Live Radio
Local News
Nov 30, 2022
Top ADA plaintiff pleads guilty to evading taxes on monies collected from settlements
by
A 60-year-old California man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Sacramento to filing a false tax return and admitted that he failed to report more than a million dollars he received…
Nov 30, 2022
PG&E mobilizing ahead of storm, says crews will race to repair outages
by
Clouds are gathering and winds picking up as the first significant winter storm approaches. Megan McFarland, a spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., said utility teams are getting…
Nov 30, 2022
Senior dining about more than just the early bird special
by
The thought of dinner at the local senior center isn't likely to inspire most people - but most people aren’t Anna Grant. "We call it the Bistro on Matheson," Grant said. "I am biased, but…
Nov 29, 2022
MUSIC NEWS: Angela Strehli has a nice chat with Doug in studio (Aired: November 29, 2022)
by
Angela Strehli hand-delivered her tremendous new album, Ace of Blues, to us today. Nice chat with Doug from Studio A. (Photo by Ron Baker CC BY-SA 2.0)
Nov 29, 2022
Fact finder recommends actions mostly in line with Gravenstein District offer in labor dispute
by
The winter holiday period often breaks up schedules and puts school on the back burner. For Sebastopol’s Gravenstein Union school district, this year’s holiday might herald a strike. Maybe…
NPR News
Nov 29, 2022
An emergency dispatcher in the Sacramento-area helps deliver a baby
Marissa Wittman was working her Thanksgiving shift. She tells CBS that a woman, who didn't know she was pregnant, called in. Whittman kept her talking and a short time later
Nov 29, 2022
New research examining plea deals finds multiple problems
It's not trials, but plea bargains, that resolve most criminal cases. But new research examining those negotiations finds big problems with plea deals.
Nov 29, 2022
The world's biggest active volcano, Hawaii's Mauna Loa, erupts after 38 years
The Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is erupting for the first time in nearly four decades, and it's impossible to predict when it may stop.
Nov 29, 2022
A farmer adapts to climate change and spreads harvest throughout the year
Climate change forces farmers to alter their work and sometimes even what they grow. An apple grower in Pennsylvania has replaced trees with varieties that do better in a warming
Nov 29, 2022
An Oklahoma country singer was married on Saturday, and died a few hours later
Country singer Jake Flint died Sunday, hours after getting married, according to The Oklahoman. Flint married his wife Brenda on Saturday and by Sunday morning, he had died in
Nov 28, 2022
Strong thunderstorms and tornadoes are moving through parts of the South
Weather forecasters are warning of the potential for strong thunderstorms and tornadoes across a wide swath of the South Wednesday morning, including in parts of Mississippi, Georgia and the
Nov 28, 2022
A historian reacts to the guilty verdict given to the Oath Keepers founder
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to historian Kathleen Belew about the guilty verdict given to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.
Nov 28, 2022
Oath Keepers founder has been convicted of seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 attack
A federal jury has convicted Stewart Rhodes, founder of the militia group Oath Keepers, of seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack.
Nov 28, 2022
Republican leaders denounce Trump's dinner with white nationalist Nick Fuentes
House and Senate Republicans are speaking out against former President Donald Trump's dinner last week with Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, and white nationalist and Holocaust
Nov 28, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court faces dilemma over enforcing the country's immigration laws
Can states sue the Department of Homeland Security over its rules enforcing the country's immigration laws? That's one of the questions being asked at the Supreme Court Tuesday.
Nov 28, 2022
Kroger and Albertsons CEOs face Senate lawmakers over their planned merger
The CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons face Senate lawmakers to publicly address concerns about their planned $25 billion merger that would combine the two largest U.S. supermarket chains.
Nov 28, 2022
The Respect for Marriage Act is expected to be signed into law soon
The Respect for Marriage Act codifies federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. It's expected to be signed into law soon with bipartisan congressional support.
Nov 28, 2022
Protesters explain why they demonstrated in China
Nov 28, 2022
U.S. bans Dominican sugar company over forced labor
Nov 28, 2022
Rail workers are demanding better work conditions and a strike could be imminent
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Tony Cardwell, president of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, about the union's ongoing contract negotiations.
Nov 28, 2022
U.S. beats Iran 1-0 in a must-win World Cup match
The U.S. beat Iran, 1-0, in a widely watched match at the Qatar World Cup, keeping the American team's dreams of redemption alive. Iran has never made it
Nov 28, 2022
A survivor of the Virginia mass shooting files a $50 million lawsuit against Walmart
NORFOLK, Va. — A Walmart employee who survived last week's mass shooting at a store in Virginia has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the company for allegedly continuing
Nov 28, 2022
Northern long-eared bat, devastated by a fungus, is now listed as endangered
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Biden administration declared the northern long-eared bat endangered on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to save a species driven to the brink of extinction
Nov 28, 2022
Photos: Highlights from the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Nov 28, 2022
Police find the remains of 4 infants inside a Boston apartment
Police discovered the remains of four infants in a South Boston apartment earlier this month, according to a press release issued Monday.
Police say they responded to a call
Nov 28, 2022
Statue of Mickey Mouse with giant lobster claws returns to Boston
"Lobsta Mickey" was last seen at Quincy Market in Boston nearly two decades ago. The statue was one of 75 commissioned by Disney for the 75th anniversary of the cartoon
Nov 28, 2022
The DNC may alter the 2024 presidential nominating calendar
Iowa's caucuses are the first nominating contest in presidential politics. The red state is fighting to keep its place as the Democratic National Committee prioritizes diverse and competitive states.
Nov 28, 2022
Virginia city honors the 6 victims of last week's Walmart shooting
People gathered in Chesapeake, Va., for a candlelight vigil Monday to honor the victims of the Walmart mass shooting. The shooter, a supervisor at Walmart, turned the gun on himself.
Nov 28, 2022
A fight over how to enforce immigration laws reaches the Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a long-running dispute over how to enforce the nation's immigration laws. President Biden's administration wants to set guidelines for
Nov 28, 2022
Here is what scientists are doing to save Florida's coral reef before it's too late
Inside a nondescript warehouse in Orlando, Fla., filled with 300-gallon aquariums, a sophisticated LED lighting system is set on a timer to mimic the sun and moon cycle of
Nov 28, 2022
The chase is on: Regulators are slowly cracking down on vapes aimed at teens
Samuel Rose says he was raised by a devoted single mom who warned all her seven children to avoid drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. But when his high school friend
Nov 28, 2022
What's at stake as the U.S. faces Iran at the World Cup
DOHA, Qatar — One thing you hear over and over here at the Qatar World Cup is how football brings the world together.
That motto is being put to
Nov 27, 2022
El Paso prosecutor resigns after facing accusations of incompetence
EL PASO, Texas — A Texas prosecutor facing mounting criticism over the handling of the 2019 Walmart mass shooting in El Paso that killed 23 people resigned Monday after
Nov 27, 2022
Balenciaga is suing the producers of its own ad campaign after facing backlash
Balenciaga, the luxury fashion brand that sparked back-to-back controversies over two recent ad campaigns, has signaled its plans to sue the production company North Sixfor its role in creating
Nov 27, 2022
San Francisco considers allowing law enforcement robots to use lethal force
Should robots working alongside law enforcement be used to deploy deadly force?
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is weighing that question this week as they consider a policy
Nov 27, 2022
The law dividing the Colorado River turns 100 years old
The law that divides the Colorado River between seven states is turning 100, and it's being strained beyond what its drafters could have imagined.
Nov 27, 2022
Hawaii's Mauna Loa, the world's biggest active volcano, erupts after 38 years
Smoke filled the Hawaiian night sky on Sunday, glowing a bright red — signaling the eruption of the world's largest active volcano. Mauna Loa, which means "long mountain"
Nov 27, 2022
Stocks across most of Asia rise as markets eye China protests
TOKYO — Asian shares were mostly higher Tuesday as market jitters declined over protests in China set off by growing public anger over COVID-19 restrictions.
Benchmarks rose in early
Nov 27, 2022
A Florida woman sues Velveeta, claiming its macaroni takes longer than 3 1/2 minutes
A Florida woman is accusing Kraft Heinz of misleading advertising, based on the time it takes to prepare a single-serving cup of microwavable mac and cheese.
While the company
Nov 26, 2022
Bird flu outbreak drives Nebraska to cull 1.8 million more chickens
About 1.8 million more chickens must be killed in Nebraska to prevent the spread of a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, state officials said, as the U.S. sees its
Nov 26, 2022
More than 4,000 flights were delayed as holiday travel spikes in the U.S.
Thousands of flights were delayed — and a number of others canceled — across airports in the United States on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Nov 26, 2022
A shooting near a popular Atlanta shopping district has left 1 dead and 5 injured
A shooting near a popular shopping district in downtown Atlanta on Saturday killed at least one person and left at least five others injured. The shooting took place steps
Nov 26, 2022
Cities became more pedestrian-friendly during the pandemic. Many aren't going back
Many cities opened streets for pedestrians during the pandemic, temporarily making way for outdoor dining and strolling in new places. Cars won't return to some of them.
Nov 26, 2022
The world is doing away with the leap second
The world is doing away with the leap second, an extra second that gets inserted into the global timescale every few years due to earth's slowing rotation.
Nov 26, 2022
U.S. soccer federation briefly alters Iran's flag to show solidarity with protesters
DOHA, Qatar — The U.S. Soccer Federation briefly displayed Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, saying the move supported protesters in Iran
Nov 25, 2022
Frontier Airlines drops its customer service line
Frontier airlines will no longer let customers call a phone number in order to speak with a live agent. And while the budget airline is known for its cost-cutting
Nov 25, 2022
A cruise ship passenger was rescued by the Coast Guard after hours in Gulf waters
A cruise ship passenger had been missing for hours before he was rescued from sea waters by the U.S. Coast Guard off of Louisiana's southeast coast on Thursday evening.
Nov 25, 2022
Black Friday sales rake in a record $9.12 billion from online shoppers
Black Friday sales raked in a record $9.12 billion from online shoppers this year despite concerns of inflation and higher prices, according to estimates.
The $9.12 billion figure is
Nov 25, 2022
'Fame' and 'Flashdance' singer Irene Cara has died at 63
Irene Cara, the singer-actress best known for starring in and belting the title tracks from the 1980s movies Fame and Flashdance, has died. She was 63.
Cara died at
Nov 25, 2022
He was arrested twice for marijuana possession. Now, he's starting over with a dispensary license
Scott Simon speaks with Matthew Robinson, a Black business owner who was arrested twice for marijuana possession and recently received a license to open a cannabis dispensary in New York
Nov 25, 2022
Cities are losing trees — fast. But it's not too late to change that
Scott Simon speaks with David Nowak, emeritus research forester at the U.S. Department of Agriculture about how many cities are losing trees.
Nov 25, 2022
Strategists are analyzing how abortion influenced people's voting in the midterms
Abortion became a pivotal issue for Democrats in the midterms. Pro- and anti-abortion rights groups are now analyzing what worked and what didn't as they prepare for the next wave
Nov 25, 2022
'Peanuts' still brings comfort and joy, 100 years after Charles Schulz's birth
The man who brought us Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang would be turning 100 today. Cartoonist Charles Schulz died in February 2000, the night before
Nov 25, 2022
Here's how inflation is changing holiday deals and shopping
Near-record inflation has cast a shadow over this year's holiday shopping season, which officially kicked off on Black Friday. Higher prices are a top reason why retailers are predicting
Nov 24, 2022
Virginia Walmart gunman left a 'death note' saying he felt harassed by coworkers
Officials in Chesapeake, Va., confirmed in a statement that the Walmart supervisor who fatally shot six coworkers inside the store on Wednesday left a note in his phone in
Nov 24, 2022
Inflation looms large as Black Friday shoppers head to the stores
Black Friday, the unofficial shopping holiday that's either a boon or a burden, depending whom you ask, is again facing another test on its winding path to securing Americans'
Nov 24, 2022
Twitter has lost 50 of its top 100 advertisers since Elon Musk took over, report says
Half of Twitter's top 100 advertisers appear to no longer be advertising on the website. A report from Media Matters for America states that these 50 advertisers have spent
Nov 24, 2022
To raise funds for trans communities, an artist has pledged to do 1,000 pansy tattoos
Tattoo artist Cedre Csillagi wants to use flowers to change lives.
Their new project, A Thousand Pansies, aims to raise money to support the trans community by tattooing 1,000
Nov 24, 2022
How stores ended up with too many (wrong) clothes
Remember when we couldn't get enough athleisure or pajamas?
Now, the hottest question for clothing retailers is whether they've got an "inventory glut" — too many extra styles, sizes
Nov 24, 2022
Morning news brief
Biden mulls over another presidential campaign over Thanksgiving. How inflation will affect Black Friday sales. And, why Colorado's new Red Flag Law didn't stop the Colorado Springs shooting.
Nov 24, 2022
Biden says he'll discuss whether to run for president again over Thanksgiving dinner
President Biden is spending Thanksgiving with family in Nantucket. He has said he will talk with his family over the holidays about whether to act on his intention to run
Nov 23, 2022
Miami-Dade County, stuck in a 19-year contract with FTX, seeks to rename its arena
In the wake of FTX's collapse, Miami-Dade County wants the logo of the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange company removed from its sports arena, where the NBA's Miami Heat plays its
Nov 23, 2022
Here's what we know about the victims from the Virginia Walmart shooting
The authorities have released the names of all but one of the six victims who lost their lives after a gunman opened fire at a Walmart Supercenter in Chesapeake,
Nov 23, 2022
Miami-Dade County asks to end a naming rights deal with FTX
Miami-Dade County is asking a federal bankruptcy court to allow it to end a naming rights deal with FTX. The county wants out of the $135 million sponsorship with the
Nov 23, 2022
U.S. House considers creating a new delegate seat for the Cherokee Nation
The U.S. House is considering whether to create a new delegate seat for the Cherokee Nation to make good on an 1836 treaty.
Nov 23, 2022
High-flying balloon characters were the stars at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
NEW YORK — Throngs of spectators lined the streets of New York on Thursday as colorful, high-flying balloons helped usher in the holiday season during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Nov 23, 2022
Consider making less food and composting leftovers this Thanksgiving, experts say
Environmentalists urge people to think twice about how much food they make and how to deal with leftovers this Thanksgiving.
New York City, reportedly the world's most wasteful city,
Nov 23, 2022
Give a round of app-paws for the 3 new breeds in the National Dog Show
Thanksgiving is a couch lover's dream. There's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, football face-offs, heartwarming holiday ads and, of course, the National Dog Show.
This year, the American Kennel
Nov 23, 2022
Tow truck driver leads a nomadic and hectic life in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian
ESTERO, Fla., — Hurricane Ian ruined hundreds of thousands of vehicles in South Florida this fall. They were found tossed, submerged and drying out on roads, barrier islands, canals,
Nov 22, 2022
Alessandro Michele is stepping down as Gucci's creative director
Alessandro Michele is stepping down as Gucci's creative director, the company announced Wednesday. Michele, who has been with Gucci for 20 years, assumed the role in 2015. Before
Nov 22, 2022
Chesapeake, Va. Walmart employee shot and killed six people and himself
People in Chesapeake, Va. woke up Wednesday morning to the news that a local Walmart employee shot and killed six people and himself, according to police. The community lost its
Nov 22, 2022
Georgia's highest court reinstates ban on abortions after 6 weeks
ATLANTA — The Georgia Supreme Court Wednesday reinstated the state's ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, abruptly ending access to later abortions that had resumed days
Nov 22, 2022
Three global bands to look out for, courtesy of WOMEX
Every fall, musicians, artist managers, concert presenters and record labels from all over the world gather somewhere in Europe for a conference and festival called WOMEX. This year's event
Nov 22, 2022
The latest updates from the shooting at a Walmart in Virginia
At least seven people have died in a mass shooting at a Walmart store in the coastal city of Chesapeake, Va. Authorities say the shooter is among the dead.
Nov 22, 2022
A shooting at a Virginia Walmart has left several people dead
Exact numbers of those wounded and dead after a shooting at a Virginia Walmart were not immediately known, police said. The shooter was among the dead, officials said.
Nov 22, 2022
Army veteran who stopped Club Q shooter wanted to protect everyone inside like family
When the gunfire began inside Club Q, a Colorado Springs gay club, on Saturday night, Army veteran Richard Fierro went into "combat mode," as he put it, and tried
Nov 22, 2022
'Love and Rockets' celebrates 40 years of edgy, Latinx, alternative comics
Artists Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez have been drawing and writing their popular comic book series Love and Rockets since 1982. They'vefollowed the lives of their mostly Latina characters as
Nov 22, 2022
With the GOP in control of the House, here's who's likely to lead key committees
The Republican Party will officially take control of the House of Representatives and its committees come January. Leadership roles in House committees will then transition from Democrats to Republicans.
Nov 22, 2022
A jury finds the NCAA is not responsible for the death of a college football player
LOS ANGELES — In a verdict that could affect countless claims by athletes who sue sports organizations for head injuries, a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday rejected a lawsuit
Nov 21, 2022
6 people and the gunman are dead in a shooting at a Walmart in Virginia
CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A shooter opened fire in at a Walmart Supercenter in Virginia late Tuesday, leaving six people dead and four hospitalized in the second high-profile mass killing
Nov 21, 2022
Biden celebrates Friendsgiving, serving up dinner to troops and military families
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden celebrate Friendsgiving and serve up dinner to troops and military families at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.
Nov 21, 2022
Colorado State Rep. says the Club Q shooting shows the impact of anti-LGBTQ actions
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone about the anti-LGBTQ actions and rhetoric she's seen in the state.
Nov 21, 2022
Army veteran who confronted the Colorado Springs shooter describes his experience
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Richard Fierro, the army veteran who helped subdue a man who shot and killed five people and injured 18 others at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ
Nov 21, 2022
How Twitter became one of the world's preferred platforms for sharing ideas
Billionaire Elon Musk has owned Twitter for less than a month. But one thing is clear: It will never be the same social network that the world has come
Nov 21, 2022
Fears of crypto contagion are growing as another exchange's finances wobble
Fears that the collapse of FTX will lead to more destruction in the crypto industry are hitting almost every investor in the United States, from individuals to major Wall
Nov 21, 2022
Fears of crypto contagion are growing as another company's finances wobble
Fears that the collapse of FTX will lead to more destruction in the crypto industry are hitting almost every investor in the United States, from individuals to major Wall
Nov 21, 2022
Atlanta to pay $1 million to the family of Rayshard Brooks, killed by police in 2020
The city of Atlanta will pay $1 million to the family of Rayshard Brooks, the Black man shot to death by Atlanta police in the parking lot of a
Nov 21, 2022
1 dead, 16 injured after an SUV slammed through a Massachusetts Apple Store
An SUV smashed through a plate glass window of an Apple Store in Hingham, Mass., on Monday, killing one person and injuring 16 others. Bradley Rein, 53, has
Nov 21, 2022
The veteran who helped disarm the gunman at gay club says he followed his instincts
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — When Army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his
Nov 21, 2022
Colorado authorities confirmed the identities of the victims of the club shooting
Authorities in Colorado Springs aren't saying whether they'll pursue hate crime charges against the gunman suspected of killing five people at an LGBTQ nightclub on Saturday.
Nov 21, 2022
How political rhetoric factors into violence against the LGBTQ community
LGBTQ people experience four times more interpersonal violence than non-LGBTQ people, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. NPR's A Martinez talks to Elena Redfield of the institute.
Nov 21, 2022
Victims of the Colorado LGBTQ club shooting include 2 bartenders and 3 patrons
Details are coming out about the weekend shooting that killed five people at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. Officials stress the probe is ongoing — including into the shooter's
Nov 21, 2022
Olivia Pichardo is the first woman to make the roster of Division I baseball team
When Brown University's baseball season starts in February, one of the players taking the field will make history. Olivia Pichardo, a first-year student from Queens, N.Y., will be first
Nov 21, 2022
Dozens of Haitian migrants were rescued while trying to reach the Florida Keys
NPR's A Martinez talks to David Goodhue, a reporter with FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald, about dozens of Haitian migrants who nearly died Monday while trying to reach the U.S.
Nov 21, 2022
School district finds eliminating natural gas from new buildings is complicated
Some schools in Portland, Ore., committed recently to some of the most progressive school climate policies in the nation. But the district is already struggling to meet benchmarks.
Nov 21, 2022
News brief: Colorado shooting, railroad contract, Thanksgiving meal costs
Latest on the Colorado LGBTQ club shooting. Unions reject a deal brokered by the White House to keep trains running. How much more will a Thanksgiving meal cost? Depends on
Nov 21, 2022
How GOP state supreme court wins could change state policies and who runs Congress
In the next year, state courts around the country will weigh in on abortion rights, redistricting and voting access. Unlike U.S. Supreme Court justices, who are appointed, many
Nov 21, 2022
Mike Pence, pondering a presidential run, condemns Trump's rhetoric on Jan. 6
Former Vice President Mike Pence's new memoir recounts his life up to the moment when he refused to overturn the 2020 election defeat of then-President Donald Trump.
So Help
Nov 20, 2022
Reality TV's Chrisleys get hefty sentences in fraud case
ATLANTA — Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced Monday to lengthy prison terms after being convicted earlier this year on charges including bank fraud and tax
Nov 20, 2022
Colorado Springs shooting update
We have the latest on the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday night.
Nov 20, 2022
Closing arguments made in the Oath Keepers seditious conspiracy trial
Defense attorneys and prosecutors made their closing arguments in the Oath Keepers trial, who are charged with seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack.
Nov 20, 2022
Police are expected to release more details about Colorado Springs Club Q shooting
Police are expected to release more details about the shooting and suspected shooter in the killings at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub.
