Companies are shedding office space — and it may be killing small businessesMay 13, 2023With so many people still working from home, companies are cutting back on office space. That spells trouble for small businesses that depend on foot traffic.
California is one of 16 states that allows forced labor, but a constitutional amendment seeks to change thatMay 12, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezWhile involuntary servitude is basically banned in the state, it’s still allowed in prisons as punishment for a crime. One lawmaker introduced an act that aims to end this practice. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentHow Gavin Newsom wants to close California’s $31.5 billion budget shortfall May 12, 2023 | Chris Nichols | Nicole Nixon | Manola Secaira | Kate WolffeThough the budget deficit has grown to nearly $32 billion, Newsom said he does not plan to dip into the state’s rainy day fund, instead proposing a mix of funding delays, cuts and renewing a tax on health insurers.
Mid Pacific | BonusBONUS EPISODE: Introducing Vietnamese Boat People PodcastMay 11, 2023How would your identity be shaped if you had to escape your home country by boat? Sarah speaks with fellow podcast host Tracey Nguyen Mang, who fled Vietnam with her family at the age of 3. Hear her journey to uncover her family’s story. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareAdvisers to the FDA back first over-the-counter birth control pillMay 11, 2023In a unanimous vote, 17-0, a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the agency approve the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
Health CareCalifornia’s health care provider pipeline needs major boost to ward off shortage, workers sayMay 10, 2023 | Kate WolffeHundreds of unionized health care workers rallied at California’s Capitol to call on the state to invest more in education for nurses, and compel hospitals to help in the fight. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento City Council begins $1.5 billion budget hearings with financial challenges in forecastMay 10, 2023 | Kristin LamOver the next month, the Sacramento City Council will discuss the proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which includes plans to start the Measure L children’s fund.
Sacramento fixture Shoki’s reopens with new focusMay 10, 2023 | Janelle SalangaIt’s known for putting the “ramen” in Sacramento, through selling shirts with the city’s name stylized as SacRAMENto, but the new Shoki’s is branching out — though it still stresses the importance of community.
State GovernmentSen. Dianne Feinstein returns to Washington following an absenceMay 10, 2023Feinstein, 89, returns to work after being away for months to recover from shingles. She last voted in February, and her absence has spurred calls for her to resign.
Sacramento plans to turn Rodeway Inn on Howe Avenue into homeless housingMay 9, 2023 | Chris NicholsThe region is moving forward on several additional hotel and motel conversion plans through the state’s Homekey initiative.
