EnvironmentSpring wildflowers arrive early across Northern CaliforniaMarch 23, 2026 | Andrew Garcia | Laura FitzgeraldWildflower season is already peaking across Northern California as warmer weather speeds up blooms. A Jepson Prairie docent explains where to go now before they’re gone. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentA contentious project to raise California’s Shasta Dam just got a funding boost from TrumpMarch 18, 2026The Trump administration Tuesday announced $40 million for “planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam."
EnvironmentCould grizzly bears make a return to California after a century-long absence?March 13, 2026 | Chris FeltsA new bill in the state Legislature could be key in returning the grizzly bear to California. It would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a ‘roadmap’ for reintroduction by June 2028.
EnvironmentFirst in a century: Northern California condors could be caring for a historic eggMarch 11, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Chris FeltsThe Yurok Tribe says it believes a pair of condors released in 2022 have built the first nest in their ancestral lands in more than 100 years, and could be incubating their first egg.
Sacramento RegionGreat horned owlet makes Sac State debut. Experts say owls are common in SacramentoMarch 9, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisA great horned owl fledgling was seen at Sacramento State late February. Experts at Sac State and the Wildlife Care Association say it’s not uncommon to see these types of birds in the wild during the day.
Sacramento RegionNew Colgate Powerhouse breach: What do the longer-term impacts look like?March 5, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezThe Feb. 13 penstock rupture flooded the Yuba County hydroelectric facility, and triggered a landslide that put sediment, debris and oil in the Yuba River. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Food and SustainabilityWhy farmers in California are backing a giant solar farmMarch 3, 2026A mammoth solar farm is moving forward in the Central Valley. If built, which seems increasingly likely, it would cover 200 square miles of land and generate 21,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power entire cities. Farmers are backing it. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentLicense plates for e-bikes? California bill sparks debate over safetyFebruary 26, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaThe new bill would require certain e-bikes to carry license plates and owners to register them with the DMV. Advocates say this targets the wrong problem.
State GovernmentBudget watchdog urges CA lawmakers to reject Newsom’s $200M in clean car rebatesFebruary 25, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia’s nonpartisan budget analyst says the governor's rebate plan is too costly, citing the group’s projected $18 billion state budget deficit.
Sacramento RegionAll 9 victims of deadly Castle Peak avalanche recovered, identifiedFebruary 21, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Greg MicekSix clients and three guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a Truckee-based outdoor tour company, were killed in Tuesday’s avalanche, the deadliest in modern California history. One person remained missing for days before being found Friday.