Nov 20, 2022
Freight rail union rejects contract, increasing the possibility of a strike
The largest freight rail union has voted to reject the contract agreement brokered by the Biden administration. The two sides return to the bargaining table, but the possibility of a
Nov 20, 2022
How the Colorado Springs LGBTQ community is dealing with the Club Q shooting
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Inside Out Youth Services Communications Manager Liss Smith about the LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs and how it's responding to the deadly shooting at Club
Nov 20, 2022
Alabama is pausing executions after a 3rd failed lethal injection
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey sought a pause in executions and ordered a "top-to-bottom" review of the state's capital punishment system Monday after an unprecedented third failed
Nov 20, 2022
The gay club shooting suspect evaded Colorado's red flag gun law
DENVER — A year and a half before he was arrested in the Colorado Springs gay nightclub shooting that left five people dead, Anderson Lee Aldrich allegedly threatened his
Nov 20, 2022
Colorado Springs is mourning after a shooting at an LGBTQ club killed 5 people
Mourners, including many in the LGBTQ community, gathered for a vigil in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday night, to hear words of sorrow, remembrance and strength.
Nov 20, 2022
The shooting at the Colorado Springs LGBTQ club was horrific, police chief says
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Adrian Vasquez, chief of police, about the investigation into the deadly shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub. Investigators are looking into whether it was a hate
Nov 20, 2022
2 patrons confront the suspect who opened fire at an LGBTQ club in Colorado
A deadly shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub Saturday night has left the local community in shock. Five people were killed and more than two dozen were hurt before
Nov 20, 2022
Colorado LGBTQ club shooting evokes memories of the Pulse nightclub massacre
Eddie Meltzer survived the 2016 massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. He talks to NPR's A Martinez about how he approached healing after the shooting in which five of
Nov 20, 2022
News brief: Colorado Springs shooting, climate summit ends, World Cup begins
Police investigate motive in Colorado LGBTQ club shooting. COP27 closes with one deal to help developing countries but fails to reach one on limiting emissions. Team USA seeks redemption in
Nov 20, 2022
What we know about the shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ club
A gunman killed five people and injured at least 25 others at an LGBTQ nightclub late Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Authorities identified Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, as the
Nov 20, 2022
ICE lifted its ban on family visits, but relatives still struggle to see loved ones
It takes months' worth of planning for José Hernandez's parents to visit him in immigration detention.
The drive takes four hours and neither of his parents can drive. His
Nov 20, 2022
What we know so far about the Colorado Springs shooting
Police continue to investigate after a gunman killed five people and injured 18 others at an LGBTQ nightclub late Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Seventeen people were injured because
Nov 20, 2022
The Club Q shooter may be charged with a hate crime. What that means in Colorado
Whether local prosecutors will charge the perpetrator of Saturday's deadly shooting in Colorado Springs with a hate crime will depend on a number of factors. On Saturday evening,
Nov 20, 2022
The Colorado shooting comes in a year rife with anti-LGBTQ sentiment, advocates say
The tragic shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ club in Colorado, is the latest event to transpire in a year marked with a jump in anti-LGBTQ legislation and sentiment,
Nov 20, 2022
The Club Q shooter will be charged with hate crimes. What that means in Colorado
Local prosecutors are expected to charge the perpetrator of Saturday's deadly shooting in Colorado Springs with murder and hate crimes.
On Saturday evening, a gunman stormed into Club Q
Nov 19, 2022
What voters said about trans rights in the midterms
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter for The 19th News, to discuss how voters responded to anti-trans rhetoric in this years midterm elections.
Nov 19, 2022
The Colorado Springs mayor reflects on the Club Q shooting
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Mayor John Suthers about a deadly shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub that left at least five people dead and 25 others injured.
Nov 19, 2022
Qatar's first-ever World Cup match ends in defeat
Nov 19, 2022
Kyrie Irving rejoins the Nets after suspension and apologizes
NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving has returned to the Brooklyn Nets and apologized to anyone who felt threatened or hurt when he posted a link to a documentary with
Nov 19, 2022
Colorado Springs councilmember Nancy Henjum reflects on shooting in LGBTQ nightclub
Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Colorado Springs councilmember Nancy Henjum about the shooting at Club Q nightclub there.
Nov 19, 2022
Photos: See the aftermath of massive snowfall in the Buffalo area
Residents in western New York are digging out after a massive winter storm passed though the region, dropping more than 6 feet of snow in some areas.
The city
Nov 19, 2022
The U.S. seized Russian oligarchs' superyachts. Now, American taxpayers pay the price
Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Stephanie Baker, senior writer at Bloomberg News, about the complications involved in seizing and maintaining superyachts owned by sanctioned Russian billionaires.
Nov 19, 2022
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins, warts and all
DOHA, Qatar — The 2022 World Cup begins Sunday (11am ET kickoff) in Qatar with the host country's national soccer team taking on Ecuador.
In a world divided in
Nov 19, 2022
Elon Musk says he's reinstating Trump's Twitter account
After conducting an online poll, Twitter's new owner Elon Musk says he's reinstating the account of former president Donald Trump.
Nov 19, 2022
How Russia is weaponizing the Ukrainian winter
Nov 19, 2022
5 people were killed and 18 wounded in shooting at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs
Follow live updates here.
A 22-year-old suspect has been taken into custody after five people were killed and at least 18 were injured in a shooting at an LGBTQ
Nov 18, 2022
George Lois, an icon of ads and magazine covers, has died at 91
NEW YORK — George Lois, the hard-selling, charismatic advertising man and designer who fashioned some of the most daring magazine images of the 1960s and popularized such catchphrases and
Nov 18, 2022
'Your whole life is gone': Elderly retirees in Florida struggle to rebuild after Ian
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a parking lot in Fort Myers surrounded by barren trees, dozens of people gather under a white tent. It's a sunny, breezy Sunday morning
Nov 18, 2022
Elderly people who survived Hurricane Ian are faced with a choice: to stay or to go?
Many of the homes destroyed by Hurricane Ian earlier this fall are owned by elderly people. They are now deciding whether to stay, or if it is time to move
Nov 18, 2022
Newly elected LA County sheriff Robert Luna inherits a deeply troubled department
Retired Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna won the election as Los Angeles County sheriff. He inherits a troubled department from incumbent Alex Villanueva.
Nov 18, 2022
Western New York is seeing its worst storm in years
Big snow in Buffalo, or at least parts of the city: Scott Simon talks with WBFO's Emyle Watkins about the lake effect snow that's buried some areas under a 5-foot
Nov 18, 2022
Albany bishop accused of abuse has asked the pope to remove him from the priesthood
VATICAN CITY — The retired bishop of Albany, New York, who has admitted to covering up for predator priests and has himself been accused of sexual abuse, has asked
Nov 18, 2022
New York tells schools to drop Native American mascots
School districts across the state of New York are prohibited from using any Native American mascots, team names or logos. And the state's education department is now urging its
Nov 18, 2022
Prison powwows in Washington state restart after a 2-year break because of COVID
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. — Inmate James Rousseau remembers the last powwow he attended at the Airway Heights Corrections Center, a few miles west of Spokane, Wash.
"I was
Nov 17, 2022
Alabama failed to complete an execution by lethal injection for a third time
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama's string of troubled lethal injections, which worsened late Thursday as prison workers aborted another execution because of a problem with intravenous lines, is unprecedented nationally,
Nov 17, 2022
Who is DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith?
Attorney General Merrick Garland said he's charged former Justice Department prosecutor Jack Smith with overseeing two major Justice Department investigations concerning former-President Donald Trump to best serve the public
Nov 17, 2022
With a nod to '1984,' a federal judge blocks Florida's anti-'woke' law in colleges
A federal judge in Florida partially blocked a law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis designed to limit the discussion of racism and privilege in schools and workplace training.
Nov 17, 2022
53 dogs that survived a plane crash are now up for adoption
A plane flying from New Orleans to Wisconsin crashed Tuesday morning just outside Milwaukee. In it were 53 rescue dogs.
The twin engine turboprop airplane crashed onto the green
Nov 17, 2022
Panel hears oral arguments over Alabama's law banning gender-affirming care
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments over Alabama's law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth Friday.
Nov 17, 2022
Prosecutors ask a judge to sentence Elizabeth Holmes to 15 years in prison
Prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence Elizabeth Holmes to 15 years in prison for the crimes she committed as the head of Theranos, which promised to revolutionize medicine but
Nov 17, 2022
Attorney General Garland appoints special counsel to oversee Trump investigations
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a veteran prosecutor to serve as special counsel overseeing the criminal probe of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and the Jan. 6 investigation.
Nov 17, 2022
Former President Trump tweeted a classified satellite photo in 2019
A briefing slide obtained by NPR through the Freedom of Information Act shows that former President Trump tweeted a classified satellite photo in 2019.
Nov 17, 2022
New York's first Black Latina-owned movie theater is ready to grow, owner says
Stuart Cinema & Cafe owner Emelyn Stuart is a solution-oriented person. If there's a problem, she says there has to be a way to fix it. That's what led
Nov 17, 2022
State of emergency for parts of western New York is declared ahead of a major storm
A winter storm pummeling the region around Buffalo, could bring five feet of snow in coming days. It is expected to be among the most severe storms to hit the
Nov 17, 2022
Remembering Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who would have turned 97 this weekend
In this week's StoryCorps, memories of Robert Kennedy's assassination from the busboy who cradled the senator the night he was shot in 1968.
Nov 17, 2022
Why Qatar is a controversial host for the World Cup
Nov 17, 2022
The U.S. moves to shield Saudi crown prince in journalist killing
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration declared Thursday that Saudi Arabia's crown prince should be considered immune from a lawsuit over his role in the killing of a U.S.-based journalist,
Nov 16, 2022
A potentially dangerous storm moves into Buffalo and western New York
BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Thursday for parts of western New York ahead of a dangerous storm that had the potential
Nov 16, 2022
House Democrats look to a new generation of leaders after Pelosi's announcement
With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying she will step down as party leader after two decades at the top, House Democrats look to a new generation of leaders.
Nov 16, 2022
Police give few details on the apparent murders of four University of Idaho students
Police are giving few details and contradictory information about the apparent murders of four University of Idaho students on Sunday.
Nov 16, 2022
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to step down from Democratic leadership
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page about Nancy Pelosi's decision to step down as House Speaker after 20 years and what's next for Democrats.
Nov 16, 2022
Russia sends Brittney Griner to a penal colony
Nov 16, 2022
The largest dam demolition in history is approved for a California river
PORTLAND, Ore. — U.S. regulators approved a plan Thursday to demolish four dams on a California river and open up hundreds of miles of salmon habitat that would be
Nov 16, 2022
The largest dam demolition in history is approved for a Western river
PORTLAND, Ore. — U.S. regulators approved a plan Thursday to demolish four dams on a California river and open up hundreds of miles of salmon habitat that would be
Nov 16, 2022
Louisiana voters rejected an antislavery ballot measure. The reasons are complicated
Out of five states that put measures to voters on the subject, Louisiana voters were the only ones to vote against banning slavery and involuntary servitude in the state constitution,
Nov 16, 2022
Student loan forgiveness is in legal limbo. What are your plans when payments resume?
The new year could be a rude awakening for student loan borrowers. The Biden administration's plan to forgive up to $10,o00 in federal loan debt is in for
Nov 16, 2022
Fired by tweet: Elon Musk's latest actions are jeopardizing Twitter, experts say
Eric Frohnhoefer thought his tweets to Twitter CEO (and his newboss) Elon Musk explaining why there was a problem with the platform's speed was innocuous enough.
Musk had tweeted,
Nov 16, 2022
Gasoline spill displaces about 1,000 people in Bethlehem, Pa.
About 1,000 people have been evacuated in Bethlehem, Penn., after a gasoline tanker overturned Thursday morning.
The tanker spilled about 6,000 gallons of gasoline after it crashed around 2:30 a.m.
Nov 16, 2022
Judge rules to erase the student loans of 200K borrowers who say they were ripped off
A federal judge in San Francisco granted final approval Wednesday to a settlement that could cancel at least $6 billion in federal student loans for approximately 200,000 borrowers who
Nov 16, 2022
Idaho police say they have no suspect in the slaying of 4 college students
BOISE, Idaho — Police in the college town of Moscow said Wednesday they have not identified a suspect or found a weapon in the weekend slayings of four University
Nov 16, 2022
On Red Cup Day, thousands of Starbucks workers go on strike
More than a thousand Starbucks employees went on strike on Thursday on what is one of the company's busiest days. Members of the Starbucks Workers Union are picketing
Nov 16, 2022
Rep. Bass is elected mayor of Los Angeles in a contentious and close race
Congresswoman Karen Bass was elected mayor of Los Angeles, making her the first woman and second African American to lead the city. The race was dominated by voters' concerns about
Nov 16, 2022
Milwaukee man is sentenced to multiple life terms for Wisconsin parade deaths
Darrell Brooks, 40, was sentenced Wednesday following his conviction last month after he plowed his SUV through the crowd at the Waukesha Christmas Parade last year.
Nov 16, 2022
Homeless shelters are seeing more senior citizens with no place to live
Low-income seniors are struggling to find housing amid skyrocketing rents and widespread nursing home closures.
Nov 16, 2022
As holidays near, a nationwide rail strike is still on the table. Here's the latest
Remember earlier this fall when the country came within hours of a nationwide rail strike?
We could soon see a repeat of that scenario. The nation's freight rail companies
Nov 16, 2022
Too many Black babies are dying. Birth workers in Kansas fight to keep them alive
WICHITA, Kansas — Peggy Jones-Foxx knows what it takes to raise a baby.
"It's the hardest work I've ever done," she says.
At the Dellrose United Methodist Church in
Nov 15, 2022
Judge sentences man to life in prison for Waukesha Christmas parade attack
A judge sentenced a man who killed six people and injured many others when he drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee to life in prison
Nov 15, 2022
Carrying out executions took a secret toll on workers — then changed their politics
Pretending to die isn't typically part of a correctional officer's job. But when the court issues a death warrant, there's often a team that has to rehearse the execution
Nov 15, 2022
Authorities investigate the deaths of 4 University of Idaho students
Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the deaths of four University of Idaho students. The incident has shaken the small college town of Moscow.
Nov 15, 2022
The woman whose dance with the Obamas went viral dies at 113
OLNEY, Md. — Virginia McLaurin, the centenarian who danced excitedly with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama during a 2016 White House visit, has died. She was
Nov 15, 2022
Naomi Biden joins a unique club: brides who say 'I do' at the White House
Naomi Biden, the eldest granddaughter of President Biden, is about to join a rare club: people who tie the knot at perhaps the most exclusive address in the nation.
Nov 15, 2022
Hospitals in Albuquerque are crowded with pediatric RSV infections
Albuquerque is the latest city where hospitals are filled to capacity because of simultaneous surges of flu, RSV and other infections — many in children.
Nov 15, 2022
Homeless veterans in Los Angeles sue the VA over promised housing
The group is suing the Department of Veterans Affairs for failing to build affordable housing. The suit claims the VA hasn't lived up to a 2011 agreement to house veterans.
Nov 15, 2022
The UVA shooting suspect faces an initial court appearance Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The University of Virginia community mourned on Tuesday as new details emerged both about the three football players killed in a campus shooting this week and
Nov 14, 2022
What lawmakers are saying about Trump's run for the presidency
Republican lawmakers danced around the question when asked if they would support Donald Trump, who announced Tuesday that he was running again for president, in 2024. "I think
Nov 14, 2022
Trump announces 2024 presidential run
Former President Trump announced his White House campaign Tuesday night at his Mar-a-Lago club and home in Palm Beach, Fla.
Nov 14, 2022
Federal judge blocks the pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42
A federal judge has blocked the pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42. The ruling could have major implications for U.S. border policy at a time of record migrant apprehensions.
Nov 14, 2022
Estée Lauder will buy Tom Ford in a $2.8 billion deal
The Estée Lauder Cos. is acquiring luxury powerhouse Tom Ford in a deal valued at $2.8 billion, marking the beauty firm's biggest acquisition yet.
As part of the deal
Nov 14, 2022
Four students in Moscow, Idaho, died from an edged weapon, police say
Police in Moscow, Idaho, believe a knife or other edged weapon was used to kill four University of Idaho students this past weekend, providing an update about a homicide
Nov 14, 2022
Special protections for about 300,000 immigrants are extended amid federal lawsuit
For the past four years, Elsy Flores de Ayala has lived in limbo — unsure whether the life she built in the U.S. would stay intact or if she
Nov 14, 2022
Beyoncé leads nominations for the 2023 Grammy Awards
Beyoncé is the top artist nominated in the 65th annual Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 5 at the Crypto.com center in Los Angeles. The full list of nominees
Nov 14, 2022
The wife of California's governor gives tearful testimony at Weinstein's rape trial
LOS ANGELES — Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, nearly screamed through tears from the witness stand Monday when she told
Nov 14, 2022
The Paris 2024 Olympic mascots are ... hats
Nov 14, 2022
Her miscarriage left her bleeding profusely. An Ohio ER sent her home to wait
Christina Zielke and her husband were excited when she got pregnant in July. It was her first pregnancy at age 33 – everything was new. But during the ultrasound
Nov 14, 2022
Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
Retail giant Walmart on Tuesday become the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the
Nov 14, 2022
Young voters helped Democrats win the Senate and other midterm elections
Democrats delivered an upset to Republicans over the weekend, clinching a victory in the Nevada Senate race in order to maintain their narrow control of the chamber for at
Nov 14, 2022
These companies ran an experiment: Pay workers their full salary to work fewer days
Companies in the United Kingdom are about to complete the biggest trial of a four-day work week ever undertaken, anywhere in the world. The program's thesis was a provocative
Nov 14, 2022
A nonprofit says preterm births are up in the U.S. — and it's not a partisan issue
Katie Cato and her husband Neil were delighted when she became pregnant in late 2019 after a difficult journey with IVF — so much so that they kept putting
Nov 14, 2022
Steve Jobs' worn-out Birkenstocks sell for $218,000 at auction
Sandals worn by Steve Jobs in the early days of Apple sold for $218,750 at an auction in New York City on Sunday.
The brown suede Birkenstock Arizonas were
Nov 14, 2022
Trump-backed election denier loses to Democrat in Nevada's secretary of state race
NPR's A Martinez talks to Democrat Cisco Aguilar, who won Nevada's race for secretary of state. He beat Republican Jim Marchant, who had spread conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
Nov 14, 2022
Brooklyn Public Library reveals its most borrowed book ever to celebrate 125 years
The Brooklyn Public Library has just announced that Where the Wild Things Are is its most borrowed book. Since Oct. 27, the institution has been sharing its 125 most
Nov 14, 2022
An unarmed guard prevented a gunman from entering a Buffalo treatment clinic
On Thursday morning, a man walked into the lobby of the Alba de Vida substance abuse treatment clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., holding an AR-15. He fired one round into
Nov 13, 2022
Arizona Democrat Katie Hobbs elected governor over Trump-backed Republican Kari Lake
PHOENIX — After days of ballot counting, Arizona Democrat Katie Hobbs has been elected governor in a hotly contested race against election-denying Republican Kari Lake, who was endorsed by
Nov 13, 2022
U.S. fines airlines $7.5 million and they must refund customers for canceled flights
The Department of Transportation is cracking down on airlines that refuse to give customers refunds for canceled flights.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Monday announced that the department
Nov 13, 2022
It's the end of the boom times in tech, as layoffs keep mounting
For more than two decades, the U.S. tech industry has been a reliable source of booming stocks and cushy, high-paid jobs. In the span of weeks, the sheen has
Nov 13, 2022
Dolly Parton gets $100 million from Jeff Bezos to spend on charity
Dolly Parton has famously used her success to help others, especially in areas of literacy and education. She just got a huge boost in those efforts: a $100 million
Nov 13, 2022
Turkey blames Kurdish group for Istanbul bombing
Nov 13, 2022
Police say 4 University of Idaho students were found dead near campus
MOSCOW, Idaho — Police are investigating the deaths of four University of Idaho students found Sunday in a home near the campus.
Officers with the Moscow Police Department discovered the
Nov 13, 2022
Officials say the 4 slain University of Idaho students are victims
BOISE, Idaho — Officials say all four University of Idaho students who were found dead inside a home near campus on Sunday are considered victims in the case, but
Nov 13, 2022
Those with mobility issues can tour public parks on motorized all-terrain wheelchairs
Georgia and South Dakota are the latest states to offer the wheelchairs, according to The Washington Post. These 500 pound chairs can go over fallen trees, snow, swamps and steep
Nov 13, 2022
There's a new world record for the longest beard chain
Participants, gathered at a bar in Casper, Wyo., stood side by side and clipped their beards together to create a giant chain: 150 feet long. That's more than double the
Nov 13, 2022
Birth workers in Kansas are addressing the state's high rate of infant mortality
Kansas has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the U.S., and for Black babies the picture is especially dire. Birth workers are looking for ways to reduce
Nov 13, 2022
Counterfeit pills contribute to the fentanyl deaths of young people
Drug overdose deaths among teens and young adults have nearly doubled since 2019. There's concern that counterfeit pills, laced with fentanyl, sold via social media sites, are partly to blame.
Nov 13, 2022
3 people were fatally shot on the campus of the University of Virginia
University officials say an intense manhunt is underway in and around the city Charlottesville for a suspect police described as armed and dangerous. Two other people were wounded.
Nov 13, 2022
Why turkey prices are at record highs for this Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is next week and turkey prices are at record highs. There are multiple reasons for that.
Nov 13, 2022
What it means that a historic number of LGBTQ candidates won midterm elections
The 2022 midterm election made history with the most wins for openly LGBTQ candidates. At least 340 candidates have won their races, beating the prior record of 336 in
Nov 13, 2022
EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Obama reads from her forthcoming book 'The Light We Carry'
Michelle Obama's new book The Light We Carry, in which she talks about tough times in her life and how she not only coped but remained hopeful, comes out
Nov 13, 2022
3 people are dead and the gunman is at large in a University of Virginia shooting
Three people were killed and two were injured following a shooting at the University of Virginia late Sunday night, campus police and university president Jim Ryan confirmed early Monday.
