Environment‘Really hard to watch’: Park Fire narrowly misses radio transmission towerJuly 29, 2024 | Kate WolffeAs firefighters make progress in containing the Park Fire, CapRadio and NSPR engineers reflect on watching the inferno approach a crucial transmission tower.
EnvironmentWildfire smoke may be worse for your brain than other air pollution, study saysJuly 29, 2024Wildfire smoke may be worse for your brain health than other air pollution. New research links it to an increased risk of dementia. The findings come as millions spent the weekend under air quality warnings across much of the western U.S.
EducationCalifornia added a new grade for 4-year-olds. Are parents enrolling their kids?July 29, 2024The overall number of 4-year-olds in transitional kindergarten has increased. But as the program is being phased in, the percentage of eligible children enrolling has dropped.
EnvironmentFires in the West are becoming ever bigger, consuming. Why and what can be done?July 29, 2024Experts say a massive wildfire in northern California and scores of smaller ones across the western U.S. and Canada are the legacy of the nation’s fire-suppression experts and climate change.
Health CarePremiums for Covered California insurance will go up in 2025. Here’s how muchJuly 26, 2024Premium increases largely vary by region and plan, but most consumers will receive subsidies that will protect them from steep hikes.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s fracking ban goes into effect in OctoberJuly 26, 2024 | Manola SecairaGovernor Gavin Newsom launched the regulatory action needed to phase out fracking permits in 2021. Though the ban has not officially gone into effect, California has not approved any fracking permits after that year. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentDoorDash, Uber and other gig work companies can classify workers as contractors, CA Supreme Court rulesJuly 25, 2024 | Megan MyscofskiThe state supreme court ruled to uphold a proposition passed by California voters in 2020 that lets companies keep contracting with drivers, delivery workers and others as contractors — not employees. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornia's newest state park is like a time machineJuly 25, 2024California's newest state park just opened this summer — and a visit is like stepping into a time machine as its creators reimagine what a state park can be.
State GovernmentUber, Lyft, DoorDash workers remain contractors due to California Supreme Court rulingJuly 25, 2024State’s highest court refuses to overturn voter-backed Prop. 22, a law written by the gig industry. The ruling means gig workers will remain independent contractors.
Housing and HomelessnessGovernor Newsom says state agencies must plan to humanely remove homeless camps July 25, 2024 | Laura Fitzgerald | Kristin Lam | Chris NicholsThe governor’s executive order encourages local governments to also adopt plans for removing encampments. It comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled cities and counties can enforce bans on sleeping outside in public places.