Health CareIs COVID endemic yet? Yep, says the CDC. Here's what that meansAugust 9, 2024The nation — and Olympic athletes, like Noah Lyles — are in another summer surge of COVID infections. CDC officials say the virus has become endemic. That means it is here to stay in a predictable way.
Health CareA soil fungus that can kill is on the rise in California: What to know about Valley feverAugust 5, 2024About 80 Californians die every year after contracting Valley fever, a fungal disease that typically affects the lungs. A recent outbreak was traced to a music festival in Kern County.
Health CareCalifornia lawmakers debate sending local health inspectors into immigration facilitiesJuly 31, 2024Immigration is regulated by the federal government, but California lawmakers may give local public health inspectors the authority to inspect privately operated immigration detention facilities.
Health CareCalifornia tries but fails to fix a major Medicare loophole for seniorsJuly 30, 2024 | Kate WolffeOlder adults choosing Medicare Advantage plans for the first time often don't realize they might get locked out of traditional Medicare for good. But changing this problem must be done state by state.
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.
Housing and HomelessnessGovernor Newsom says state agencies must plan to humanely remove homeless camps July 25, 2024 | Laura Fitzgerald | Chris Nichols | Kristin LamThe 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.
Health CareCalifornia forges ahead with social media rules despite legal barriersJuly 24, 2024State lawmakers are advancing two bills aimed at protecting children from the harms of social media, part of a nationwide wave of efforts to address the issue. Yet the bills’ proponents face hurdles in finding an approach that can survive legal chall
Health CareAdmissions for hot pavement burns are increasing at UC Davis Medical CenterJuly 23, 2024 | Kate WolffeThis year is rivaling 2023 for the number of injuries related to hot pavement treated at the Regional Burn Center. The center’s chief of burn surgery says two groups are most at-risk: Those with diabetes and those who use substances.
Sacramento Region‘Incarceration is incompatible with healthcare’: Some Sacramento residents ask for alternatives to a jail annexJuly 17, 2024 | Kate WolffeDuring a meeting Tuesday night, formerly incarcerated people and decarceration advocates aired their grievances with consultants hired by the county, and urged the group to consider whether an Intake & Health Services facility is needed.
State GovernmentCalifornia is 1st state to ban school rules requiring parents get notified of child’s pronoun changeJuly 15, 2024California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law barring school districts from passing policies requiring schools to notify parents if their child asks to change their gender identification.