Nov 12, 2022
A Sandy Hook memorial opens to the public nearly a decade after school tragedy
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Bouquets of flowers floated counterclockwise in the waters of the circular memorial pool, passing the engraved names of the 20 first graders and six educators killed
Nov 12, 2022
6 people are confirmed dead after 2 planes collided mid-air at a Dallas airshow
DALLAS — Six people were killed after two historic military planes collided and crashed to the ground Saturday afternoon during a Dallas air show, officials said.
"According to our
Nov 12, 2022
Nevada voters back big changes to their election system
Nevada voters have approved a ballot measure that makes sweeping changes to the election system in their state, according to a race call by the Associated Press.
The measure,
Nov 12, 2022
After decades of neglect, Jackson's Black business district is coming back to life
Some cities are investing to revitalize their Black business districts. In Jackson, Mississippi, Farish Street has unique challenges as old and new business try to bring commerce back.
Nov 11, 2022
Democrat Mark Kelly pulls off Senate win in Arizona
Sen. Mark Kelly gave Democrats some breathing room when he clinched his victory in the Arizona Senate race. But open seats leave questions about what the makeup of Congress will
Nov 11, 2022
Two historic military planes collide in a midair incident during a show in Dallas
DALLAS — Two historic military planes collided and crashed to the ground Saturday during a Dallas air show, federal officials said, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Nov 11, 2022
A giant Christmas tree is once again raised at New York City's Rockefeller Plaza
NEW YORK — An iconic sign of Christmas arrived in New York City on Saturday as a crane hoisted an 82-foot Norway spruce into place at Rockefeller Plaza, where
Nov 11, 2022
Trump sues the Jan. 6 House committee to avoid a subpoena
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump is suing the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol to avoid cooperating with a subpoena requiring him to
Nov 11, 2022
Ukrainian doctors are getting a crash course in lung transplants in the U.S.
Ukrainian doctors are getting a crash course in lung transplants here in the U.S. Patients usually leave Ukraine for the surgery, but the war has increased the need for care
Nov 11, 2022
What's on the cards for Biden's first meeting with Xi Jinping since taking office
President Biden will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping Monday for the first time since taking office. The encounter comes while mistrust between the countries is running particularly deep.
Nov 11, 2022
Medieval Times performers in California unionize following months of debate
From queens and knights to horsemen and squires, the performers of Medieval Times dinner theatre castle in Buena Park, California, voted to unionize Thursday after months of back and
Nov 11, 2022
Alec Baldwin sues to 'clear his name' in movie set killing
LOS ANGELES — Saying he wants to clear his name, Alec Baldwin on Friday sued people involved in handling and supplying the loaded gun that he was using when
Nov 11, 2022
A proposed lithium mine presents a climate versus environment conflict
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - As world leaders meet for another climate summit in Egypt, the U.S. is pushing to mine more lithium for electric vehicle batteries at home. EVs will
Nov 11, 2022
A crash course in organ transplants helps Ukraine's cash-strapped healthcare system
BOSTON — There's a rhythm to most surgeries at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston: the beep of a heart monitor, the surgeon's calls for "scalpel ... scissors ... clamp.
Nov 10, 2022
Las Vegas-area GOP Sheriff Joe Lombardo beats Nevada's incumbent Gov. Steve Sisolak
RENO, Nev. – Republican Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo will serve as Nevada's next governor, pushing out Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak, according to a race call from the Associated
Nov 10, 2022
How Maricopa County defeated election disinformation — for now
PHOENIX — Maricopa County Chairman Bill Gates is the first to tell you he's in a bizarre position. The longtime Republican activist, who once even served as the
Nov 10, 2022
New omicron subvariants now dominant in the U.S., raising fears of a winter surge
Two new omicron subvariants have become dominant in the United States, raising fears they could fuel yet another surge of COVID-19 infections, according to estimates released Friday by the
Nov 10, 2022
Control of Congress matters. But which party now runs your state might matter more
Who leads your state's government shapes daily life in the United States. These governors and legislatures make policy on guns, abortion, education and the environment.
Combined with gridlock at
Nov 10, 2022
New Memorial on the National Mall honors Native veterans who served the nation
Harvey Phillip Pratt is an artist from Oklahoma, a Vietnam veteran, and a member of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe nations. In 2018, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American
Nov 10, 2022
After a career in consulting, a veteran looks back on what could have been
Decio "Dez" Rubano, 92, talks to his daughter Gina Livingston in Decatur, Ga., about his early dreams of becoming a musician, which were put aside when he joined the military.
Nov 10, 2022
News brief: Arizona midterms, Biden at climate summit, student debt relief blocked
Arizona's Senate seat, among other races, are still undecided. President Biden speaks to the U.N. climate summit in Egypt. A Texas judge strikes down Biden's student loan-forgiveness plan.
Nov 10, 2022
Anxious while awaiting election results? Here are expert tips to help you cope
As expected, election results are taking some time to come in. Control of the House and Senate is still unknown, and the Senate could come down to a
Nov 10, 2022
These 12 restaurants are offering discounts on Veterans Day
Dozens of major retailers and companies are offering discounts and freebies for veterans and active-duty military members this year. Here's a roundup of some of what's happening on Nov.
Nov 10, 2022
How an Air Force unit looked out for their own, even after she left the service
This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team, about people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else. In
Nov 10, 2022
A piece of the wrecked 1986 Challenger space shuttle was found off Florida's coast
A documentary crew searching the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida for a World War II-era wreckage uncovered a very different historical artifact. While
Nov 10, 2022
In one first-grade classroom, puppets teach children to 'shake out the yuck'
Teacher Leticia Denoya stands at the front of her classroom, at Natchaug Elementary in Windham, Conn. Her first-graders sit criss-cross applesauce on the reading rug.
"Do you remember last
Nov 10, 2022
Arizona Senate race still undecided as election officials release more ballots
Vote counting centers in Arizona are working full speed ahead on the tabulation of votes to determine key statewide races. Hanging in the balance is the fate of the
Nov 10, 2022
NFL's Washington Commanders are among those sued by D.C., accused of deceiving fans
WASHINGTON — Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were sued by the District of Columbia on Thursday, accused of colluding to deceive fans by lying
Nov 09, 2022
Tropical Depression Nicole causes problems as it moves through Georgia
WILBUR-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — Tropical Depression Nicole was moving through Georgia Friday morning after a day of causing havoc as it churned through Florida as a hurricane and then tropical
Nov 09, 2022
Tina Kotek is Oregon's new governor, continuing Democrats' rule
PORTLAND, Ore. — In a tight race, Oregonians have elected Democrat Tina Kotek as the state's new governor, according to a race call by the Associated Press.
Nov 09, 2022
Turnout among young voters was the second highest for a midterm in past 30 years
About 27% of voters between the ages of 18-29 cast a ballot in the midterm election this year, according to an early estimate from the Center for Information and
Nov 09, 2022
Montana voters reject so-called 'Born Alive' ballot measure
Montana voters rejected a measure that would have required medical workers to provide care to infants born prematurely or in rare instances of surviving an attempted abortion or face
Nov 09, 2022
A man has been charged in connection with a threat to synagogues in New Jersey
NEWARK, N.J. — A man accused of posting a broad online threat last week that spurred heightened security at Jewish synagogues and schools in New Jersey is now facing
Nov 09, 2022
After wins at the ballot, abortion rights groups want to 'put this to the people'
Abortion rights supporters had a successful run of ballot measures this year.
In states where voters were asked to weigh in directly on abortion rights, they supported measures that
Nov 09, 2022
With control of Congress undecided, Wisconsin demonstrates a divided government
With a Republican senator and a Democratic governor, Wisconsin serves as an example of what a divided government may look like. Wisconsinites share how they feel about it.
Nov 09, 2022
More older Americans become homeless as inflation rises and housing costs spike
COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. — On a recent rainy afternoon in this small town just outside Glacier National Park, Lisa Beaty and Kim Hilton were preparing to sell most of
Nov 09, 2022
How the $2 billion Powerball jackpot winner should protect their newfound wealth
After one very lucky person won the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in Monday's drawing, the prize reset for the next drawing to an estimated $20 million. But since there
Nov 09, 2022
NASA returns to its old training grounds: The moonlike lava fields of Arizona
As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon in 2025, it is testing a rover and other gear on a piece of land in Arizona where astronauts and engineers
Nov 09, 2022
Georgia will hold a runoff between U.S. Senate candidates Warnock and Walker
Neither U.S. Senate candidate got enough votes to win the election outright. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker will face each other in a runoff in December.
Nov 09, 2022
After reaching Florida's east coast, Nicole weakens to a tropical storm
Nicole made landfall early Thursday morning south of Vero Beach with 75 mile per hour winds. Parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are expected to have tropical storm conditions.
Nov 09, 2022
A transgender beauty influencer was put in a men's jail after her arrest in Miami
Nikita Dragun, an influencer and content creator, was arrested and held in a men's unit of a Miami jail this week, court records show.
Dragun, who is a transgender
Nov 09, 2022
Deli meats and cheeses have been linked to a listeria outbreak in 6 states
Listeria has been traced to deli meats and cheese in six states, causing 16 infections and one death across six states, the CDC said Wednesday. There were seven
Nov 08, 2022
Nicole weakens to a tropical storm after reaching Florida's east coast
Nicole was downgraded to a tropical storm Thursday morning, shortly after making landfall in Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of 4 a.m. ET Thursday, Nicole
Nov 08, 2022
What is a runoff election? Let's break down what's happening in Georgia
Follow live updates and results from the 2022 midterm election here.
The U.S. Senate race in Georgia is heading to a runoff election, where Democrat Raphael Warnock will face
Nov 08, 2022
Rep. Kevin McCarthy has announced his bid for House speaker
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, in a letter to his caucus on Wednesday, officially announced his intention to run for speaker of the House.
"I am running to serve
Nov 08, 2022
Florida braces for Hurricane Nicole, a rare November storm
MIAMI — A Florida-bound storm strengthened into Hurricane Nicole on Wednesday evening as it pounded the Bahamas, and U.S. officials ordered evacuations that included former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago
Nov 08, 2022
Universal free lunch ballot measure passes easily in Colorado
Colorado voters approved a ballot measure to provide free meals for all public school students, according to a call from The Associated Press.
By a comfortable 55 percent to
Nov 08, 2022
Supreme Court hears arguments challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday challenging the legality of the landmark Indian Child Welfare Act.
Nov 08, 2022
U.S. plan for boosting climate investment in low-income countries draws criticism
A plan the United States floated Wednesday to increase private investment for clean energy in low-income countries is being met with skepticism from financial experts and environmentalists.
Under the
Nov 08, 2022
A mixed bag for cannabis legalization efforts in five states
It was a mixed night for cannabis advocates as measures to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana passed in Maryland and Missouri but were soundly rejected in reliably red Arkansas, North
Nov 08, 2022
Kansas voters reelect Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly over GOP challenger Derek Schmidt
A Democrat will continue to lead deep-red Kansas as Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection, according to a race call by the Associated Press, keeping the state on a politically
Nov 08, 2022
Voters approved more money for affordable housing around the country
Follow live updates and election results here.
Gas prices got a lot of attention from candidates these midterm elections, but rents and home prices that skyrocketed during the pandemic
Nov 08, 2022
Kentucky voters reject amendment that would have affirmed no right to abortion
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky voters have rejected adding language to the state constitution that would make it harder to challenge abortion restrictions in the state, according to a call
Nov 08, 2022
Democrats tried to secure more gubernatorial wins. How did they do?
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Noam Lee, executive director for the Democratic Governors Association, about the party's results in gubernatorial races.
Nov 08, 2022
Michigan voters reelect Gov. Whitmer, safeguard abortion rights in the state
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, won a second term over Republican Tudor Dixon. Voters also acted to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.
Nov 08, 2022
Nicole is thrashing the Bahamas and is forecast to strike Florida
Florida's Atlantic coast is preparing for a rare November hurricane. Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to be at or near hurricane strength when it comes ashore as soon as Thursday.
Nov 08, 2022
The battleground state of Pennsylvania had closely watched Midterm races
In the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania, Democrat John Fetterman beat Trump-backed Dr. Oz. In the race for governor, Attorney General Josh Shapiro beat Trump-backed state Sen. Doug Mastriano.
Nov 08, 2022
One of the most watched Senate races in the country was in Ohio
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Sean Trende, political reporter with Real Clear Politics about election results in the swing state of Ohio.
Nov 08, 2022
6 takeaways from the 2022 midterm election that's not over yet
Follow live updates and election results here.
This is why it's always important to remember never to assume you know exactly what's going to happen in an election –
Nov 08, 2022
'Vogue' sues rappers Drake and 21 Savage over fake magazine cover promoting new album
Condé Nast, the publisher of Vogue magazine, has filed a lawsuit against rappers Drake and 21 Savage for using a fake Vogue cover used to promote their new album,
Nov 08, 2022
Cornell suspends frat parties after reports of drugged drinks and sexual assault
Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events hosted by fraternities after campus police said one student reported a sexual assault and another four reported their drinks being
Nov 08, 2022
Dozens of SAT tests have been lost after flying out of an El Paso UPS truck
Dozens of El Paso High School students' SAT answer sheets were lost after they flew from the UPS truck transporting them. The school district was able to recover all
Nov 08, 2022
Michigan voters approve amendment adding reproductive rights to state constitution
Follow live updates and election results here.
DETROIT – Michigan voters have adopted an amendment to the state constitution enshrining abortion rights, according to a call from The Associated
Nov 08, 2022
What issues drove Americans to vote? We hear from some voters
On Tuesday, Americans went out to vote. We hear from many voters who told us the reasons why they cast their ballots
Nov 07, 2022
California voters reject measures to legalize sports betting
Follow live updates and election results here.
SAN FRANCISCO — The defeat of two propositions in California, according to a call by The Associated Press, keeps the
Nov 07, 2022
James Roesener is the first out trans man elected to a U.S. state legislature
Follow live updates and election results here.
James Roesener has just become the first out trans man to win election to a state legislature in U.S. history, according to
Nov 07, 2022
California voters enshrine right to abortion and contraception in state constitution
Follow live updates and election results here.
LOS ANGELES — California will amend the state constitution to guarantee the right to abortion and contraception. Voters approved the ballot measure
Nov 07, 2022
Tropical Storm Nicole churns toward the Bahamas and Florida
MIAMI — Tropical Storm Nicole churned toward the northwestern Bahamas and Florida's Atlantic coastline on Tuesday and was forecast to develop into a hurricane over the next couple of
Nov 07, 2022
The Supreme Court will decide the future of the Indian Child Welfare Act
In Brackeen v. Haaland, the Supreme Court will decide the future of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which prioritizes placing Native children in the foster care or adoption system with
Nov 07, 2022
Arizona's Maricopa County says it's identified a solution for voting equipment issues
Follow live updates and results from the 2022 midterm election here.
About 1 in 5 polling locations in Maricopa County, Ariz., were experiencing a technical problem with their ballot
Nov 07, 2022
Stories about crime are rife with misinformation and racism, critics say
The specter of rising crime has become a central point of the 2022 midterm elections. It's been on heavy rotation in Republican campaign ads, and nightly it's the
Nov 07, 2022
One of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races is in Pennsylvania
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring. If Democrats win his seat, it could help them keep their thin majority in the Senate. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is running against TV's
Nov 07, 2022
They made a material that doesn't exist on Earth. That's only the start of the story.
It sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie: humans are destroying the Earth, gouging huge scars in its crust, and polluting the air and the ground as
Nov 07, 2022
A large turnout of Black voters in Milwaukee could help Democrats' cause
African Americans make up 6.8% of Wisconsin's population. In Milwaukee, Black people comprise nearly 40% of all residents. High Black voter turnout in the state's largest city is key for
Nov 07, 2022
Michigan lawmakers are considering changing the state's official bird
Michigan's state bird is the American robin, but one lawmaker says it's time for a change. There is bipartisan support for the Kirtland's Warbler to represent the state.
Nov 07, 2022
Federal lawsuits accuse cheerleading industry of sexually abusing minors
The lawsuits filed in three states describe a culture of sexual abuse, drugs and pornography in competitive cheerleading. The suits accuse cheerleading's top institutions of civil conspiracy.
Nov 07, 2022
Supreme Court considers fate of landmark Indian adoption law
The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday in a case that pits several prospective adoptive parents and the state of Texas against the Indian Child Welfare Act — a
Nov 07, 2022
Still reeling from Ian, Florida shrimpers are desperate to get back on the water
Jimmy Driggers, 85, got into the fishing business when he was just 13 years old. He's a shrimper in Fort Myers, Fla.
"I was a mullet fisherman, [a] commercial
Nov 07, 2022
Six races for governor that could make history this midterm election
Follow live updates from Election Day 2022 here. U.S. politicians are supposed to represent the entire public, but the majority come from a group that makes up less
Nov 06, 2022
Chris Evans named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine
LOS ANGELES — Chris Evans may have put down Captain America's shield but he's got a new badge of honor: he's been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
Nov 06, 2022
Monday's Powerball lottery drawing has been delayed due to security protocols
The drawing for Monday night's record $1.9 billion Powerball jackpot has been delayed, as more time is needed to carry out security procedures, the California Lottery announced. "When
Nov 06, 2022
Someone in California won the $2 billion Powerball jackpot
One very lucky person won Monday's record-setting Powerball jackpot — worth $2.04 billion.
The winning ticket was sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, Calif., according to the California
Nov 06, 2022
Here are the results of all races for attorney general in 2022
In 2022, 30 states have elections for attorney general. The responsibilities of the chief legal officer change from state to state, but generally, the role is to enforce state
Nov 06, 2022
Here are the results of all races for secretary of state in 2022
Twenty-seven states this year have elections for secretary of state, a role that's emerged from relative obscurity amid baseless claims of widespread election fraud. Several prominent election deniers are
Nov 06, 2022
NHL team yanks contract of a player who bullied a Black classmate with disabilities
The Boston Bruins have canceled plans to add defenseman Mitchell Miller to their organization, after current players and NHL officials spoke out against Miller — who was convicted of
Nov 06, 2022
Oath Keepers founder denies he had a role in planning the Captiol attack
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes testified in his own defense Monday, denying he had a role in planning the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. He and four others are charged
Nov 06, 2022
A hurricane watch is issued for Florida as Subtropical Storm Nicole gathers strength
A hurricane watch has been issued for much of Florida's eastern coast, as officials warned of heavy rainfall and a storm surge from Subtropical Storm Nicole, an unusual, late-season
Nov 06, 2022
The U.N. chief tells the climate summit: Cooperate or perish
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — "Cooperate or perish," the United Nations chief told dozens of leaders gathered Monday for international climate talks, warning them that the world is "on a
Nov 06, 2022
D.C.'s RFK Stadium is about to be demolished but you can own a piece of it
RFK stadium hosted NFL, MLB, MLS and World Cup soccer games. Numerous concerts were also held there. As part of a farewell campaign ahead of its demolition, you can buy
Nov 06, 2022
Politicians need to mobilize Black male voters ahead of the midterms, experts say
With one day left before voting ends in this year's midterm elections, the latest NPR-PBS NewsHour-Marist poll shows some warning signs for Democrats — specifically regarding who is more
Nov 06, 2022
The pandemic helped a man pursue his passion: generating interest in bike riding
A New Jersey man who lost his job during the pandemic decided his neighborhood needed a bike shop that quickly became a hub for the community.
Nov 06, 2022
Wisconsin's midterm results could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate
Wisconsin's electorate is increasingly diverse. In the eastern part of the state, a pair of rural voters talk about what's driving their vote.
Nov 06, 2022
Why a Southern California congressional race hinges on Asian American voters
Little Saigon in Orange County, Calif., boasts the largest concentration of Vietnamese people outside Vietnam. Democrat and congressional hopeful Jay Chen showed up one day in September, dressed in
Nov 06, 2022
Here are the places where abortion is on the ballot (in one way or another) this week
Abortion ranks among voters' top issues for the 2022 midterms.
The question for Democrats — who are in a historically unfavorable position as the party in charge of the
Nov 06, 2022
Extreme kayaking on North Carolina's Green Narrows draws thousands of spectators
SALUDA, N.C. — On the first Saturday in November whitewater kayakers from near and far gather in the town of Saluda, N.C. — about 30 miles south of Asheville
Nov 06, 2022
Elon Musk targets impersonators on Twitter after celebrities troll him
BOSTON — Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another.
The platform's new owner issued the warning after
Nov 06, 2022
A total lunar eclipse is happening Tuesday — and it won't happen again for 3 years
A total lunar eclipse is happening Tuesday, and it might be a good time to catch a peek, because the next one isn't for three years.
The initial phase
Nov 05, 2022
Statins vs. supplements: New study finds one is 'vastly superior' to cut cholesterol
If you were prescribed medicine to lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke, would you take it? Millions of Americans are prescribed statins such as Lipitor,
Nov 05, 2022
Photos: What do reparations mean to me?
When photographer Dee Dwyer attended the Rally 4 Reparations in Washington, D.C., she heard from people across the country about what reparations from slavery in the United States means
Nov 05, 2022
The National Park Service wants humans to stop licking this toad
Go into almost any park and there's often reminders to refrain from going near, petting or feeding wildlife. Not licking strange animals was simply a given — until now.
Nov 05, 2022
Feeling lucky? The Powerball jackpot is now up to a record $1.9 billion
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A record Powerball jackpot grew to an even larger $1.9 billion after no one won the lottery drawing on Saturday night.
