EnvironmentAs heat waves intensify, more public housing residents may get help with AC billsJuly 5, 2024For decades, public housing providers could subsidize heating bills but not air-conditioning. New Biden administration guidance changes that, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
EnvironmentTo save spotted owls, US officials plan to kill hundreds of thousands of another owl speciesJuly 5, 2024U.S. wildlife officials are embracing a contentious plan to deploy trained shooters into dense West Coast forests to kill almost a half-million barred owls in coming decades.
Environment‘Extreme’ high temperatures in Northern California trigger heat, fire warningsJuly 3, 2024 | Steve Milne | Claire MorganDaytime high temperatures in Sacramento are expected to hover around 110 degrees through Sunday. And on Monday, it’ll be only slightly cooler, with an expected high of 105.
EnvironmentBiden proposes new rule to protect 36 million workers from extreme heatJuly 3, 2024President Joe Biden has proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace. The Democrat warns as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer.
Sacramento RegionSacramento County cooling centers offer respite from heat waveJuly 2, 2024 | Kristin LamA Sacramento County cooling center near the Railyards reached 84% capacity on its first day open this week.
EnvironmentOfficials urge caution at Sacramento-area rivers as flows move fast and coldJuly 2, 2024 | Manola SecairaMore people will likely make their way to the American River to cool off as temperatures peak well above 100 degrees this week, but caution is necessary.
Sacramento RegionGrand jury calls on Sacramento County to explain errors in supervisor raise processJuly 2, 2024 | Kristin LamThe foreperson said the Sacramento County Grand Jury took issue with the process, but not the raise itself.
State GovernmentCalifornia budgets up to $12 million for reparations bills, a milestone in atoning for racist legacyJuly 2, 2024California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a budget that includes up to $12 million for reparations legislation. The funding marks a milestone in the state's efforts to atone for a legacy of racism and discrimination against Black Californians.
EducationElementary school students in Sacramento-area Rainbow Clubs say they’re a ‘safe space’ for kids to be themselvesJuly 2, 2024 | Srishti PrabhaThe group is a supportive space for all fourth through sixth graders in Elk Grove Unified, including LGBTQ+ students and those who accept and advocate for them. Some parents and conservative groups have asked the district to suspend the clubs. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentSome California cities are choosing drone shows over fireworksJuly 1, 2024 | Manola SecairaOrganizers of these shows often explain the swap as an environmental one that comes with less pollution and leftover debris.