EducationSchools chief was caught off guard by Newsom’s plan to pare down the future scope of his jobJanuary 9, 2026Newsom proposed shifting oversight of the Department of Education from the superintendent to the State Board of Education. The move would concentrate more power over K-12 schools with the governor, who appoints the school board.
Sacramento RegionFremont Park protest breaks out against ICE killing in MinneapolisJanuary 8, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe protesters expressed safety concerns about ICE officers being present in Sacramento. The group marched to join other demonstrators at the John E. Moss Federal Building, where a small group of protesters vandalized the building.
Sacramento RegionA’s denied trademark for ‘Las Vegas Athletics,’ but it’s not finalJanuary 8, 2026 | Chris FeltsThe Athletics have run into a legal snag with their trademark. The US Patent and Trademark Office denied the club’s application to trademark the names "Las Vegas Athletics" and the "Vegas Athletics" ahead of their relocation.
State GovernmentNewsom calls California a “beacon” amid Trump era chaos in his final State of the StateJanuary 8, 2026 | Gerardo Zavala | Laura Fitzgerald | Greg Micek | Chris NicholsNewsom’s final State of the State address zeroed in on California’s resilience, its budget crunch and high costs while casting the state as a counter to President Trump.
Arts and LifestyleNew and familiar: Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol's latest collectionJanuary 8, 2026A Sacramento Latino writer’s group has released its third anthology, “Then & Now.” It includes a nonfiction essay called "Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas."
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.
State GovernmentWhat Congressman LaMalfa’s death means for House Republicans, rural CaliforniaJanuary 7, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaThe sudden death of the seven-term Republican congressman requires a special election using current district lines, followed by a midterm race under new Prop 50 maps.
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.
Sacramento RegionDine Downtown returns: Here’s a look at what restaurants are preparingJanuary 7, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThe event features restaurants in Sacramento that prepare three-course meals for a fixed cost of $45. It begins on Friday, January 9, and will end on January 19.
State GovernmentNewsom’s final year in office begins with an $18 billion deficit. How will he address it?January 7, 2026As Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to release his spending plan this Friday, a projected $18 billion deficit awaits. Will he raise taxes or cut spending? Either could spell trouble for Newsom’s legacy.
Health CareOn the hook for uninsured residents, counties now wonder how they’ll payJanuary 6, 2026Placer County, which estimates that 16,000 residents could lose health care coverage by 2028, quit operating its own clinics nearly a decade ago.
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.
Housing and HomelessnessSacramento is looking for over 600 volunteers to help survey the region's unhoused at the end of JanuaryJanuary 6, 2026 | Riley PalmerVolunteers conduct the Sacramento Point-in-Time (PIT) Count every two years by surveying people experiencing homelessness in shelters and on the street. Results are used to determine homeless service funding.
State GovernmentRep. Doug LaMalfa of California dies, reducing GOP's narrow control of the House to 218-213January 6, 2026President Donald Trump is lamenting the death of Republican seven-term U.S. congressman Doug LaMalfa of California, who was a reliable vote on his agenda.
State GovernmentMonique Limón becomes first woman of color, mother to lead California State SenateJanuary 5, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaAs Monique Limón becomes the first Latina to lead the California Senate, she’s also preparing to confront a looming $18 billion budget deficit.
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.
State GovernmentGavin Newsom’s legacy: Can he deliver on unmet promises in his final year as governor?January 5, 2026Under Newsom’s tenure, health care has been expanded, but his housing goals and homelessness pledges remain unfinished. Can he deliver before eyeing the White House?
Arts and LifestyleSacramento’s musical ‘Goldilocks Zone’ offers growing artists abundant resourcesJanuary 5, 2026 | Ruth FinchSacramento offers many resources for up-and-coming artists who want to find affordable spaces for rehearsing, recording and production.
State GovernmentU.S. military action in Venezuela sparks political backlash, protests in CaliforniaJanuary 3, 2026 | Gerardo Zavala | Greg MicekDemocratic lawmakers say U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the reported capture of its president lacked congressional authorization and relied on questionable justifications.
Sacramento RegionRecent storms bring necessary snowpack to California, but levels are still below averageDecember 30, 2025 | Manola SecairaStatewide snowpack levels are currently at 71% of average.