The numbers for the drawing
Nov 05, 2022
Auto part crime is on the rise nationwide. Here's how you can protect yourself
The DOJ's arrests last week of those involved in a catalytic converter theft ring is emblematic of a dramatic rise in the auto part crime nationwide. How car owners can
Nov 04, 2022
Saudi Arabia cracks down on dissidents living abroad
Nov 01, 2022
Why conspiracy theories about Paul Pelosi's assault keep circulating
It didn't take long for the news of the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul, to get wrapped up in conspiracy theories. Once the police identified
Nov 01, 2022
Meeting abortion patients where they are: providers turn to mobile units
St. Clair County, Ill. — LaQuetta Cooper is standing in front of a big, blue RV parked in an industrial lot, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. It looks
Nov 01, 2022
ReAwaken America brings together some of the U.S.' most prolific conspiracy theorists
Some of the biggest proponents of conspiracy theories about vaccines and elections regularly tour the country together. Many of the speakers are closely tied to former president Donald Trump.
Nov 01, 2022
RSV is surging. Here's what to watch for and answers about treatment options
Temperatures are dropping and the risk of COVID-19 and influenza are up. And for the last few months, patients with a different malady — respiratory syncytial virus, known as
Nov 01, 2022
See Google's logo transform into a stickball game for Native American Heritage Month
On the first day of Native American Heritage Month, the Saint Paul-based Indigenous artist Marlena Myles reimagined the Google logo to honor the North American Indigenous game of stickball.
Nov 01, 2022
Home Depot workers in Philadelphia vote on whether to form 1st unionized store
Home Depot workers in Philadelphia are deciding whether to form the company's first unionized store.
Voting begins at a Home Depot location in Northeast Philadelphia, where more than 260
Nov 01, 2022
Latino voters look beyond immigration, and hope candidates will, too
As midterm elections approach, the conversation around Latino voters has come into focus yet again. And while politicians attempt to compete for the "Latino vote" in battleground states, the
Nov 01, 2022
An owl twice attacked a Washington woman. A biologist says it's becoming more common
Kirsten Mathisen was walking alone in the woods by her Hansville, Wash., home when she was attacked.
There was no warning. Her attacker was fast and silent, but left
Oct 31, 2022
One student repeatedly called 911 during the Uvalde shooting, reports say
Chilling audio recordings have surfaced from children and teachers trapped inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, during the mass shooting there in May. The recordings reveal a new
Oct 31, 2022
Sen. Lindsey Graham must testify before a grand jury in Georgia
The Supreme Court said Sen. Lindsey Graham must testify before a grand jury in Georgia. Graham claimed that because he is a senator, he is immune to testifying under the
Oct 31, 2022
A rare copy of the first printing of the U.S. Constitution is going up for auction
Only two copies from the first printing of the final text of the U.S. Constitution are known to be in private hands. One of them sold for a record
Oct 31, 2022
Jill Biden is hot on the campaign trail, while the president's approval lacks
Jill Biden is a sought-after headliner on the midterm campaign trail in a way her husband, the president, is not.
Oct 31, 2022
How to make an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos
Oct 31, 2022
How to confront rising antisemitism in the U.S.
U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt joins NPR's Steve Inskeep to discuss the rise in anti-Semitism in America and around the world.
Oct 31, 2022
What college admissions would look like if affirmative action is reversed
Stella Flores is associate professor of higher education and public policy at the University of Texas at Austin. She discusses the implications of reversing affirmative action in college admissions.
Oct 31, 2022
San Antonio residents create a touching Día de Muertos tribute to Uvalde
In San Antonio, residents are honoring the 21 people killed in the Uvalde school shooting with Día de los Muertos altars.
Oct 31, 2022
David DePape, who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband, is charged with attempted murder
The man accused of attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband has now been charged with attempted murder and attempted kidnapping of a U.S. official, as he was looking for the Speaker of
Oct 30, 2022
Indiana drugstore worker held in 2017 killings of teen girls
DELPHI, Ind. — Authorities on Monday announced an arrest in the unsolved murders of two teenage girls — a drugstore worker who has been living in the same small
Oct 30, 2022
Drag queen Pattie Gonia wanted a scary Halloween costume. She went as climate change
Drag queen Pattie Gonia said she wanted a very scary costume for Halloween this year.
"And honestly, what is scarier than climate change?" the Nebraska native told NPR over
Oct 30, 2022
David DePape charged with assault, attempted kidnapping in attack on Paul Pelosi
The Justice Department has filed federal felony charges against the man who broke into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and allegedly attacked her husband with a hammer.
Oct 30, 2022
The Trump Organization tax evasion trial begins
A jury is seated and opening statements have been heard in the Trump Organization tax evasion trial. At issue is compensation given to executives.
Oct 30, 2022
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wins Brazil's election
Oct 30, 2022
Man charged with assault and kidnapping for the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband
Federal authorities charged David Wayne DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping in connection with the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in their San Francisco home.
Oct 30, 2022
The Supreme Court hears affirmative action case
The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a pair of cases that ask whether race can be considered in college admissions.
Oct 30, 2022
What some race-based admissions trends show, as SCOTUS hears affirmative action case
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks to Dominique Baker, professor at Southern Methodist University, about how effective affirmative action has been in achieving higher diversity on college campuses.
Oct 30, 2022
A $1 billion Powerball jackpot is up for grabs tonight
DES MOINES, Iowa — People showed up at convenience stores, groceries and gas stations around the country to snatch up lottery tickets for a chance at Monday night's massive
Oct 30, 2022
Powerball prize soars to $1.2 billion after no winners were found on Monday
DES MOINES, Iowa — There were no big treats from the Halloween night Powerball drawing, as none of the tickets sold matched all six numbers.
The lack of a
Oct 30, 2022
The bond that broke the internet
Last week I saw a headline that stopped me in my tracks: Lowly T-Bills are Suddenly Sexy. Yes, Treasury Bills!I have never — in more than 15 years of
Oct 30, 2022
Unfounded fears about rainbow fentanyl become the latest Halloween boogeyman
Forget horror movies, haunted houses or decorations that seem a little too realistic. For many, paranoia around drug-laced candy can make trick-or-treating the ultimate scare. "We've pretty much
Oct 30, 2022
Yellowstone's North entrance reopens ahead of schedule
While most of Yellowstone National Park re-opened quickly after devastating floods in June, one major gateway town has remained cut off from the park. until this weekend.
Oct 30, 2022
Voters in some of the most conservative states to weigh in on recreational pot
Voters in five states, including four that are among the most conservative in the country, are deciding on whether to legalize recreational marijuana this election. If passed in each
Oct 30, 2022
Holiday flights will be pricey and packed. Here are 5 things to know before you book
Time is running out if you're hoping to book a relatively inexpensive flight over the holidays. Airlines say that demand is sky high and, as a result, airfares are
Oct 30, 2022
Right-wing 'zombie' papers attack Illinois Democrats ahead of elections
Since late summer, many Illinois residents have been receiving newspapers that they haven't paid for nor, in many cases, even heard of.
Each paper bears a clear-cut tagline: Real
Oct 29, 2022
The men exonerated in the Malcolm X killing will receive $36 million
NEW YORK — The city of New York is settling lawsuits filed on behalf of two men who were exonerated last year for the 1965 assassination of Malcolm X,
Oct 29, 2022
Paul Pelosi's attacker reportedly had zip ties, an echo of the Jan. 6 insurrection
WASHINGTON — The man accused of attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband carried zip ties with him when he broke into the couple's San Francisco home, according to a
Oct 29, 2022
Dolly Parton says she likely won't tour again, but may play live from time to time
Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, doesn't plan to go back on the road and tour — despite plans to release a new rock album. "I do not
Oct 29, 2022
Survivors recount chaotic scene in Seoul during tragic Halloween stampede
In the hours since a devastating crowd surge in South Korea's capitol claimed the lives of more than 150 people, details have begun to emerge that emphasize just how
Oct 29, 2022
Election clerks in New Mexico are feeling besieged by false claims and criticism
Some election clerks in New Mexico are feeling besieged by false claims and critical members of the public.
Oct 29, 2022
Powerball jackpot rises to $1 billion next week, as no one wins again
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Powerball jackpot keeps getting larger because players keep losing.
It happened again Saturday night as no one matched all six numbers and won the
Oct 29, 2022
An Arizona grandmother was arrested for giving food to the hungry. Now, she's suing
A 78-year-old woman is taking Bullhead City, Ariz., to court over her arrest earlier this year for feeding the homeless community at a local public park. The Institute
Oct 27, 2022
Ye appears to be back on Twitter after Elon Musk's takeover
The Twitter account of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, appears to be reactivated Friday morning following Elon Musk's takeover of the site.
Twitter locked the rapper's account earlier
Oct 27, 2022
A Miami building is evacuated near the site of the deadly Surfside condo collapse
MIAMI — Residents of a Miami Beach building on the same street where a condominium collapse killed nearly 100 people were forced to evacuate on Thursday evening after officials
Oct 27, 2022
A reporter's memoir of her jail time gets banned in Florida prisons
When an author's book gets banned or confiscated, one might imagine that the writer might be frustrated, or even angry. But when Keri Blakinger received word that the
Oct 27, 2022
Officials in Maine have found that some license plates too expressive
Years ago the state eliminated its review of license plate applications. Now the state is adding some rules: expletives and sexual references are inappropriate on plates that are state property.
Oct 27, 2022
False information is everywhere. 'Pre-bunking' tries to head it off early
Officials in Ann Arbor, Mich., Union County, N.C., and Contra Costa County, Calif., are posting infographics on social media urging people to "think critically" about what they see and
Oct 27, 2022
Scientists are worried about what climate change means for marine reptiles
Hotter summers in Florida are causing more sea turtles to be born female. Scientists there are concerned about what the gender imbalance could mean for turtle populations.
Oct 27, 2022
A high school newspaper in Nebraska was shut down after it published LGBTQ stories
In Grand Island, Neb., the school district eliminated a high school journalism program after students published an issue of the school paper with op-eds about LGBTQ rights. Now the ACLU
Oct 27, 2022
Advocates seek compassionate release for women sexually abused while incarcerated
The women were sexually abused while incarcerated in federal prison in Dublin, California. The issue is part of a hearing Friday before the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
Oct 27, 2022
Pa. politicians often calibrate their views on fracking based on voters' opinions
Both U.S. Senate candidates from Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz and John Fetterman, have changed their positions on fracking, and say they now support it — despite climate change concerns.
Oct 27, 2022
The World Series begins with upstart Philly taking on Houston, the tainted juggernaut
A Major League baseball season that started late because of a work stoppage, angering many fans, begins its final chapter Friday. The World Series matches the Houston Astros and
Oct 27, 2022
Siblings forged an unbreakable bond after leprosy tore apart their family
The Hawaiian island of Molokai was once the site of America's largest leprosy colony. A brother and sister in Hawaii discuss how their lives were shaped by leprosy, also known
Oct 27, 2022
State legislative races are on the front lines of democracy this midterm cycle
State legislative races can feel low stakes when compared to national political contests. But 2022 is shaping up a little differently.
Democratically-aligned super PACs and party-affiliated groups are spending
Oct 27, 2022
Where the #MeToo movement stands, 5 years after Weinstein allegations came to light
It was five years ago this month that the very first article by journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey broke the story of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's decades of
Oct 27, 2022
In Chicago, handguns turned into high-capacity machine guns fuel deadly violence
Kimberly Saunders was grabbing a gyro at a restaurant just blocks from the upscale Magnificent Mile commercial district near downtown Chicago in May when she heard rapid-fire gunshots around
Oct 27, 2022
You asked us about Biden's student debt relief plan. We found the answers
When Biden's student loan relief application officially went live early last week, we asked readers what questions they were still struggling with. There's been some confusion over what loans
Oct 26, 2022
High school football coach who led prayers on the field will get his job back
The coach's insistence on praying on football fields after games cost him his spot on the sideline— and resulted in a Supreme Court victory on religious freedom grounds. Now
Oct 26, 2022
Facebook's parent is fined nearly $25M for violating a campaign finance disclosure law
SEATTLE — A Washington state judge on Wednesday fined Facebook parent company Meta nearly $25 million for repeatedly and intentionally violating campaign finance disclosure law, in what is believed
Oct 26, 2022
Buying a home gets even harder as mortgage rates top 7%
The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage has topped 7% for the first time in 20 years.
Rates have more than doubled since the start of the
Oct 26, 2022
The next Powerball drawing will be $800 million, the fifth-largest in U.S. history
DES MOINES, Iowa — No one won an estimated $700 million Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, meaning the big prize will grow to an estimated $800 million for the next
Oct 26, 2022
Why examining U.S. crime rates isn't as straightforward as you might think
Midterm voters are being inundated with political ads, and a lot of them are focused on crime. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to data analyst Jeff Asher about what's happening with
Oct 26, 2022
What's on the minds of young voters in Milwaukee? A lot
MILWAUKEE — Standing outside the Milwaukee Public Market, Matthew Grover has one thing on his mind: getting voters to turn out.
"It's extremely important," he tells two health care
Oct 26, 2022
Iowa voters will decide Sen. Chuck Grassley's fate in his closest race in 42 years
Voters in Iowa have already begun filling out their ballots in the 2022 midterm elections. One of the choices they will make this year is whether to send Republican
Oct 26, 2022
2 Californians bought Barilla pasta thinking it was made in Italy. Now they're suing
What would it be like to live in a world where everything that was printed in an ad or said in a commercial were true, without you having to
Oct 26, 2022
Saltwater is moving up the Mississippi River. Here's what's being done to stop it
NEW ORLEANS — Ducks have taken roost on a sandy strip along the Mississippi River – a bank that's typically underwater. "We have this nice little beach herethat
Oct 26, 2022
In close races, Republicans attack Democrats over fentanyl and the overdose crisis
On a recent evening, Ryan Hampton stood in front of a crowd of people in Spokane, Wash., urging them to see drugs and addiction as a key issue in
Oct 26, 2022
Mobile homes are rising in value. But current residents can't cash out
Mobile home values are rising at a rate nearly as fast as that of single-family homes, according to a study released earlier this month by online loan platform LendingTree.
Oct 26, 2022
These are the Halloween costumes you may see a lot, based on people's Google searches
Halloween is in a few days, which means people will be getting creative with their costumes. Some may not be easily recognizable, while others are predicted to be commonplace
Oct 25, 2022
Skechers says Ye was escorted out of its offices after an unannounced visit
The month of October for the rapper formerly known as Kanye West became more turbulent on Wednesday when shoe company Skechers said he was escorted out of its Los
Oct 25, 2022
The Los Angeles City Council censures members involved in racist conversation
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council formally rebuked two members and its former president Wednesday for their involvement in a racism scandal that has led to days
Oct 25, 2022
Republicans recast drugs and fentanyl as a crime and border security problem
Ahead of the midterms, Republicans have recast the debate over drugs and fentanyl addiction as a crime and border security problem.
Oct 25, 2022
A historic building flooded during a hurricane, so the owner made it a haunted house
A historic Philadelphia building flooded during the remnants of Hurricane Ida last year. Its owner found a creative and terrifying way to adapt to future storms: a flood-resistant haunted house.
Oct 25, 2022
Should voters be concerned over Fetterman's cognitive ability after his stroke?
NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Dr. Dhruv Khullar on the questions surrounding Pa. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman's mental fitness after surviving a stroke.
Oct 25, 2022
Why election officials are turning to public relations specialists
Faced with a deluge of disinformation about the voting process, election officials around the U.S. are hiring public relations specialists to explain how democracy works to voters.
Oct 25, 2022
Massachusetts could allow undocumented people to get driver's licenses
Massachusetts could join the states who allow undocumented people to get driver's licenses. Residents will vote on this issue on election day.
Oct 25, 2022
Your internet is slow because of where you live, not what plan you buy
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with investigative data journalist Leon Yin about a new investigation that found that internet service providers offer slower internet to lower-income, communities of color.
Oct 25, 2022
How these D.C. chefs helped feed migrants bused to the city from the southern border
When migrants from the southern border started getting bused to Washington, D.C., a couple of local chefs stepped up to help feed them.
Oct 25, 2022
How voting patterns have changed since 2020, and how early voting is going in Georgia
A look at how voting patterns have changed since 2020, and how early voting is going so far in the key state of Georgia.
Oct 25, 2022
Gas prices are falling, but does the White House deserve credit?
Gas prices are falling, but don't give credit to Biden. The White House can influence prices, but the primary driver of fuel costs is the global market for crude oil
Oct 25, 2022
Abortion is on the ballot in Montana. Voters will decide fate of the 'Born Alive' law
MONTANA — Abortion is on the ballot in Montana this year. Voters are being asked to approve a law declaring that an embryo or fetus is a legal person
Oct 25, 2022
A second railroad union votes down Biden's tentative agreement
A second railroad union voted on Wednesday against ratifying the tentative agreement brokered between the railroad managers, unions and members of President Joe Biden's administration. The move increases the
Oct 25, 2022
Walleye fishermen plead not guilty in cheating scandal
Fishermen Jacob Runyan and Chase Cominsky, accused of packing weights into fish in an attempt to winnearly $30,000 at an Ohio tournament, pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Runyan and
Oct 25, 2022
Funeral homes could soon have to post prices online
Funeral homes around the country could soon be required to post a clear list of their prices online for services like burial and cremation, part of an updated federal
Oct 25, 2022
Did the so-called Deep State protect the country from Trump?
American Resistance author David Rothkopf says veteran government officials served as guardrails, preventing initiatives that were illegal, unworkable, immoral or against the country's interests.
Oct 25, 2022
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program just got more flexible
The U.S. Department of Education is planning to make several key changes to a long-troubled student loan forgiveness program for public servants, the department announced Tuesday. The program,
Oct 25, 2022
A judge orders Mark Meadows to testify in a Georgia election probe
ATLANTA — A judge on Wednesday ordered former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to testify before a special grand jury that's investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and
Oct 25, 2022
A Wisconsin man is convicted of killing 6 with an SUV in a Christmas parade
MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin man was convicted Wednesday of killing six people when he drove his SUV through a Christmas parade last year, ending a trial in which
Oct 25, 2022
Three men are convicted of supporting a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Three men accused of supporting a plot to kidnap Michigan's governor were convicted of all charges Wednesday, a triumph for state prosecutors after months of mixed results in the
Oct 25, 2022
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is depicted on a new USPS stamp
Ruth Bader Ginsburg put her stamp on U.S. law — and now the U.S. is putting the late Supreme Court justice on a stamp. The U.S. Postal Service
Oct 25, 2022
Ohio and Pennsylvania voters aren't reading from their assigned scripts
Voters in two districts have a chance to decide control of Congress this fall. They're inundated with ads and speeches. Yet interviews in those districts in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Oct 25, 2022
Candidates for Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat traded barbs in a formal setting
The only debate in the highly contentious Pennsylvania Senate race took place Tuesday night in Harrisburg, Pa. Democrat John Fetterman faces Republican Mehmet Oz.
Oct 25, 2022
We go door to door in Beaver Falls, to hear the issues on the minds of Pa. voters
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with voters in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, a former manufacturing hub, home to one of the country's most competitive House races.
Oct 25, 2022
GOP candidate for New York governor uses crime wave to hammer incumbent Hochul
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is in a close race against challenger Lee Zeldin, a GOP congressman who says criminal justice reforms have caused a crime emergency in the state.
Oct 25, 2022
Oklahoma's Democratic candidate for governor uses education policy to build momentum
Education has become a major political issue in the U.S. and one that Republicans tend to use to their advantage. But in Oklahoma, a Republican stronghold, things might start to
Oct 25, 2022
News Brief: Pa. Senate race debate, LA City Council scandal, Haiti's hunger crisis
Candidates for Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat clash in a debate. Two LA City Council members involved in a racist conversation refuse to step down. Haiti's hunger crisis gets worse
Oct 25, 2022
Maryland State Police troopers allege racial discrimination in a new lawsuit
Three Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers have filed a class-action lawsuit against the state's law enforcement agency, alleging racial discrimination against its officers of color.
In a 40-page lawsuit
Oct 25, 2022
A look at the salaries of 2 LA City Council members involved in racist conversation
The implosion of the Los Angeles City Council this month, after three of its members were secretly recorded talking in racist terms, has thrown the political machinery of one
Oct 25, 2022
End of nationwide federal free lunch program has some states scrambling
During the height of the pandemic, the federal government made lunch free to all 50.6 million public school students nationwide. That program expired Sept. 30, leaving many families, school
Oct 25, 2022
This North Carolina congressional district has a rare competitive midterm race
Voters in the midterm elections are choosing 435 members of the House of Representatives. But of all those races, fewer than three dozen are competitive — and it's these
Oct 25, 2022
Exhumations to resume in a bid to identify Tulsa Race Massacre victims
Some of the 19 bodies taken from a Tulsa cemetery and later reburied that could include remains of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre will be exhumed again
Oct 25, 2022
Clorox recalls cleaning products that a U.S. consumer panel says may contain bacteria
OAKLAND, Calif. — If you're thinking of wiping down your kitchen with that bottle of Pine-Sol all-purpose cleaner under your sink — stop. It may contain bacteria that could cause
Oct 24, 2022
Two new research papers cast doubt on the new COVID booster
Biden received a new COVID booster as part of the administration's push to increase uptake, but two new research papers cast doubt on whether they are any better than the
Oct 24, 2022
Scott Peterson is finally moved off California's death row
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Scott Peterson has been moved off death row more than two years after the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence for killing his pregnant wife
Oct 24, 2022
The St. Louis area is in mourning after the nation's latest deadly school shooting
Two people were killed and several others were wounded Monday by a gunman at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. The suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire
Oct 24, 2022
Britain's Productivity Problem
On Thursday, British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned after just 44 days. To some she was an economic naif, brought down by delusions of resurgent Thatcherism; to others she
Oct 24, 2022
Ethan Crumbley pleads guilty to murdering 4 students at a Michigan school
The mass shooting happened at Michigan's Oxford High School in November of 2021. Ethan Crumbley's parents are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter for giving him access to guns.
