vote for the legislation while fielding expletive-laden questions from a hostile crowd.
EnvironmentHere’s why researchers say you shouldn’t release your pet turtle into the wildAugust 12, 2025 | Manola SecairaCalifornia’s Western Pond Turtles are the only remaining freshwater turtles native to the state. But their populations face threats from competing non-native species and habitat loss. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Arts and LifestyleThe art of improvement: Midtown Association fosters Sacramento creativity and cultureAugust 11, 2025Thanks in part to Midtown Association’s efforts, Midtown’s creative economy has become more inclusive and provided opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs to thrive.
State Government5 things to know as Newsom and Trump go back to court over the National Guard in LAAugust 11, 2025Gov. Gavin Newsom alleges the Trump administration broke a 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act when it deployed military units to Los Angeles in June.
Sacramento RegionOld Sugar Mill in foreclosure, but resident wineries remain optimisticAugust 8, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezThe well-known wine venue in Clarksburg is in foreclosure after the death of its previous owner. But the leader of the Old Sugar Mill Tenants Group says this is a means to find new ownership.
EnvironmentLawmakers, local leaders talk Trump rollbacks at the 29th Tahoe SummitAugust 8, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Manola SecairaSince President Donald Trump took office in January, people working in conservation and other environmental fields have seen all sorts of upsets — like pauses in critical funding, rescinded grants, and staffing cuts. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EducationParents favor four-year college for children — but Republicans show more skepticismAugust 8, 2025This is the first higher education survey of parents by Gallup, and it comes amid growing public skepticism about college.
Health CareA new study explores whose health is most affected by heat wavesAugust 8, 2025When heat waves hit California, ER doctors gear up for busier shifts. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
