State GovernmentCalifornia tourism took a hit last year, but what will 2026 bring?January 20, 2026 | Vicki Gonzalez | Sarit LaschinskyCalifornia saw a dip in international tourism last year, particularly from Canadian visitors, amid international trade disputes and uncertainty. But 2026 is full of opportunity for the Golden State, which will host several major sporting events. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionFinding safety and support: How My Sister's House helps AAPI survivors of domestic violenceJanuary 20, 2026Local shelter that helps AAPI survivors of domestic violence.
Sacramento RegionSacramento, Placer County events shine light on human traffickingJanuary 16, 2026 | Greg MicekEvents in Sacramento and Placer counties marked Human Trafficking Awareness Month, focusing on prevention, public awareness and how communities can help.
Sacramento RegionOak Park Farmers Market in Sacramento shutting downJanuary 16, 2026 | Chris FeltsSince 2010, Oak Park residents have relied on their local farmers market for fresh produce in what's known as a “food desert.” However, due to operation costs, economic challenges and declining customers, the market won’t return this spring. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Race and Equity5 MLK speeches you should know. Spoiler: 'I Have a Dream' isn't on the listJanuary 16, 2026The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, is so famous that it often eclipses his other speeches.
Housing and HomelessnessCalifornia counties must jump through new hoops to get homelessness fundsJanuary 16, 2026Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is pressuring local leaders to pass ordinances regulating homeless encampments, among other requirements.
Sacramento RegionTwin Rivers Unified board denies Highlands charter schools’ revision appealJanuary 16, 2026The charter school was the subject of a state audit that uncovered wasteful spending and questionable practices. If the board votes to revoke the charter, school leaders could appeal to the Sacramento County Office of Education.
Housing and HomelessnessSacramento County expands camping ban as advocates warn of criminalizationJanuary 14, 2026 | Tony RodriguezA new Sacramento County ordinance lets deputies clear camps on private property. Critics say it adds pressure without adding housing or shelter.
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.
Housing and HomelessnessSacramento’s River District may limit shelter beds offered to unhoused peopleJanuary 14, 2026 | Riley PalmerCouncilmember Phil Pluckebaum is proposing to cap the amount of shelter beds available in the River District as a way to put pressure on other areas of the city to do their part.
Sacramento RegionCapitol Mall fountain active for the first time in 15 yearsJanuary 14, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThe 100-year-old fountain has been inactive since 2010 due to renovations, according to the Department of General Services.
Sacramento RegionCalifornia protests show solidarity with Iranians amid intensifying government crackdownsJanuary 13, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezProtests sprung up across California over the weekend in support of anti-government demonstrations in Iran, which have entered their third week. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareLouisiana seeks California doctor’s extradition, testing the limits of shield lawsJanuary 13, 2026Louisiana is pushing to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills, challenging laws that protect telehealth providers shipping these pills nationwide.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s budget outlook spells trouble for Sacramento’s city and countyJanuary 12, 2026 | Riley PalmerThose who advocate for cities and counties worry Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget does not prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives or properly respond to healthcare cuts coming down the pike from the federal government.
Arts and LifestyleMore than balloon animals, it’s a livingJanuary 12, 2026 | Tony RodriguezIn Old Sacramento, balloon animals are more than just fun art; they're how some street performers make a living. Meet the artists behind the twists.
EducationNewsom’s last budget as governor would give schools and community colleges an unexpected $22 billionJanuary 12, 2026The increase comes from robust tax receipts and AI-driven revenue.
Sacramento RegionNative American creatives combat erasure through visibility in artJanuary 12, 2026Three local Native American artists speak on their artistry.
State GovernmentCalifornia faces a bleak budget year, but not as gloomy as some expectedJanuary 9, 2026 | Chris Nichols | Greg Micek | Gerardo Zavala | Laura FitzgeraldThe state collected $42.3 billion more in revenue last year than expected. That’s largely due to higher capital gains tax revenue generated by the AI stock market boom, though there are questions about whether that boom will continue this year.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s budget projections rely heavily on a continued AI boomJanuary 9, 2026 | Ruth FinchGovernor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget notes a volatile market could risk revenue streams, but projections from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office warns against assuming growth will continue.
State Government5 states sue Trump administration for withholding billions in social safety net fundsJanuary 9, 2026Attorneys general in five Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration after it said it would freeze money for several public benefit programs.