Oct 24, 2022
We go door to door in Akron, to hear what issues are on the minds of Ohio voters
Ahead of November's midterms, we're listening to voters who will decide which party controls Congress. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to voters in Akron — part of Ohio's 13th Congressional District.
Oct 24, 2022
Pacific Northwest schools cancel outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy
With wildfires still a threat, schools in the Pacific Northwest have recently seen big disruptions. Students and teachers are learning how to live with these ongoing hazards.
Oct 24, 2022
Advocates say the number of labor trafficking victims is vastly undercounted
A woman from the Philippines says she came to Boston to make money for her family back home but was treated like a slave. Experts say this kind of labor
Oct 24, 2022
U.S. removes Trump-era barriers to citizenship-test waivers for disabled immigrants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has rolled out several changes to make the naturalization process more accessible for applicants with disabilities. After months of public feedback, the federal
Oct 24, 2022
Expanding Medicaid is popular. That's why it's a key issue in some statewide midterms
About four years ago, Cecelia "Biz" Spotted Tail felt a lump growing in her lower belly.
"I know something's wrong, I know my body," she says. "I couldn't lay
Oct 24, 2022
Trans inmates need access to gender-affirming care. Often they have to sue to get it
This story is part of a series looking at transgender inmates in the U.S. and the challenges they face in confinement and upon release. The series focuses on topics
Oct 24, 2022
Take a look at Leslie Jordan's best moments of dancing, singing and storytelling
Leslie Jordan, the actor and comedian known for playing Beverly Leslie on the long-running sitcom Will & Grace, as well for roles on American Horror Story and Call Me
Oct 23, 2022
Biden targets Nicaragua's gold industry in a new move against Daniel Ortega
MIAMI — The Biden administration is ratcheting up pressure on President Daniel Ortega's authoritarian rule in Nicaragua, threatening a ban on Americans from doing business in the nation's gold
Oct 23, 2022
Trial against Harvey Weinstein begins with graphic descriptions of violent assaults
Opening with graphic quotes from Harvey Weinstein's accusers on Monday, referred to as Jane Does 1-4, Deputy District Attorney Paul Thompson described Weinstein as a domineering media mogul at
Oct 23, 2022
Who will succeed China's leader Xi Jinping?
Oct 23, 2022
Rishi Sunak will become Britain's new prime minister
Oct 23, 2022
What does a polarizing first term mean for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' reelection bid?
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Tampa Bay Times Political Editor Emily Mahoney about Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as he faces Democrat Charlie Crist in a debate Monday.
Oct 23, 2022
Young voters in Milwaukee share the biggest issues motivating them to vote
Young voter turnout increased in the last two elections, but a new NPR/Marist poll found that young voters were the least likely to vote in 2022. Young voters living in
Oct 23, 2022
Rishi Sunak will become the next U.K. prime minister
Oct 22, 2022
The 7 men who control China
Oct 22, 2022
N.Y. officials announce plans for a memorial to the victims of the Buffalo shooting
Five months after a white gunman killed 10 Black people and injured three others at a Buffalo, N.Y. grocery store, New York state and local officials and community members
Oct 22, 2022
Woodward's taped time with Trump reveals much about both the author and his subject
The voice of Bob Woodward is well known in Washington and former President Trump's is familiar worldwide. But we listen to both in a new way in Woodward's new
Oct 22, 2022
Everyday people were civil rights heroes, too. This is the story of one town's fight
Earlier this year, when I first started throwing around the idea of profiling members of the civil rights generation, I had no idea that I would end up telling
Oct 22, 2022
A train passenger saw a woman waving for help. It was a hiker who'd been missing
An injured hiker near Silverton, Colo., was rescued earlier this month after a train passenger spotted her from the window. She was frantically waving on the other side of a
Oct 22, 2022
Incarcerated people pay about 5 dollars for a 30-minute phone call. A new bill wants to change that
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about the high cost of prison calls and regulations her agency could enforce under a proposed senate bill.
Oct 22, 2022
She survived a mass shooting — then created a graphic novel to help others
It took Kindra Neely years to seek help.
Seven years ago, she survived the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, where a gunman killed eight students and
Oct 22, 2022
Iran protests spark solidarity rallies in the U.S. and Europe
WASHINGTON — Chanting crowds marched in the streets of Berlin, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles on Saturday in a show of international support for demonstrators facing a violent government
Oct 21, 2022
NASA announces the team members for its UFO study
A group of 16 researchers will spend the next nine months studying unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), also known as UFOs, as part of a team for NASA.
The research,
Oct 21, 2022
The ACLU and others urge border authorities to limit detention of pregnant migrants
One 27-year-old Guatemalan woman said she had no other option but to give birth while holding a garbage can at a Southern California Border Patrol station. A Nicaraguan mother
Oct 21, 2022
Liz Truss vs. lettuce
Oct 21, 2022
The race to replace Liz Truss
Oct 21, 2022
What went wrong for Liz Truss
Oct 21, 2022
How a Massachusetts law intended to protect sex assault victims protects perpetrators
In Massachusetts, records related to sexual assault and domestic violence are kept secret. The law is supposed to protect victims, but an investigation finds it also protects perpetrators and police.
Oct 21, 2022
A boat of octogenarians rowers is competing in Boston
Thousands of rowers are in Boston this weekend for the world's largest 3-day rowing regatta. One boat has eight rowers and a coxswain who are all in their 80s or
Oct 21, 2022
Inside the 'constitutional sheriff' movement
NPR's Cheryl Thompson speaks with Maurice Chammah of the Marshall Project to talk about the growing "constitutional sheriff" movement and what its aims are.
Oct 21, 2022
Hurricane Roslyn makes landfall in Mexico
Oct 21, 2022
Biden's student debt relief plan is temporarily blocked. Here's what you need to know.
A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan — halting any debt from being erased. But the administration is encouraging people to continue submitting
Oct 21, 2022
A car was found buried at a California estate once owned by a man convicted of murder
A car containing unused bags of concrete has been discovered buried in the yard of a 1.63-acre estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Landscapers found it at
Oct 21, 2022
Texas' abortion laws are changing how people date in the state
Texas' restrictive abortion laws have changed how some people in the state date. They've prompted deeper conversations earlier on about contraception, potential pregnancy and, now, political views.
Oct 21, 2022
Explained: Jan. 6 committee subpoenas Trump
The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has subpoenaed former President Donald Trump, who members say was the force behind the assault.
Oct 21, 2022
After crabs in the Bering Sea disappeared, fishermen say they're facing bankruptcy
NPR's Scott Simon talks to crab fisherman Gabriel Prout about the crash of the Bering Sea snow crab population, the cancellation of the crabbing season, and its financial impact.
Oct 21, 2022
Homelessness among Latino residents has spiked in San Francisco
Despite measures meant to protect renters during the pandemic, homelessness among Latino residents has spiked in San Francisco.
Oct 21, 2022
What's the origin of the Cuban sandwich? Researchers set out to settle the debate
Andy Huse had heard the arguments over the origin of the Cuban sandwich for years. It's been a long-standing debate between Tampa and Miami, which both claim ownership of
Oct 21, 2022
We asked 2 political strategists to review midterm ads. Here's what they told us
Election season is upon us, and if you spend any time scrolling through social media, listening to the radio or watching TV, you're probably getting a barrage of political
Oct 21, 2022
For 200-plus skaters in New York City, skating isn't just a throwback to the '90s
NEW YORK — Every week through the summer and into the fall, a group of inline skaters spreads out over the New York City streets like a giant, flashing
Oct 20, 2022
Texas state police fire first officer over Uvalde school massacre response
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety fired an officer Friday who was at the scene of the Uvalde school massacre and becomes the first member of
Oct 20, 2022
What we can learn from the U.K.'s economic fallout
Oct 20, 2022
Hans Niemann sues Magnus Carlsen for $100 million, accusing him of defamation
Hans Niemann is launching a counterattack in his dispute with chess world champion Magnus Carlsen, filing a federal lawsuit that accuses Carlsen of maliciously colluding with others to defame
Oct 20, 2022
Vanderbilt's pediatric transgender care clinic is one of several under assault
Some clinics paused gender-affirming surgeries for minors due to pushback from critics. Conservative activists say they want to protect kids. Parents of teen patients say the care is saving lives.
Oct 20, 2022
A teenager asks her mom: When can I wear the Hijab?
Basma Alawee and Danna Aljubouri, a mother and daughter who came to the U.S. from Iran in 2010, discuss the potential pitfalls of wearing a hijab in America.
Oct 20, 2022
Larry the Cat outlasts fourth U.K. prime minister
Oct 20, 2022
Democrats' total control over Oregon politics could end with the race for governor
No state in the country elects Democratic governors more reliably than Oregon, but every streak has its end. This year, after nearly 40 years of dominance, Democrats are
Oct 20, 2022
What's in the so-called Don't Say Gay bill that could impact the whole country
House Republicans have introduced legislation that some critics are describing as a national "Don't Say Gay" bill – inspired by the controversial Florida law that bans instruction on gender
Oct 19, 2022
Mississippi town with Confederate monument gets Emmett Till statue
JACKSON, Miss. — A Mississippi community with an elaborate Confederate monument plans to unveil a larger-than-life statue of Emmett Till on Friday, decades after white men kidnapped and killed
Oct 19, 2022
Rusty the red panda, who briefly ran free in D.C. in 2013, has unexpectedly died
Some who were in Washington, D.C., in 2013 are mourning the loss of Rusty the red panda, who captivated the city when he escaped from the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Oct 19, 2022
A Princeton student who went missing for a week has been found dead, officials say
Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old undergraduate student at Princeton University, has been found dead on campus after she went missing Oct. 14, a local prosecutor's office said.
Ewunetie, who was
Oct 19, 2022
The EPA starts a civil rights probe into Mississippi's water woes
JACKSON, Miss. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that it is investigating whether Mississippi state agencies discriminated against the state's majority-Black capital city by refusing to fund
Oct 19, 2022
Are you voting in the midterm elections? We want to know what issues matter to you
The 2022 midterm elections have already begun, as voters in some states are casting early ballots ahead of Election Day next month. Many of these races are close
Oct 19, 2022
Sanibel Island residents return by road for the first time since Hurricane Ian
Sanibel Island residents are returning by road for the first time since Hurricane Ian washed out the causeway that connects it to Florida's mainland.
Oct 19, 2022
Democrats are embracing the police, but can that distract from crime in their cities?
Democrats are embracing the police during the midterms. But can they distance themselves from crime in Democrat-run cities, such as Philadelphia, Pa.?
Oct 19, 2022
A new poll reveals Americans are stressed out by inflation, violence and politics
A majority of Americans are stressed out by inflation, violence and the political state of the country, according to a new poll by the American Psychological Association.
Oct 19, 2022
Campaigns are spending record amounts on political advertising, but will it work?
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Republican strategist Alice Stewart and Democratic strategist Joel Payne about how political campaigns communicate their messages to voters with political ads.
Oct 19, 2022
Biden returns to Pittsburgh, Pa. after a bridge collapsed there
In January, President Biden visited Pittsburgh, Pa., hours before a bridge collapsed. He returned to that bridge for the midterms to tout his economic blueprint.
Oct 19, 2022
British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns
Oct 19, 2022
Book by mom of six puts onus on men to stop unwanted pregnancies
During Justice Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 2018, writer Gabrielle Blair was watching — and going "absolutely bonkers, just hearing man after man grandstanding about abortion."
"It's so
Oct 19, 2022
Circle K chain signs a deal with one of America's largest cannabis producers
The convenience chain will sell licensed marijuana at its Florida gas stations. The outposts, which will have separate entrances, will only cater to Floridians with medical marijuana cards.
Oct 19, 2022
Climate change threatens Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe's cultural sites
A coastal Louisiana tribe is creating reefs from discarded oyster shells to help preserve their land and cultural sites, and address sea level rise and erosion caused by climate change.
Oct 19, 2022
Roommate wanted: Homeless people are pairing up as a way around the housing crisis
NORFOLK, Va. — Even after three years of homelessness, Eric Perkins did not want to move into an apartment with another person who had been unhoused.
"I was real
Oct 19, 2022
Singer and songwriter iLe's third album, 'Nacarile,' finds a world deeply in flux
From the war in Vietnam to the fight for civil rights, musicians have always provided a voice for change. That's exactly what happened in 2019 in San Juan, where
Oct 19, 2022
Maryland officials order the reinvestigation of about 100 deaths in police custody
After George Floyd was killed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, Maryland's former Chief Medical Examiner Dr. David Fowler was called in as a defense witness
Oct 19, 2022
The college enrollment drop is finally letting up. That's the good news
Undergraduate college enrollment is continuing its years-long decline, though at a much less drastic rate than during the pandemic. According to preliminary data released Thursday, U.S. colleges and universities
Oct 19, 2022
What can reparations for slavery look like in the United States? One man has ideas
On Wednesday, the National Endowment for the Humanities held its 50th annual Jefferson Lecture.
Each year, the lecturer is chosen based on distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities. Being
Oct 19, 2022
It seems like everyone wants an axolotl since the salamander was added to Minecraft
The axolotl, with its permanent grin and youthful-looking body, has captured hearts thanks to TikTok and the popular video game Minecraft, which added the salamander to its universe in
Oct 19, 2022
A high school student's mural angers parents over what they say are hidden messages
School district officials and a high school student in Michigan have drawn the ire of parents who allege that a painted mural contains LGBTQ propaganda, a depiction of Satan
Oct 19, 2022
The GI Bill left behind Black World War II vets. Now there's a move to fix that
William Dabney never liked to talk much about his time fighting in World War II.
"He didn't keep his uniform or any of those things. In other words, he
Oct 19, 2022
Princeton University intensifies its search for a student missing since last week
Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old undergraduate student, has been missing from Princeton University since last week, school officials said.
Ewunetie, who is expected to graduate in 2024, was last seen
Oct 19, 2022
Authorities seize thousands of suspected fentanyl pills hidden at Los Angeles airport
LOS ANGELES — Authorities on Wednesday seized thousands of suspected fentanyl pills hidden in candy boxes at Los Angeles International Airport.
Someone tried to go through security screening with
Oct 18, 2022
Donald Trump deposed in defamation suit filed by E. Jean Carroll
NEW YORK — Former President Trump answered questions under oath Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll, a magazine columnist who says he raped her in the
Oct 18, 2022
Venezuelan migrants are stuck in a legal limbo
Oct 18, 2022
Factory employment is back to pre-pandemic levels, but will it continue to rebound?
U.S. factories ramped up production, adding 22-thousand workers in September. Factory employment is back to pre-pandemic levels, but it's not likely to rebound to what it was in the last
Oct 18, 2022
The Sanibel Island causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian has reopened
SANIBEL, Fla. — The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.
The
Oct 18, 2022
Nestlé recalls its stuffed chocolate chip cookie dough
Nestlé is recalling its ready-to-bake refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough with fudge filling products after some consumers found white plastic pieces in them. The voluntary recall is for Nestlé
Oct 18, 2022
A rare but dangerous flesh-eating bacteria is infecting Florida residents
Parts of Florida hit hardest by Hurricane Ian are seeing nearly double the normal number of infections from a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in brackish floodwaters. According to
Oct 18, 2022
Online platforms radicalized the Buffalo mass shooting suspect, a new report says
Five months after the deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of 10 Black people and injured three others at a Buffalo, N.Y. grocery store, the New York Attorney
Oct 18, 2022
Val Demings goes on attack against Marco Rubio in Florida Senate debate
MIAMI — Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings of Florida went on the attack Tuesday in her first debate against Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, accusing him of being a serial
Oct 18, 2022
Bodycam footage shows confusion over voter fraud arrests in Florida
NPR's A Martínez and Tampa Bay Times reporter Lawrence Mower discuss new police body camera video showing the confusion in Florida as arrests were made for voter fraud.
Oct 18, 2022
In Montana House race, Ryan Zinke struggles to shake off Trump-era scandals
The GOP candidate in the newly formed House district has to live down his bumpy time in the Trump administration in order to win. (Story aired on Weekend Edition Sunday
Oct 18, 2022
A New Jersey teacher accused of pulling a student's hijab sues an Olympic fencer
U.S. Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad is facing a defamation lawsuit from a New Jersey teacher over allegations the Olympian ruined the teacher's reputation and career over an incident involving
Oct 18, 2022
Hair straightening chemicals may increase women's risk of uterine cancer, study finds
Women who have used hair straightening chemicals, or relaxers, may be at higher risk of developing uterine cancer, according to a new study by researchers at the National Institutes
Oct 18, 2022
The U.S. creates a legal pathway for Venezuelan migrants, but many won't qualify
NEW YORK — When Víctor Villegas and Milagros Pineda arrived in New York in early August, they tried to go to a homeless shelter for couples.
But they were
Oct 18, 2022
3 reasons why China may become more assertive — and what that means for the U.S.
Xi Jinping is expected to break longstanding tradition in the coming days and secure a third term as China's president, putting the country on a new course that could
Oct 18, 2022
Without more federal money, what will regional theaters do?
Rodgers and Hammerstein. Mickey and Judy. Cornyn and Klobuchar? In one of the big surprises of the pandemic, the "let's put on a show!" spirit from Sen. John
Oct 17, 2022
The IRS is increasing the standard deductions for 2023 as inflation intensifies
The Internal Revenue Service is increasing its inflation adjustments for the 2023 tax year after prices for rent, groceries and gas have reached heights not seen in 40 years.
Oct 17, 2022
Pandemic-related fraud totaled billions. California is trying to get some of it back
SAN FRANCISCO — California is slowly clawing back some of the estimated $20 billion in unemployment money stolen by domestic and international criminals, money earmarked for jobless relief during
Oct 17, 2022
Biden to release another 15M barrels from strategic reserve
President Biden will announce Wednesday that he is authorizing the release of another 15 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The draw completes the U.S. plan announced earlier
Oct 17, 2022
Biden releasing 15 million more barrels from the strategic oil reserve to tame prices
President Biden will announce Wednesday that he is authorizing the release of another 15 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The draw completes the U.S. plan announced earlier
Oct 17, 2022
Biden is releasing 15 million barrels from the strategic oil reserve to tame prices
President Biden announced Wednesday that he is authorizing the release of 15 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a draw that completes the plan announced earlier this year
Oct 17, 2022
A jury convicted Paul Flores of murdering college student Kristin Smart in 1996
LOS ANGELES — The last man seen with Kristin Smart was convicted Tuesday of killing the college freshman, who vanished from a California campus more than 25 years ago,
Oct 17, 2022
Anna May Wong will become the first Asian American to be on U.S. currency
The U.S. Mint will begin shipping coins featuring actress Anna May Wong on Monday, the first U.S. currency to feature an Asian American.
Dubbed Hollywood's first Asian American movie
Oct 17, 2022
Harper and Machado face off Tuesday night in Phillies v. Padres NLCS
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to Marc Carig, MLB deputy managing editor at The Athletic, about the first game of the National League Championship, and the matchup between Bryce Harper and
Oct 17, 2022
Kidnapping investigation raises new questions about reports of missing Black women
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Ryan Sorrell, the founder and executive editor of the Kansas City Defender, about a man accused of kidnapping and assault, following reports of missing Black
Oct 17, 2022
Black vets were excluded from GI bill benefits — a bill in congress aims to fix that
In 1944, the GI Bill lifted a generation into the middle class — but excluded Black vets who served their country at war and came home to segregation. A bill
Oct 17, 2022
The BBC is celebrating its 100th birthday
Oct 17, 2022
Runners honor a Raleigh shooting victim by finishing her last run
RALEIGH, N.C. — Just over 5 miles into her Thursday evening run along the familiar Neuse River Greenway, Raleigh mother of three Susan Karnatz was fatally shot by a
Oct 17, 2022
Amazon workers vote against unionizing at upstate NY warehouse
Amazon warehouse workers near Albany, N.Y., have voted no to a union, delivering a blow to the fledgling effort to organize employees at one of the country's largest employers.
Oct 17, 2022
MacKenzie Scott gives the Girl Scouts nearly $85 million
NEW YORK — Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $84.5 million to Girl Scouts of the USA and 29 of its local branches, the 110-year-old organization said Tuesday, calling it a
Oct 17, 2022
How the gig economy inspired a cyberpunk video game
Citizen Sleeper is a sleek, cyberpunk-style video game, where you play an android with the mind of a human, who has sold their flesh-and-blood body to the corporation Essen-Arp.
Oct 17, 2022
Out-of-state patients cross into Colorado for legal abortions
Surrounded by states with abortion bans, Colorado is seeing a record number of patients seeking abortion care.
Oct 17, 2022
A key congressional rematch in California draws nationwide attention
In California, redistricting has given new hope to Democrat Christy Smith, who's lost to GOP Rep. Mike Garcia twice. Latino voters may be torn between a Latino Republican and a
Oct 17, 2022
The newest national monument was once a combat training site for World War II
Colorado has a new national monument. Camp Hale was a World War II winter combat training site. (Story aired on Weekend Edition Saturday on Oct. 15, 2022.)
Oct 17, 2022
News brief: Iranian drones in Ukraine, Ga. midterms, Biden's speech on abortion
Does Russia's use of Iranian drones signal a shift in strategy? Gubernatorial candidates debate in Georgia rematch. President Biden will make what's billed as a "major" speech on abortion rights.
Oct 17, 2022
Suburbs delivered recent wins for Georgia Democrats. This year, they're up for grabs
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Suburban voters in swing states around the country helped propel President Biden to victory in 2020. That included Georgia, where voters also sent two Democrats to
Oct 17, 2022
Mississippi River Basin adapts as climate change brings extreme rain and flooding
After a torrential downpour began on Aug. 7, the Pecatonica River jumped its banks in Freeport, Ill. and flooded the basement of Laurie Thomas' family home, nearly to the
Oct 16, 2022
Video on social media shows a white man grabbing a Black man by the neck in Milwaukee
Milwaukee police are investigating a scenario shown on a video circulating social media, in which a white man is seen grabbing a Black man by the neck while accusing him
Oct 16, 2022
Two LA city council members have lost their committee positions over race scandal
LOS ANGELES — The head of the Los Angeles City Council stripped two members of much of their power Monday to pressure them to resign for participating in a
Oct 16, 2022
Kyiv targeted by Russian kamikaze drones
Oct 16, 2022
You can now apply for Biden's student loan relief plan. Here's how
On Monday, President Biden announced the application for his student loan relief program is officially live.
