EnvironmentCalifornia’s energy future hinges on lithium, from solar panels to batteries. Here’s what we know.March 10, 2022 | Manola SecairaPresident Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about harvesting lithium in Southern California, where some of the most abundant sources of the mineral can be found.
Health CareAs U.S. COVID deaths near 1 million, advocates press for a memorial dayMarch 10, 2022Millions of people in the U.S. have lost someone they love to COVID-19, and advocates hope to have those losses marked each year on the first Monday in March. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentIn the face of natural disasters, amateur radio groups fill communications void in rural CaliforniaMarch 10, 2022 | Scott RoddAs California spends big on high-tech disaster solutions, rural communities are embracing the century-old technology of two-way radios as a failsafe. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Newsom touts response to homelessness in State of the State. Here’s context for his claims.March 9, 2022 | Chris NicholsAdvocates have praised the governor for making homelessness a state priority. But the data show the problem continues to grow.
Sacramento City Unified will keep its student mask mandate for now, but sets benchmarks to remove itMarch 9, 2022 | Janelle SalangaThe district says the soonest it could lift its mask requirement is April 18. It’s basing its decision off Sacramento County’s level of community transmission, which is currently “low.”
State GovernmentA defiant pep talk, a gas rebate: What Gov. Newsom offered in State of the StateMarch 9, 2022Gov. Gavin Newsom gave a pep talk to Californians tired of COVID and worried about crime, homelessness and inflation. In his State of the State address, he pledged some relief from high gas prices, but mostly promoted the “California Way."
State GovernmentFact-checking Gavin Newsom’s State of the State speech 2022March 8, 2022Here’s what California’s governor had to say in his 2022 State of the State address, alongside corrections, clarification and context from the CalMatters reporting team. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Biden announces Russian oil import ban and warns gas prices could increase even moreMarch 8, 2022President Biden described the move as a critical step to punishing Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine, but said as a result, Americans should prepare for price hikes at the pump.
State GovernmentWatch: Gov. Newsom touts California pandemic response, teases gas tax rebate in State of the StateMarch 8, 2022California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his annual State of the State address in Sacramento Tuesday, and in front of an audience of state lawmakers for the first time in two years.
EnvironmentRiver Fire human caused, Cal Fire officials sayMarch 7, 2022 | Chris HaganThe River Fire destroyed 142 buildings and burned 2,619 acres in Placer and Nevada counties in August of 2021. While Cal Fire says the fire was human caused, there's no evidence of "malicious intent or criminal activity."