The administration published a beta version of the application last week. Since its
Oct 16, 2022
Former NASA astronaut Jim McDivitt, who led Gemini and Apollo missions, dies at 93
Jim McDivitt, an astronaut who played a key role in making America's first spacewalk and moon landing possible, has died. He was 93.
NASA confirmed his death to NPR
Oct 16, 2022
Emmanuel, a TikTok-famous emu, has avian flu after a deadly outbreak on a Florida farm
Emmanuel, a widely beloved emu who went viral on TikTok, is in dire condition battling the avian flu.
Taylor Blake's family farm in South Florida, Knuckle Bump Farms, has
Oct 16, 2022
From the witness stand, Kevin Spacey denies sex abuse claims
NEW YORK — Kevin Spacey testified in a New York courtroom Monday that he never made a sexual pass at the actor Anthony Rapp, who has sued, claiming the
Oct 16, 2022
Tennessee is hit with a $100K fine and needs new goal posts after euphoric win
The University of Tennessee is being disciplined by its sports conference after euphoric football fans rushed the field in a sea of orange to celebrate a nail-biting shootout win
Oct 16, 2022
BTS announces upcoming Korean military service
Oct 16, 2022
2 California bakers create a life-sized Han Solo out of bread
BENICIA, Calif. — Han Solo may be a hunk. But "Pan Solo" is a hunk of bread.
That's what a bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area has dubbed
Oct 16, 2022
2 California bakers create a life-size Han Solo out of bread
BENICIA, Calif. — Han Solo may be a hunk. But "Pan Solo" is a hunk of bread.
That's what a bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area has dubbed
Oct 16, 2022
Coal producers legally must restore damaged land, but some are dodging obligations
A Bloomberg News/NPR investigation found large U.S. coal companies used bankruptcy and asset transfers to move old mines to shaky new owners, putting at risk federally mandated land reclamation.
Oct 16, 2022
Interior Secretary Haaland is documenting abuse in federal Indian boarding schools
A South Dakota reservation is the third stop on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's listening tour to acknowledge suffering caused by government-backed boarding schools for Native Americans.
Oct 16, 2022
Angered by racist comments, Oaxacan immigrants march to Los Angeles City Hall
The protesters were upset over racist comments that the former president of the council made. Nurry Martinez has resigned, but protesters want the other two on the leaked audio to
Oct 16, 2022
Monkeypox cases in the U.S. are way down — can the virus be eliminated?
Just a few months ago, it looked like the U.S. had lost its chance to eliminate the spread of monkeypox – that is, stamp out the outbreak and get
Oct 16, 2022
What we know about the victims of the alleged Stockton serial killer
Authorities in Northern California say they've arrested a man they suspect of being responsible for at least six murders over the past 18 months.
The Stockton Police Department announced
Oct 16, 2022
What to know now that hearing aids are available over the counter
Starting Monday, hearing aids will be available to buy over the counter across the U.S.
The major shift in hearing health care is due to a recent rule change
Oct 15, 2022
Radioactive waste found at Missouri elementary school
FLORISSANT, Mo. — There is significant radioactive contamination at an elementary school in suburban St. Louis where nuclear weapons were produced during World War II, according to a new
Oct 15, 2022
After 100 years, a Minneapolis church still holds services in Norwegian
MINNEAPOLIS — Before attending the packed Sunday morning service, Queen Sonja of Norway praised Mindekirken congregation for having maintained worship in Norwegian for all 100 years that the church
Oct 15, 2022
Thailand is rethinking its approach in its drug laws
Oct 15, 2022
Many Americans struggle to get food. Inflation is making it worse
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with c, CEO and founder of WANDA, about President Biden's hunger plan and the idea of a food bill of rights.
Oct 15, 2022
Close to 15% of the nation's bees were in Hurricane Ian's path
Ian hit hundreds of thousands of bee colonies as it made its way across Florida. The storm came at a critical time, just as many beekeepers from the East Coast
Oct 15, 2022
Eclipse the dog, known for riding the bus alone to the dog park, has died
Eclipse, the Seattle dog known for riding a city bus herself, died on Friday. The news was posted on her owner-run Facebook account.
She was 10 years old and
Oct 15, 2022
Yellowstone National Park has reopened an entrance devastated by June floods
Yellowstone National Park has reopened an entrance in one of the areas most heavily damaged by historic flooding four months ago.
The park began allowing regular visitor vehicle traffic
Oct 15, 2022
Police arrest suspected serial killer in Stockton, Calif.
Police in Stockton, Calif., say they've made an arrest in connection with a series of shootings, six of them fatal, that began last year.
Oct 13, 2022
When murals depict traumatic history, schools must decide what stays on the wall
A mural in George Washington High School in San Francisco has been the subject of a bitter dispute. It includes the life-size image of a dead Native American,
Oct 13, 2022
Suspect in Raleigh shooting is 15 years old and in critical condition, police say
The mass shooting in Raleigh, N.C., that killed five people including a police officer was carried out by a 15-year-old who is now in critical condition, officials said on
Oct 13, 2022
A juror in the Parkland shooting case says she felt threatened by another juror
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Prosecutors in the case of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz are calling for an investigation after a juror said she felt threatened by another member
Oct 13, 2022
Fishermen face felony charges over a cheating scandal at an Ohio tournament
Hoping to win a pro fishing tournament with nearly $30,000 on the line, Jake Runyan and Chase Cominsky illegally stacked the deck in their favor, according to officials in
Oct 13, 2022
Kroger and Albertsons plan merger to combine 2 largest supermarket chains
Kroger plans to buy Albertsons in a deal valued at $24.6 billion, a merger that would combine the two largest grocery-store chains in the U.S., the companies said on
Oct 13, 2022
Florida agriculture has been slammed by Hurricane Ian
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. - The gravel and dirt Turpentine Still Road leads to the Longino Ranch, established 1934. It's easy to miss the turn because the front sign is
Oct 13, 2022
What the city council scandal reveals about LA's racial divides — and solidarity
A leaked Los Angeles City Council recording hasn't just upended local politics. It also has highlighted long-simmering racial tensions within the multicultural city — and the work needed to
Oct 13, 2022
How Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became husbands in 1971
In this week's StoryCorps, we hear from two gay men who managed to get married in 1971 — long before same-sex marriage was legal.
Oct 13, 2022
About a third of people call doctors by their first names, a new study shows
About a third of people call their doctors by their first names, a new study shows. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic analyzed about 90,000 messages between 1,092 doctors
Oct 13, 2022
A pair of Levi's that sold for $76K reflects anti-Chinese sentiment of 19th century
A pair of Levi's jeans sold for more than $75,000. Don't worry. Inflation hasn't gotten that bad.
The (really, really) old pair of jeans hails from the 19th century.
Oct 12, 2022
5 people have been killed in a North Carolina shooting, including a police officer
RALEIGH, N.C. — Five people were killed by a shooter who opened fire along a walking trail in North Carolina's capital city on Thursday and eluded officers for hours
Oct 12, 2022
These are the faces of the rising number of Black gun owners in the U.S.
Black gun ownership in America dates back to before the country's founding.
Firearms helped aid Nat Turner's rebellion against white enslavers.
Harriet Tubman famously carried her pistol along the
Oct 12, 2022
Due to inflation, Social Security recipients will get a cost-of-living adjustment
Inflation remained high last month, with consumer prices rising 8.2% in September from a year earlier. To keep pace with inflation, Social Security recipients will get a cost-of-living adjustment.
Oct 12, 2022
Parkland Shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole
A Florida jury decided to give the Parkland shooter life in prison without parole, rather than a death sentence. He killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Oct 12, 2022
Jan. 6 committee hearing focuses on Trump's actions during the attack
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol focused its Thursday hearing on what Trump was doing during the siege. The panel is due to release a
Oct 12, 2022
So few Latinas make it in Hollywood – those who do are pushing for representation
Fewer than two percent of leading movie roles go to Latino actresses, according to USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. But those who do make it also multitask as directors, producers
Oct 12, 2022
A jury recommends life in prison for Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz
A jury has recommended that the shooter who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility
Oct 12, 2022
Men in unions may make $1.3 million more in lifetime than men not in one, study says
Men who belonged to unions their entire career made up to $1.3 million more on average than men who never joined one, according to new research. Those belonging
Oct 12, 2022
The number of Venezuelan migrants attempting to get into the U.S. is soaring
The Biden administration says it will immediately begin returning Venezuelan migrants who cross the border illegally to Mexico, while also creating a narrow legal pathway for some who can qualify.
Oct 12, 2022
Victims of a Colorado wildfire can choose a green rebuild that's within their budget
More than 1,000 homes were lost in the Marshall fire in Colorado last December. Now residents are wondering if they can afford to rebuild in adherence with a new green
Oct 12, 2022
Embattled LA City Councilwoman Nury Martinez resigns her seat after racist comments
Just days after she was heard making racist remarks in a leaked recording, La City Council member Nury Martinez resigned from her seat. Earlier this week she stepped down as
Oct 12, 2022
An Ohio man pleads guilty to plotting a mass shooting of college women in 2020
An Ohio man who federal authorities say planned to "slaughter" nearly 3,000 women at a local university in 2020 has pleaded guilty to an attempted hate crime, according to
Oct 12, 2022
COVID took over their high school experience. They want senior year to be different
For today's seniors, every year of high school has been touched by the pandemic. The closest they got to a traditional experience — the kind that has been chronicled
Oct 11, 2022
The U.S. will take in some Venezuelans while expelling others to Mexico
SAN DIEGO — The Biden administration agreed to accept up to 24,000 Venezuelan migrants at U.S. airports, similar to how Ukrainians have been admitted since Russia's invasion, while Mexico
Oct 11, 2022
Former president of the L.A. City Council resigns after she made racist comments
The former president of the L.A. City Council resigned her council seat three days after the release of a secret recording in which she and colleagues engaged in racist conversation.
Oct 11, 2022
The number of birds has declined in America's habitats, except wetlands
The number of birds in America's grasslands and shorelines has declined by a third in the last 50 years, according to a new report. But birds are staging a comeback
Oct 11, 2022
Alex Jones ordered to pay nearly $1 billion to Sandy Hook Families
Infowars host Alex Jones and Free Speech Systems have been ordered to pay nearly a billion dollars to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims.
Oct 11, 2022
The FDA authorizes omicron boosters for kids as young as 5 years old
The Food and Drug Administration authorized the new bivalent omicron boosters for kids as young as 5 years old. The shots could roll out almost immediately.
Oct 11, 2022
Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis' climate change policy is under scrutiny after Hurricane Ian
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' climate change policy is under scrutiny. He's focused on making the state prepared for hurricanes like Hurricane Ian, but environmentalists say it's not enough.
Oct 11, 2022
Misinformation about abortion targets Spanish speakers, galvanizing Latino voters
Shortly after the leaked draft opinion on abortion, there was a surge of posts about abortion targeting Spanish speakers. This misinformation is designed to galvanize anti-abortion Latino voters.
Oct 11, 2022
Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown on mobilizing Black voters
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown about if she thinks Black voters will turn out for Democrats this year.
Oct 11, 2022
How the White House plans to handle a winter COVID surge
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Dr. Ashish Jha, White House Covid-19 Response Coordinator, about the administration's strategy to prevent a winter surge.
Oct 11, 2022
Virtually all PPP loans have been forgiven with limited scrutiny
As COVID-19 shutdowns threatened businesses back in 2020, the U.S. government began issuing nearly $800 billion in potentially forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans. The program was designed to help
Oct 11, 2022
Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez resigns following her leaked racist remarks
Embattled Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez has resigned, days after a recording of her making racist comments against the city's Black and Oaxacan communities was leaked. "It
Oct 11, 2022
Penn State is about to host the Proud Boys founder, and its students are protesting
Penn State University says Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes spouts "hateful and discriminatory" rhetoric — but the school also says a student group has the right to bring McInnes
Oct 11, 2022
An ex-Louisville cop pleads guilty to using excessive force in Breonna Taylor protests
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former Louisville police officer blamed for instigating a conflict that led to the fatal shooting of a Black barbecue restaurant owner during the Breonna Taylor
Oct 11, 2022
With mortgage rates near 7%, the housing party is over. Now it's hangover time
These days Andrea and Mike Johansen are not living their best life. It's temporary but the couple is crammed into a small camping trailer at her parents farm in
Oct 11, 2022
A former Los Angeles Angels employee gets 22 years in Tyler Skaggs' overdose death
FORT WORTH, Texas — A former Los Angeles Angels employee was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison Tuesday for providing Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs the drugs that led
Oct 11, 2022
Comedians Eric André and Clayton English allege racial profiling at Atlanta's airport
Comedians Eric André and Clayton English said they were racially profiled by police at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on separate occasions in 2021 and 2020.
They filed a
Oct 11, 2022
ACT test scores drop to their lowest in 30 years in a pandemic slide
PHOENIX — Scores on the ACT college admissions test by this year's high school graduates hit their lowest point in more than 30 years — the latest evidence of
Oct 11, 2022
Millions of Americans are losing access to maternal care. Here's what can be done
Access to maternity care is decreasing in the parts of the U.S. that need it the most, affecting nearly 7 million women of childbearing age and some 500,000 babies.
Oct 11, 2022
Illyanna Maisonet's new cookbook reflects the diversity of the Puerto Rican diaspora
Illyanna Maisonet's cookbook Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook doesn't fit neatly into one, set box.
Then again, neither does actually being a Diasporican — a member of the more
Oct 11, 2022
Kentucky's high court considers if tax dollars can be redirected to private schools
Kentucky's Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday in a case that will decide whether the state can move forward with a program to send more than $100 million in tax dollars
Oct 11, 2022
One union's rejection of a tentative rail deal puts the agreement in jeopardy
A key rail union has voted against a deal brokered by the Biden administration, but talks continue to try to avert a strike next month. We look at what's at
Nov 28, 2022
Passed over for grants, Santa Rosa considering digging into reserves, other funds for Hearn Ave overpass
Passed over by federal and state agencies, Santa Rosa leaders Tuesday will consider a few radical fiscal moves to fast-track long promised overhaul of the outmoded Hearn Avenue overpass. A relic with its short ramps, sharp turns and no sidewalks, officials have had replacing the overpass over US 101 on the books since…
Nov 28, 2022
Paxlovid available to uninsured
Considered a life-saver for many COVID patients, the drug Paxlovid---administered after one has been infected---has been difficult to obtain without speedy attention and good medical insurance. That's changing in Sonoma County where a free clinic is connecting the uninsured with the new treatment. A dozen years after…
Nov 27, 2022
Upcoming holiday celebrations around the North Bay
Though snow is never part of the equation, the Bay Area still loves to celebrate the holidays. Many cities and towns have free events for the whole family. Joyful and triumphant revelers can roam from county to county to take part in the season's fealty, buy one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts, enjoy the Hanukkah Festival…
Nov 23, 2022
Petaluma rolls back development fees for affordable housing
In a push to encourage more affordable housing, Petaluma leaders have erased millions of dollars of impact fees it normally bills for new construction. The council unanimously approved the fee exemption for certain planned or under construction affordable housing projects. City Attorney Eric Danly said results won't…
Nov 23, 2022
New moves from Cotati help to streamline multi-family housing permitting
More changes have been made in Cotati to help meet the city's housing construction goals. Convoluted and restrictive zoning laws have kept many cities in Sonoma County and across the state filled with low density, single family homes. New state laws have pushed cities to change their zoning rules - including Cotati.…
Nov 22, 2022
Gap in homeless services for North Sonoma County filled by new center in Healdsburg
Sonoma County’s most recent point in time homeless count showed an increase in the number of unhoused individuals in Healdsburg and North County. Healdsburg continues to make moves to address the issue. Healdsburg Housing Director Stephen Sotomayor said the city has completed a major objective towards trying to end…
Nov 21, 2022
Questions of belonging, inclusion, community on the table at Sebastopol town hall
Some in West Sonoma County have faced high profile scrutiny following a number of discriminatory interactions at Analy High School. Community members reflected on how to confront systemic issues and push for a more welcoming school culture following a recent town hall on inclusion and belonging held at the school.…
Nov 21, 2022
Police say surveillance tech offers them more tools but Sebastopol has placed a high bar for approval
Police surveillance tech has been met with push back around the Bay Area - this week Sebastopol added itself to the list of cities putting greater scrutiny on the controversial technology. A 2020 audit of Sebastopol’s police department raised the question of whether the city’s values were reflected in its policing…
Nov 21, 2022
Petaluma considering dumping impact fees to speed affordable housing
Hoping to speed construction of more affordable housing, Petaluma officials this evening will consider waiving a host of development fees usually tacked on to new construction. The proposal would waive impact fees for traffic, open space and park acquisition, park development and city facilities development for…
Nov 18, 2022
Local organic dairies withering under huge jumps in production costs
After decades of growing demand, drought and a far-away war are laying low local organic dairy farmers and processors. Without cash soon, it's feared several local dairy operators may soon close up shop. "We have a drought crisis that is extreme," said Albert Straus, founder and CEO of Straus Family Creamery and…
Nov 17, 2022
Respiratory illnesses at 'extraordinary' levels in Sonoma County, especially for children
Health experts in Sonoma County gave an update this week about the surge of respiratory illnesses plaguing the county and filling hospital beds. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are clogging hospitals across the state, especially children's hospitals, according to the California Department of…
Nov 17, 2022
Santa Rosa commits to 'functionally ending' homelessness
Vowing to make homelessness rare, brief and non-reoccurring, Santa Rosa elected leaders this week unanimously approved a strategy to functionally end homelessness in the county seat by 2027. More a framework than a step-by-step roadmap, the 'strategic plan' commits the city and nonprofit agencies it contracts with to…
Nov 16, 2022
Residents' appeal against Sebastopol RV village shot down
The fight over a sanctioned area for people living in RVs continues in Sebastopol. The city currently faces a challenge in federal court to its RV parking ban ordinance that applies to elsewhere besides the Horizon Shine RV Village. Planning Director Kari Svanstrom noted, the city does not exist in a vacuum. "There is…
Nov 16, 2022
Sonoma County celebrates newly-remodeled and expanded airport terminal
The long-awaited refurbished terminal at Sonoma County Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) saw some fanfare Tuesday. Various county dignitaries and the public gathered to mark the completion of a big remodeling and expansion job and celebrate added capacity. Craig Schulz, one of the sons of the famed cartoonist, shared…
Nov 15, 2022
California commission overhauls rooftop solar proposal
The California Public Utilities Commission last week released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid. The revised proposal comes after the CPUC earlier this year…
Nov 14, 2022
Cotati gives the green light to urban agriculture
Residents say it’s been a long time coming, but Cotati’s rules for urban farming have come together. Open hours between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; parking access; two market days a week - those are just after some of the rules put in place after lots of back and forth. Now Cotati residents have the green light to open their…
Nov 10, 2022
What to make of the midterms? KRCB News asks a local expert
As part of our 2022 midterm election coverage, KRCB News spoke with Sonoma State University's David McCuan, chair of the political science department and a local politics expert. Below are excerpts from the conversation between McCuan and KRCB's Noah Abrams on November 9, 2022. Abrams: "So I know we're, we're still…
Nov 09, 2022
Votes pour in and smiles abound as candidates wait on final results
As is customary, local candidates held election night watch parties, KRCB spoke with some on the ballot in Sonoma, and one in Marin County at their gatherings of friends, family, and supporters as results rolled in. The days of decisive Election Day results may be behind us as the switch to mostly vote-by-mail ballots…
Nov 09, 2022
County's winery event rules get further re-tool
Adding rules to Sonoma County’s wine industry is never easy, and the latest attempt to regulate winery events is causing a stir. "Unfortunately, the commission got lost in the weeds and the recommendation is an attempt to micromanage a business that the commission does not understand and it challenges that they cannot…
Nov 07, 2022
Santa Rosa looks to shore up strategy to keep Eel River water available for use
PG&E has begun relinquishing its control of the Potter Valley Project. Concerned that this will reduce water supplies, Santa Rosa is exploring options. Mendocino County's century old Potter Valley Project consists of two Eel River dams, a tunnel diverting some of the Eel into the East Fork of the Russian River, and an…
Nov 07, 2022
Sonoma County Storm Watch
Nov 04, 2022
Oak Grove Superintendent says teachers and district remain at odds
Negotiations between teachers and Oak Grove Union School District have reached an impasse. Following up on yesterday’s report featuring union members, Superintendent Amber Stringfellow laid out the opinions of the small district outside of Sebastopol. Stringfellow has led the little two-school Oak Grove Union district…
Nov 04, 2022
Another set of Sonoma County teachers poised to strike
Another Sonoma County school is staring down a teachers strike. This time - Oak Grove Union just north of Sebastopol. Educators in the two-school district say they have reached the end of their rope - 93% of Oak Grove Union Elementary Educators Association members have authorized a strike. 84% expressed no confidence…
Nov 02, 2022
IOLERO chief talks hopes and expectations in first sit down interview
Social unrest during the summer of 2020 invigorated the movement for justice and accountability in American policing. Over two years have passed from those days of demonstrations in Sonoma County and across the nation. KRCB sat down with the new leader of the county's sheriff oversight group for a conversation about…
Nov 01, 2022
Sebastopol braces for lawsuit over RV camping ban
Morris Street in Sebastopol may be clear of RV’s, but the reverberations from the city’s effort to relocate RV dwellers and clean up the once sprawling encampment continue. Lawyers from the ACLU of Northern California and Sonoma County Legal Aid, among others, filed suit in federal court last week against Sebastopol…
Nov 01, 2022
Pressure and pushback against solar incentives reform push grows
California regulators have postponed a decision yet again on the future cost of rooftop solar systems...while advocates accuse them of undermining solar at the behest of utilities. The decision, which would overhaul incentives and payments for residential solar systems has been postponed until next August at the…
Oct 31, 2022
Gravenstein Union support staff prepared to strike for higher wages
Sonoma County’s cost of living is near the highest in the state, and many educators struggle to make ends meet. In a bid for higher wages, another strike is looming - but this time it isn’t teachers at this West County School district. In the tiny two school Gravenstein Union School District outside Sebastopol,…
Oct 28, 2022
McGuire faces newcomer Gene Yoon in re-election bid
In the November 8th election, longtime incumbent and highly favored Democrat Mike McGuire faces Republican newcomer Gene Yoon to represent the sprawling 2nd state Senate district, stretching along the coast from the Golden Gate to the Oregon line. Atypical of Republican office-seekers, Yoon was once on the other side,…
Oct 28, 2022
Winery events may soon get a closer look from County
Planning a vineyard party? Barrel tasting bash or wedding? Events at wineries in Sonoma County are slated for some changes. On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors will hear a new winery event ordinance - one that has already gone through a lengthy revision process with the county's planning commission. Meant to…
Oct 27, 2022
Prescribed fire - medicine for nature
With September’s record heat behind us, and fire risks fading, firefighters and conservation groups are wasting little time, conducting controlled burns ahead of winter. Thursday, October 27th, firefighters intentionally set alight part of Pepperwood Preserve northeast of Santa Rosa---fighting fire, with fire. Aiming,…
Oct 27, 2022
Thompson, Brock spar on vision for 4th Congressional District and the nation
Next up in our ongoing election 2022 coverage, the race for the fourth congressional district seat in the US House of Representatives. Redistricting after the 2020 US Census changed a number of local districts. Mike Thompson is running for re-election in what is now California’s 4th Congressional District, the new…
Oct 27, 2022
Declining enrollment pressuring school districts; some exploring consolidation
A confluence of demographic trends, COVID impacts and rising costs are pinching many local school districts, likely forcing some tough choices. "The new normal is declining enrollment, learning to live with less students in the public schools, which means the revenue is going to be down. The new normal is, we have a…
Oct 26, 2022
Petaluma moves to regain direct control of city's fairgrounds
Democracy was on the docket last night in Petaluma with a special meeting of the city council focused on the future of the city’s fairgrounds that stretched nearly 6 hours. Deliberation and debate is the name of the small ‘d’ democratic game - and when it comes to deciding the future of Petaluma’s fairgrounds, there’s…
Oct 26, 2022
Rallyers gather to remember those lost and push for greater change
Since 1996, activists around the United States have rallied on October 22nd for a national day of protest against police brutality. This year’s day of protest saw around 60 people gather outside the Sonoma County administrative offices in Santa Rosa. "No Justice! No Peace! No Racist Police!" Attendees chanted. Many in…
Oct 26, 2022
Sonoma County housing advocates call for expanded tenant protections
Roughly 3000 people are living on the streets of Sonoma County, according to the latest point in time count. And now that a county-wide eviction moratorium expired on October 1st, housing advocates are expecting that number to rise. "One of the primary predictors of homelessness is housing and affordability and…
Oct 26, 2022
Wide open race as five newcomers seek three slots on Sebastopol Council
In Sebastopol, where three city council incumbents are choosing not to seek re-election, November's contest is wide open. In all, five candidates are seeking a spot on the dais of the proudly alternative town. Three of the candidates in the race, Dennis Colthurst, Jill McLewis and Oliver Dick did not respond to…
Oct 25, 2022
Amid ominous signs, California releases first student test scores since the pandemic
Californians had their first statewide look at test scores measuring the toll the pandemic took on students -- and the way state education officials have handled the rollout provides plenty of clues that the news is not good. Earlier this fall the state Education Department refused a media request to immediately…
Oct 25, 2022
Four vying for Petaluma mayor's office
A project manager, a conservationist and two council members are running the be the next mayor of Petaluma, here's a look at the race and its contenders. It's a four-way race to succeed Teresa Barrett as the elected leader of the county's second-largest city, something of a microcosm of the county as a whole, and…
Oct 24, 2022
Online wine delivery company settles consumer complaint, customers can get refund
The online wine seller Naked Wines has agreed to settle a consumer protection lawsuit brought by multiple district attorneys, according to Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley. Haley said in a statement that Nakedwines.com, Inc. had settled a complaint alleging the company had not followed California's…
Oct 24, 2022
Stapp, Rossiter compete for Santa Rosa's 2nd Council District
Next up in our ongoing election 2022 coverage, the race for the second district seat on the Santa Rosa City Council. Mark Stapp is a member of Santa Rosa’s Design Review Board, an administrator at Sonoma State, and has served on the city’s Measure O oversight committee. Mason Rossiter is a political science student at…
Oct 21, 2022
Number of homes, connection with State Route 12 still stumbling blocks as SDC plan proceeds
With details of the county's re-use plan for the Sonoma Development Center still reverberating, the area's representative board of supervisors remains hopeful there's still room for compromise. Released earlier this week, redevelopment plans for the Sonoma Developmental Center are still being digested. A thousand…
Oct 20, 2022
Healdsburg takes stock of carbon footprint and begins climate mobilization
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions has become a top priority for many of Sonoma County’s cities. The timeline for action continues to accelerate. Healdsburg officials this week reviewed the city's inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and took steps to create a climate mobilization strategy. "Healdsburg is a leader in…
Oct 20, 2022
ELECTION 2022: Huffman and Brower on ballot for congressional district 2
For our ongoing election coverage, we’re speaking to candidates in key local races. One of those is for the representative for California's second congressional district. Spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, Jared Huffman has represented the roughly 700,000 residents of the second district in US…
Oct 20, 2022
Sonoma County requires flu vaccine for health care, congregate care facility workers
Sonoma County health care workers will be required to get a flu shot by the end of November under an order issued Wednesday by the county's top health official. The order, which takes effect Nov. 1, will require workers to get the annual flu vaccine or, if granted a medical or religious exemption, wear a surgical mask…
Oct 20, 2022
Napa County officials pursue regulatory, legal action over new vineyard project
Napa County officials fired back this week at a well-known winemaker in an escalating dispute over whether the county has regulatory authority over a new vineyard project on his land. On Oct. 13, Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre Wine Group sued the county over claims that local officials have overstepped in their…
Oct 20, 2022
Three challenging Fleming for Santa Rosa's 4th district council seat
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. In Santa Rosa's fourth district, three challengers are attempting to unseat city…
Oct 19, 2022
Aminzadeh, Connolly contest new Assembly District 12 seat
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. KRCB News spoke with the two candidates running for the State Assembly's 12th District…
Oct 19, 2022
'Final' SDC plan calls for 1,000 homes, 900 jobs at Eldridge campus
Sonoma County officials appear to be ploughing ahead with bold re-use plans for the sprawling Sonoma Developmental Center. A total of 15 pages of revisions to the site's specific plan and a 2,500+ page environmental impact report were released to the public Tuesday. The county's planning commission is scheduled to…
Oct 18, 2022
Jacobi, Okrepkie face off in Santa Rosa's District 6
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. KRCB News spoke with the two candidates running for the 6th District seat on the Santa…
Oct 17, 2022
One year on - Roseland Library full of life in latest home
An improved-but-still-temporary Roseland Regional Library has been open for about a year on Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. On a foggy mid-October morning students from Victor Guadarrama’s sixth grade class from nearby Sheppard Elementary darted around the main room. He said he thinks the library is a great resource…
Oct 17, 2022
Sonoma will weigh annexations at county's request
The City of Sonoma is being pushed to expand, but less forcefully. A final report prepared by Sonoma County's Local Area Formation Commission...also known as LAFCO [laugh-coe]…..is scheduled for public release today. It recommends Sonoma swallow several unincorporated 'islands,' a few peripheral areas that have…
Oct 17, 2022
Drought likely to persist as forecasters expect 'La Nina' to linger through most of winter
Water supplies are dipping and the outlook for the coming rainy season is iffy at best. That's the main takeaways from Thursday's online drought town hall held by Sonoma County. Officials say Lake Sonoma stands at forty-four percent capacity. Brian Garcia, with the National Weather Service, said precipitation dropped…
Oct 14, 2022
Mental healthcare workers and Kaiser still deadlocked after two months
Mental healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are marking two months on strike across Northern California today. "We're here for the patients, not for ourselves," said Christine Naber, a neuropsychologist at Kaiser in Santa Rosa and member of the National Union of Healthcare Workers. She said the ongoing strike is…
Oct 14, 2022
CalMatters: This is how much you'll get from the California gas rebate
California is sending money directly to millions of residents to help with rising costs and high gas prices. The payments, which started going out Oct. 7, range from $200 to $1,050, depending on income and other factors. About 18 million payments will be distributed over the next few months, benefiting up to 23…
Oct 13, 2022
Cotati brings Dutch designs to California
For now the cannabis shops are the main thing Cotati and Amsterdam have in common, but soon enough Cotati’s neighborhoods may look a lot more Dutch. "The sum result of all of this is the creation of a series of outdoor living rooms," Cotati planner Autumn Buss said. The living rooms Buss is talking about: Woonerfs. A…
Oct 12, 2022
Sonoma County's civil grand jury foreman on the state of housing in the county
Sonoma County needs lots of new homes - almost 15,000 to be precise, and failing to meet that goal within the next decade could prompt the state to take over control of local housing development. One group that has done a deep investigation of local housing needs is Sonoma County’s civil grand jury. "Civil grand…
Oct 11, 2022
New engagement chief sets out her vision for IOLERO in the community
Sonoma County’s sheriff oversight body IOLERO, has seen a number of changes recently. Including a new community engagement manager. With a degree in criminal justice from Sonoma State in hand, Lizett Camacho said she saw the writing on the wall when IOLERO needed a new community engagement lead. "I've been in the…
Oct 11, 2022
Impacts, competing interests vie for attention as county revises well rules as suit proceeds
Following hours of deliberations last week, Sonoma County supervisors decided to not issue any new permits for water well drilling, at least until next April. The moratorium comes as the California Coastkeeper Alliance continues legal action against the county, accusing officials of environmental mismanagement by…
Oct 11, 2022
Heartbreak, loss, strength and resilience honored five years after Tubbs Fire
As the fog cleared Saturday morning, elected leaders, firefighters, and local residents gathered to mark the 5-year anniversary of the Tubbs Fire. Other than a few scars on the pavement, Santa Rosa's Coffey Park looks like a recently completed subdivision, trees not yet casting much shade. After igniting north of…
Oct 11, 2022
New simulation predicts devastating floodwaters far inland in major tsunami
A wall of water walloping Doran Spit. Estero Americano changing course, channeling the pacific upstream, nearly to Valley Ford, water lapping at the edges of the Rocky Memorial Dog Park in Petaluma. The disaster scenario comes courtesy of the California Geological Survey, which Friday released updated tsunami…
Oct 10, 2022
Tubbs anniversary: Forthcoming book tells story of 'senior citizens left in the path of a ferocious firestorm'
It's been five years since a wildfire killed 22 people in Sonoma County and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings. Ceremonies took place this past weekend in Santa Rosa and Sonoma to mark the anniversary of the Tubbs Fire and remember those who perished and the loss of whole neighborhoods. KRCB News invited two…
Oct 10, 2022
Kaiser mental healthcare strike continues
Mental healthcare staff at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa remain on strike, holding out for better working and patient-care conditions. After nearly two months some Kaiser employees have returned to work, unable to continue on without pay. Alexis Petrakis, a mental healthcare worker at Kaiser's Santa Rosa facility,…
Oct 07, 2022
Groundbreaking agreement made official for tribal authority at holy lake
Since 2019 Sonoma County Parks and the Graton Rancheria have co-managed Tolay Lake Regional Park outside Petaluma. That interim agreement has been cemented for the next 20 years. Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane off Lakeville Highway sits Tolay Lake. Though reduced from its original size after settlers in the…
Oct 07, 2022
Loss still reverberating five years after the Tubbs Fire
Five years ago, hot dry winds roared into Calistoga, fanning what would become an apocalyptic, deadly wildfire reaching into urban Santa Rosa. As part of KRCB News's coverage of the anniversary, reporter Marc Albert reached out to Jonathan Coke, currently a resident of Chico, whose Aunt, then 83 year old Carmen…
Oct 07, 2022
Crop Report: Apples, dairy, poultry slammed by drought, grapes and cannabis up
In spite of crushing drought, Sonoma County's farms, ranches, orchards and vineyards delivered crops and products worth nearly a fifth more than last year. But the county's latest annual crop report is far from universally sunny. Ag is in flux, with some traditionally strong sectors floundering under drought and lower…
Oct 06, 2022
Elections are right around the corner. Here's the basics
On Monday, Sonoma County starts sending out ballots for the November 8th midterm election and a number of seats are up for election across Sonoma County. Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto said there's plenty opportunities for voters to cast their ballots by November eighth. "In person voting, we have seven…
Oct 06, 2022
Tensions and concern remains around RV village and Sebastopol homeless
This week the city of Sebastopol provided an update on a safe parking site for homeless residents. While public opinion is unsurprisingly divided, the situation remains complex. "The simple solution seems to be to try to squeeze the balloon as they say, you squeeze one in and you push them out somewhere else,"…
Oct 05, 2022
Protected bike lanes, add'l parklets eyed for short stretch of Mendocino Avenue
Officials meeting in Santa Rosa Tuesday batted around concepts aimed at making part of Mendocino Avenue more of an extension of downtown, and less of an escape route. While no decisions were made, it seems nearly inevitable that one of the two northbound lanes between Fourth Street and College Avenue will be…
Oct 04, 2022
Petaluma housing plans near completion
The city of Petaluma is working on a blueprint for where to build hundreds of new houses, condos and apartments. 1,910 - the number of housing units the state says Petaluma needs to build in the next eight years. City planner Christina Paul said the community has outlined a number of housing priorities. "We have a…
Oct 03, 2022
Official responses to civilian oversight on housing shortage are in; blame and responsibility still in contention
Affordable housing. Everyone’s talking about it, like Caitlin Cornwall with the Sonoma Valley Collaborative. "Housing affordability is a crisis across the whole county." Cornwall said to the Sonoma City Council at a meeting earlier this year. Building affordable housing is another thing. This year Sonoma County’s…
Sep 30, 2022
Scale, density and preservation remain concerns as SDC reuse proposal gels
Roughly one hundred people showed up at the Sonoma Developmental Center Thursday, where the county's planning commissioners held an on-site meeting and walking tour of the shuttered 19th century campus in the Sonoma Valley. Officials continue refining re-use plans for the nearly one thousand acre site. Brian Oh, with…
Sep 30, 2022
Former PG&E execs settle wildfire victims' suit for $117 million
Former PG&E executives and directors have settled a lawsuit for $117 million in damages caused by the utility in connection with North Bay fires and the Camp Fire in Butte County, which was the deadliest fire in California history, the PG&E Fire Victim Trust announced Thursday. After more than a year of negotiations…
Sep 29, 2022
Frustration mounts in the struggle for sheriff oversight
Disappointment and confusion continue to surround the struggle for oversight of the Sonoma County sheriff’s department. Local resident Kimi Barbosa recently made her thoughts on the matter known to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. "You proved us right," Barbosa said. "In 2020 we said we did not want you to…
Sep 29, 2022
Sutter healthcare scientists join ranks of striking workers in Santa Rosa
Fall has officially begun with perhaps another “Strike-tober” ahead as healthcare workers at Sutter Heath in Santa Rosa started early in their fight for a new contract. Chants of "We’re on strike!" came from the lab scientists, pharmacists, social workers, and other ESC’s, engineers and scientists, at Sutter Health in…
Sep 28, 2022
Sonoma County Airport on course to serve a record number of passengers in 2022
With the pandemic waning, more of us are taking to the skies from Sonoma County. The passenger count at the Sonoma County Charles M. Schulz Airport is nearing 400,000 so far this year. That's more than double 2020's record low. Airport Manager Jon Stout said, "We're projecting we'll finish the year around six hundred…
Sep 28, 2022
After a decade of resistance, Sebastopol relenting on SmartMeters
For nearly a decade, propelled by activists concerned about long-term exposure to certain frequencies of radio waves, the City of Sebastopol has delayed the roll-out of new, high-tech utility meters. This week, years after state regulators ruled municipalities had no jurisdiction and couldn't block them, Pacific Gas…
Sep 28, 2022
County to study developing 'climate adaptation center' at SDC site
There's a new subplot in the on-going drama over re-use of the Sonoma Developmental Center, the shuttered state facility for the developmentally challenged in the Sonoma Valley. County officials say it won't impact the timeline. A final Environmental Impact Report and Specific Plan are still due by December thirty…
Sep 26, 2022
Anti-Semitic flyers left at Santa Rosa homes ahead of Jewish new year
Dozens of residents in eastern Santa Rosa awoke Friday morning to leaflets left at their homes overnight blaming followers of Judaism for the COVID pandemic. It's the latest flyer drop possibly linked to a Petaluma man, who operates an anti-Semitic conspiracy website. The flyers, placed on porches driveways or in…
Sep 26, 2022
Sebastopol relents in battle over high tech water meters
Concerns about grave health impacts from exposure to radio waves has prompted one Sonoma County city to back off, up to a point. The Sebastopol city council unanimously approved a measure last week allowing residential customers to keep their old water meters, if they insist. Like other cities and towns around…
Sep 26, 2022
Windsor extends vacation rental moratorium, developing permanent rules
With a moratorium on vacation rentals in Windsor set to expire, town leaders there Wednesday moved to extend it for nearly a year. Set to elapse a week from Saturday, officials had hoped to present permanent rules regulating short term rentals, but a draft ordinance wasn't ready. While Airbnb and VRBO are the most…
Sep 23, 2022
Some question efficacy of new wildfire smoke protections in Sonoma County; others celebrate progress
This is the third and final story in a series from KRCB in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism California Fellowship, looking at the detrimental health effects of wildfire smoke and the dangers Sonoma County's agricultural workers face. Living and working in the midst of wildfires and the…
Sep 22, 2022
Greater protections from wildfire smoke are in place but effectiveness largely untested
This is part two in series from KRCB in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2022 California Fellowship looking into the danger wildfire smoke poses to Sonoma County's agricultural workers. Wildfire smoke can leave wounds that last long after the fire has been put out. In October of 2017,…
Sep 22, 2022
Sonoma, Marin counties receive $10 million for carbon farming partnership
Sonoma and Marin counties will soon launch a partnership program that supports farmers initiating climate-friendly practices designed to create an exchange of climate-smart agricultural products between the two counties. Announced last Wednesday, the counties are set to receive up to $10 million from the U.S.…
Sep 21, 2022
Wildfires capture attention - but smoke remains the inescapable threat
This is part one in a three part series by KRCB, in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2022 California Fellowship on wildfire smoke, its effect on our health, and how workers in the farms and fields of Sonoma County are responding to the threat. Wildfires are changing. With their new…
Sep 21, 2022
Hotel, housing complex near Sonoma closer to reality
An affordable housing project and hotel planned for an area near Sonoma cleared a critical hurdle this afternoon. The county board of supervisors approved surrendering part of Old Maple Avenue just north of Sonoma. A portion of the road, which parallels Verano Avenue, will make way for a 120 room hotel and 72 unit…
Sep 21, 2022
Early storm kneecaps, but doesn't eliminate fire danger
The risk of major wildfire across Sonoma County and the north coast is just about nil for the next week or so. That's according to a federal inter-agency weather and fire forecasting agency. Recent early season rains drenched some areas, and quenched others. But, fire season isn't quite over. Brent Wachter is a Fire…
Sep 19, 2022
Petaluma moves to shore up groundwater supply
Like just about everyone else in Sonoma County, Petaluma is looking for more water. They recently made it happen. Aiming to stave off any shortage, last week Petaluma moved forward with a new municipal well - this time on the city’s west side. Called the Oak Hill Municipal Well, Dan Herrera, a civil engineer for the…
Sep 19, 2022
Locals bash SDC plans as too big
After the recent release of proposals related to re-using the Sonoma Developmental Center, the public had it's first opportunity Thursday to sound off on plans for a thousand homes, nearly as many jobs and a road connecting Arnold Drive with State Route 12. Sound off they did. Officials tried framing the proposal as…
Sep 16, 2022
Kaiser mental healthcare strike stretches into second month
Kaiser Mental Health Care workers rallied at the Santa Rosa Kaiser facility on Bicentennial Drive in Santa Rosa Friday afternoon as their strike entered its 33rd day. With a breakdown at the bargaining table, Kaiser workers were picketing in Santa Rosa, saying overcrowding and under-staffing by Kaiser is hurting…
Sep 15, 2022
Sebastopol looks at potential futures for downtown creek
Covered up and reworked throughout much of the last hundred plus years - urban creeks are getting a second look from local governments for their vital role in local ecosystems. Hidden under paved parking lots or fenced away below steep walls, Sebastopol’s Calder Creek is often inaccessible and out of sight - at least…
Sep 15, 2022
Controversial alcohol permit survives another challenge
The Sebastopol city council has denied an appeal in a pressurized dispute connected to a new restaurant within the city - one with a controversial owner. A routine alcohol use permit for Sebastopol restaurateur Lowell Sheldon’s newest venture called Piala has been much scrutinized. The permit application, in the name…
Sep 15, 2022
Contentious Ag Pass program finally approved
A key vote took place in late August in a five-year-plus-long controversy over agricultural work in evacuation zones in Sonoma County. After months of official and staff deliberation, repeated worker demonstrations, and organized pushback from vineyard owners, the Sonoma County board of supervisors voted unanimously…
Sep 15, 2022
Local coastal plan nears completion
A new blueprint for future development and stewardship along the Sonoma Coast is nearly complete. Why does the coastal area have its own planning document? "In some ways we could say that this whole process started in Sonoma County, February, 1960, when the board of supervisors approved atomic park and said, that it'd…
Sep 15, 2022
New restrictions aimed at homeless approved in Rohnert Park
With little debate and no amendments, Rohnert Park's city council Tuesday approved barring people from sleeping in wide swaths of the city. The measure was approved 3-0 with both Vice Mayor Samantha Rodriguez and councilwoman Pam Stafford absent. It bans, among other things, camping within fifteen hundred feet of any…
Sep 13, 2022
4.4 Earthquake hits Santa Rosa
The 4.4 temblor struck at 6:39 pm Tuesday and was centered two miles northeast of downtown Santa Rosa, just North of Cobblestone Drive. It was at a depth of 3.5 miles and felt as far away as Clear Lake, Napa, Oakland, and San Mateo, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website. A 4.3 aftershock hit less than a…
Sep 13, 2022
The future today? Guaranteed Income comes to Sonoma County
Two and a half years into the COVID pandemic, early protections and emergency money have for the most part - dried up. Their benefits have been well documented, as has the divisive discourse around increased social spending. As prices rise and individuals are left to pick up the pieces, some cities are trying a much…
Sep 12, 2022
Do permit fees worsen housing woes? Santa Rosa embarks on review, may re-jigger fees
Adding a deck in Santa Rosa? A permit and inspection will set you back $199.93 before the first board or nail. A retaining wall? $185. Are those fees exorbitant and hampering the city's progress? Santa Rosa is considering revamping how and how much it charges for development fees, permits and inspections. The effort…
Sep 08, 2022
Caritas Center set to open; promises coordinated approach to treat, care and reintegrate homeless
Guided by workers in orange vests on a recent Friday, a pair of cranes slowly lowered lumber into place. Meanwhile, gates are being fitted to dog kennels. Across the courtyard, laborers are painting trim, testing locks. There's a welter of activity at what at first blush could pass for a university building or…
Sep 06, 2022
Drought conditions worsening
With extreme heat expected and water supplies dwindling, experts at a monthly county drought briefing praised conservation while warning drought is now looking like it will linger into the coming winter. Summing things up, Supervisor Chris Coursey said, the weather hasn't been kind. "Well, the first seven months of…
Sep 06, 2022
Bohemian Highway bridge replacement inching forward
Well-loved and long-travelled, the nearly ninety-year-old Pratt Pony truss bridge spanning the Russian River at Monte Rio is nearing a date with oblivion. More of an utilitarian work horse from the 1930's Works Progress Administration-era than a marvel of engineering sporting soaring elements, the bridge, despite a…
Sep 06, 2022
Advocates warn reproductive rights remain under threat, even in California
With some states adding restrictions or prohibiting abortion, California is moving in a different direction. Nevertheless, local medical experts say they remain concerned about access, misconceptions and the future, even in solid blue California. A statewide constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion…
Sep 06, 2022
Attorney for family of man killed by SoCo sheriff's deputy plans to sue for wrongful death
The attorney representing the family of a man killed by a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy in July says that the officer who shot him did not follow proper protocol and does not have the proper temperament to be in law enforcement. Izaak Schwaiger, who has represented many parties in suits against law enforcement, is…
Sep 02, 2022
Rohnert Park: Grand jury calls for more police oversight after DOJ indicts 'rogue' officers
A 2021-22 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury report has called for greater police protocols and oversight in Rohnert Park after the U.S. Department of Justice accused two officers there of "shaking down" motorists for drugs and cash. Officers Brendan "Jacy" Tatum and Joseph Huffaker were patrol officers that conducted…
Aug 31, 2022
Northern California tribe works to reclaim their language
Before European contact, linguists say there were over 300 Native American languages spoken in North America. Fewer than half remain. This summer, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs announced it was awarding $7 million to American Indian and Alaska native tribes under the Living Languages Grant Program. The program…
Aug 29, 2022
Local healthcare providers say class divide forming over reproductive rights
With some states adding restrictions or prohibiting abortion, California is moving in a different direction. Nevertheless, local medical experts say they remain concerned about access, misconceptions and the future. A statewide constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion and contraception is set to go…
Aug 29, 2022
California phases out new gas cars, so what's next for electric vehicles?
New gasoline-powered cars will be banned in California beginning with 2035 models under a new groundbreaking regulation unanimously approved this month to force car owners to switch to zero-emission vehicles. In its biggest move yet to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and fight climate change, the new rule approved by…
Aug 26, 2022
Mobile clinic ready to bring healthcare to the road
Dental visits in a Winnebago? Petaluma Health Center’s newest clinic is made to be mobile. It might look like an RV on the outside - an RV that’s stamped with the portrait of a smiling nurse that is. At noon Friday, the Petaluma Health Center cut the ribbon on its newest mobile clinic. Congressman Mike Thompson was on…
Aug 25, 2022
Cotati appoints new council members
Several seats on city councils around the county are up for election in November. But one city is cancelling its next council election. Cotati mayor Mark Landman and council member John Moore both announced their retirements earlier this year. Those two retirements opened the seats for full, four-year terms on the…
Aug 25, 2022
Rohnert Park addresses grand jury findings; more reforms coming to Dept. of Public Safety
In the wake of relatively recent scandals, Rohnert Park officials are unanimously agreeing to reforms to its department of public safety...changes urged by the county's civil grand jury. Rohnert Park council members and administrators repeatedly pointed to actions and staffing changes already taken...and how reform…
Aug 23, 2022
Family of man slain by sheriff's deputy speaks out
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office remains in the spotlight over the killing of a North Bay man in late July. Bearing the heat Monday afternoon a supportive crowd gathered in front of the sheriff offices in Santa Rosa to hear testimony from the family, and supporters, of David Pelaez-Chavez, the Lake County man shot…
Aug 23, 2022
Regional Climate Protection Authority puts carbon neutrality center stage
The intricate web of connections that is the carbon footprint of a person, a community, and a society touches all things. Unraveling that web and making changes is a challenge. Aiming to do so though: RCPA, the Regional Climate Protection Authority. Sonoma County’s starting goal to lessen the impacts of climate change…
Aug 23, 2022
Healdsburg looks in the mirror on diversity, equity.
The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked a reassessment of efforts inclusion and justice in many municipalities. Earlier this year, looking to reflect on social, racial, and economic inequality, Healdsburg turned to Acosta Educational Partnership - which had done similar work at the city's…
Aug 23, 2022
Council hopefuls push qualifications, contrasts at candidate forum
There are four Santa Rosa city council seats up for election in November. On Monday, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual get-to-know-the-candidates session. City councilwoman Dianna MacDonald and former councilwoman Veronica Jacobi did not participate, although they are in the race and on the…
Aug 19, 2022
Neighbors push back against local park development
Some neighbors took issue Wednesday with official plans to convert a vacant lot in Santa Rosa's Roseland neighborhood into a local park. The meeting was held to assure every possible impact is included in an Environmental Impact Report. The city opted to shift course after threats of legal challenges to a previous…
Aug 18, 2022
Windsor imposes moratorium on new short term rentals
Another local community is looking to more strongly regulate short term rentals. This time Windsor. The divisive issue of short term rentals has become a concern across the region. Windsor is no different. Some in the community see them as essential economic drivers, others as cash grabs and a nuisance for neighbors.…
Aug 18, 2022
Healdsburg approves new surveillance tech
Lights, camera, Orwell? Following the trend of more than 100 cities across California, Healdsburg moved closer to erecting Automatic License Plate Readers, ALPR’s, at the city’s major entry and exit points. Considered by law enforcement a tool for investigating crimes, they're also a cause of alarm for civil liberties…
Aug 16, 2022
Lake Pillsbury could be drained - advocates see it as indispensable
Another lawsuit was filed this week in the continuing saga of the Potter Valley Project, a hydroelectric plant affecting the Russian and Eel Rivers. PG&E is in the early stages of surrendering control of the Project - a pair of dams, a diversion tunnel, and a hydro-electric station along the Eel River - and some…
Aug 15, 2022
Sheriff's Office releases body cam footage, audio in Chavez killing
Newly-released video and audio is shedding further light on the shooting of 36-year-old David Pelaez-Chavez by a Sonoma County sheriff deputy August 5th. Released Sunday afternoon via the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the 11-minute video includes body camera footage from both officers involved and a…
Aug 12, 2022
Santa Rosa temporarily caps vacation rentals
VRBO, AirBnB, Homeaway - the name of the app may be different, but short term rentals have drawn the ire of neighbors all the same. Santa Rosa is the latest local city to put limits on them. "We live in hell, we live with beer pong. They're drinking, they're partying. I've been yelled at and screamed at for doing yard…
Aug 12, 2022
"Strong recommendations" but no COVID requirements as schools reopen
COVID is again spreading virulently in Sonoma County, but sending fewer people to hospitals. As schools open, precautions against the disease will be largely voluntary. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County's health officer laid out the reasoning at a meeting Wednesday. "Even though we're seeing a lot of transmission of COVID…
Aug 12, 2022
Santa Rosa looks to its housing future in updated plan
Santa Rosa will have to build more than four thousand homes, apartments and other dwellings before 2031 to satisfy its state-mandated housing element. But what exactly is a housing element? Every eight years, the state assigns local jurisdictions a certain number of housing units that need to be met. Sonoma County's…
Aug 11, 2022
County's SDC proposal would bring 2,400 residents, 1,000 homes to shuttered campus property
A vibrant, new walkable town that's a refuge from modernity will rise between Glen Ellen and Eldridge over the next two decades if all goes according to plan. The new town would replace the shuttered Sonoma Developmental Center, a century plus residential treatment center for the developmentally disabled. The…
Aug 10, 2022
More Sonoma County nurses grapple with pay issues
America’s healthcare system is stretched thin and that was before the myriad stresses of Covid. Now for some Providence Health nurses, payroll errors are adding to the pile of issues. Missing paid time off, base pay reductions, and unpaid hours are among the payroll issues at six Providence Health facilities,…
Aug 10, 2022
Neighbors voice concerns over safety of proposed housing development
Hurting for water and hurting for housing - Santa Rosa is caught in a delicate dance as the city tries to balance its need for new homes. At a virtual neighborhood meeting Monday residents in a small West Santa Rosa neighborhood aired their grievances and concerns over a proposed new housing development. Crime,…
Aug 10, 2022
After Athena House closes, what next for Sonoma County treatment?
Where can people struggling with substance abuse in Sonoma County go to get help? And who will provide it? Just some of the questions being raised after Athena House, the thirty-three year-old treatment center in Santa Rosa, closed its doors in July. For Jasmine Palmer, a former patient at Athena House, its closure…
Aug 10, 2022
Facing legal challenge on well permits, county supervisors delay decision
After more than three hours of deliberations, officials punted on a proposal significantly changing how the county issues permits for water wells, pushing any decision to September or October at the earliest. While added scrutiny is coming, the board ultimately felt there were too many variables and too little public…
Aug 09, 2022
Enviros suing county; say mismanagement is draining Russian River basin
A revised county plan, adding additional reviews, water meters and other restrictions on new water wells in unincorporated Sonoma County...isn't enough to stave off a looming lawsuit. The suit accuses local officials of hurting protected species by pulling too much water from local watersheds. After the environmental…
Aug 09, 2022
Palaez Chavez, killed by sheriff deputy, remembered at solemn vigil
Led by clergy, and adding a solemn, contrast to an otherwise festive Friday evening in Courthouse Square...about 100 people gathered for an hour-long vigil memorializing David Palaez Chavez, a week after he was killed by a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy. Family members, many having driven from as far as Fresno, stood…
Aug 05, 2022
Deputy who shot and killed Chavez exonerated in similar 2016 incident
Marin authorities say it will be weeks before a cause of death or other information regarding a fatal shooting involving Sonoma County sheriff's deputies can be released. Chief Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding told KRCB News it will be up to six weeks before a cause of death or other information can be shared, pending…
Aug 05, 2022
Officials urgent appeal: conserve water now
Water supplies are running low across Sonoma County, while long range forecasts and a recent federal decision are likely to intensify local shortages. "We're in a significant drought. Conserve water. Every drop counts," County Supervisor James Gore told a drought town hall Thursday. Long range forecasts suggest La…
Aug 04, 2022
Petaluma adds temporary tenant protections
This week Petaluma’s city council meeting stretched late into the night over a contentious tenant protection ordinance. Aiming to have tenant protections in place before county-wide eviction bans expire, Petaluma took up discussion of a new ordinance on short notice, prompting a flood of public comments. The proposed…
Aug 03, 2022
New housing in Sebastopol moves forward
Environmental reviews and zoning regulations are so often the sworn enemies of housing development. “Workforce housing” - is new the term used by local governments and advocates looking to fill a housing gap for the many struggling to find affordable accommodations close to their jobs. Despite the normal hurdles, one…
Aug 03, 2022
Investigation underway into fatal shooting by county deputy
Santa Rosa Police and the Marin County Coroner's office are investigating the shooting death of 36 year old David Chavez of Lower Lake by a Sonoma County deputy Friday. An autopsy was underway Tuesday. Santa Rosa Police spokesman Sergeant Christopher Mahurin said results of a toxicology report would likely take…
Aug 01, 2022
SoCo Sheriff's Office releases name, narrative about man killed by deputies
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of the man killed in an officer involved shooting on Friday as well as more information about the killing. 36-year-old David Pelaez Chavez of Lower Lake was shot and killed by a deputy after officers said they repeatedly asked him to drop a claw hammer and a…
Aug 01, 2022
New airport hotel clears county approval
New developments within Sonoma County can be a challenging proposition for even the most determined builders. On paper, the Hyatt Place Wine Country Hotel has slick aerodynamic features, roof-top views, and a shady tree-lined lot. Despite some push back, the plans have been cleared for take-off. Over three years on…
Jul 28, 2022
Cannabis operation holds off neighbor's opposition
Sonoma County officials recently weighed in again on the operation of a controversial cannabis farm in Petaluma on Purvine Road. Along this bucolic stretch of farmhouses and green fields within Petaluma’s so called “Dairy Belt” a fight over cannabis has been waged with searing intensity for the past four years. On one…
Jul 27, 2022
Restraining order stands, county prevented from clearing Joe Rotoda Trail encampments
A temporary restraining order against Sonoma County and the city of Santa Rosa remains in place for the time being. That’s what a federal judge ruled Wednesday in an unusual case; one in which local unsheltered individuals are representing themselves in court. The case is Mcloud v. County of Sonoma et. al. and in a…
Jul 27, 2022
SRPD shines light on military equipment arsenal
Police departments across California are being compelled to transparency in unprecedented ways. Projectile launchers, chemical agents, and armored vehicles are just some of the gear designated “military equipment” by AB 481. AB 481 is a 2021 state bill aimed at promoting police transparency and protecting civil…
Jul 27, 2022
Nearly extinct white abalone possibly on road to recovery
Fished to near extinction, abalone, the hard-shell giant mollusks are about as rare as a marine hen's tooth. Two decades of strict protection under the federal Endangered Species Act have yet to reverse more than a century of overfishing. But an extreme federal effort underway in Sonoma County is showing promise to…
Jul 26, 2022
Programs to help small farms get added state funding
Drought and wildfires have hit small farms in Sonoma County hard. For many farmers and grape growers along the Russian River, 2021 was a harsh wake up call. Stringent water rights curtailments left many unable to water crops during a critical point in the harvest season. One such farmer was Rebecca Bozzeli, who runs…
Jul 26, 2022
Fates of fish and flow of the Eel River still uncertain
The Potter Valley Project is a century-plus-old hydroelectric plant north of Ukiah. Owned by Pacific Gas and Electric, it transfers water from the Eel River to the Russian River, providing drinking water to many in Sonoma County. But big changes are on the way. "Everyone who is a PG&E customer is currently paying PG&E…
Jul 22, 2022
Researchers looking for local wildfire victims to tell their stories
In recent years, wildfires have kept devastating Sonoma County, a trend that may only increase as climate change progresses. So why do so many people opt to return after fires like Tubbs, Kincaid or Glass? A team of researchers at the State University of New York at Albany have designed a study focusing on how…
Jul 22, 2022
Water savings from audits, better tech, adding up
Small savings add up. With droughts seemingly longer and more frequent, utilities across California are begging customers to cut usage by a fifth. In Sonoma County, Santa Rosa's WaterSmart initiative, is helping that city go above and beyond. In a story last week, we took you along as utility technicians scoured homes…
Jul 20, 2022
Sebastopol adopts climate action framework
There's a lot to navigating our changing climate. To do so Sebastopol recently adopted a Climate Action Framework by a unanimous vote. It's a sort of a roadmap designed to guide the city towards climate resilience. Kenna Lee spoke on behalf of Sebastopol’s Climate Action Committee. "Climate resilience is the…
Jul 20, 2022
Sonoma County keeps clean energy loan program going, for now
For the foreseeable future, Sonoma County residents can continue to access low-interest loans to cover costs like retrofitting a house for earthquakes, installing a greywater or solar system on a ranch or buying a pool cover. There are now about 125 distinct projects eligible for county financing; the whole point is…
Jul 19, 2022
Windsor begins recycled water program
photo credit: Courtesy of the Town of Windsor Water savings - it’s a necessity during this time of drought. Starting Wednesday, July 20th, Windsor residents will have a new opportunity to use recycled water. Permit purgatory had long put the kibosh on recycled water use for many Windsor residents. Thanks to a recent…
Jul 18, 2022
Santa Rosa encouraging water conservation through free audits, rebates and expertise
There's a lot of big ideas for solving California's perpetual water shortages. Desalinate ocean water. Tow giant bags of water or use a pipeline to pull water out of the mouth of the Columbia River. But there are also less ambitious and perhaps more practical ways too. The city of Santa Rosa is looking to help, one…
Jul 18, 2022
Santa Rosa considers saying "no more" to new gas station construction
Santa Rosa may join Cotati, Petaluma, Sebastopol and Rohnert Park in becoming the latest city in Sonoma County to ban the building of new gas stations. With the state on track to end sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, more and more cities are considering not allowing new station construction. “The idea is to…
Jul 14, 2022
SoCo supes approve project to improve county response to floods and drought
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a project this week that the county hopes will improve its response to the threat of extreme weather and fires in the wake of climate change. The move will bring in more staffing and integrate agencies such as Sonoma Water and the county's Department of Emergency…
Jul 14, 2022
Hundreds turn out for pro-choice rally in Santa Rosa
The Women's March Santa Rosa Reproductive Rights Rally saw people from around the North Bay gathering in Santa Rosa Wednesday evening to show support of reproductive rights and protest the recent US Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion protections. Many were holding colorful and clever handmade signs…
Jul 14, 2022
Sebastopol grants controversial alcohol permit
A local alcohol use permit has been given the go-ahead in Sebastopol. While that's not typically controversial, this heavily-scrutinized saga played out in an unlikely arena - the city's planning commission. First denied an alcohol use permit by Sebastopol's planning director, well-known Sebastopol restaurateur Lowell…
Jul 13, 2022
Petaluma unveils homeless action plan
Petaluma’s un-housed population has been at the center of multiple high profile events including fires, federal injunctions, and controversial encampment clearings. In an effort to reduce homelessness over the next three years, Petaluma has adopted a new strategic action plan. In recent years Petaluma has played host…
Jul 13, 2022
Enviros call proposal inadequate; vow to press suit
New rules that would add additional studies and raise the price of new ground water wells in Sonoma County aren't enough to end a legal challenge by environmentalists. The proposed rules are aimed at settling a lawsuit accusing the county of worsening the plight of endangered fish. Daniel Cooper, an attorney for the…
Jul 12, 2022
West Sonoma County high school district eyes consolidation
Public school districts in western Sonoma County might look different in a few years according to options laid out in a new report. The West Sonoma County Union High School District has asked experts to look at more consolidation. Outgoing county school superintendent Steve Herrington said financial strain moved the…
Jul 12, 2022
Well permit fees to soar as board pressured to reduce stream impacts
Digging a new well in some parts of Sonoma County may soon become a more expensive and lengthy process. All new wells would be metered and additional scrutiny will fall on applications for digging a new well near the Russian River and several other streams. The price of a well permit is also expected to more than…
Jul 10, 2022
Petaluma receives $13 million for new rail station, bus improvements
The city of Petaluma and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District plan to deliver a second rail station and electrify busses after receiving a $13 million grant on Friday. The funds, which are provided by the California State Transportation Agency's State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, will go mostly…
Jul 10, 2022
Santa Rosa city council to mull putting large pay raises for themselves on ballot
A committee created to review Santa Rosa's city charter is recommending that the city council agree to adding a ballot measure in November that would greatly increase the compensation for council members as well as the mayor. The committee's findings and recommendations will be presented to the council at Tuesday's…
Jul 08, 2022
Drought similar to 2021, research suggests climate change is squeezing out 'normal' California winters
Conservation will help the North Bay survive a third drought year, but growing signs suggest California winters are growing less and less reliable. Water supplies are about where they were last year at this time. Officials said at a town hall meeting hosted by Sonoma Water Thursday...that means a repeat of extreme…
Jul 08, 2022
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is assassinated
People across Japan are coming to terms with the shocking death of one of the nation's most influential modern leaders. More information and coverage from our partners at NHK here: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220708_62/
Jul 07, 2022
Cotati bans new gas station development
High fuel prices remain a persistent concern across the state. But with an eye to a post-fossil fuel future, some cities in Sonoma County are preventing new fossil fuel infrastructure. Petaluma, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, and now Cotati. The fourth and latest Sonoma County city to ban construction of new gas stations…
Jul 06, 2022
Sebastopol provides update on homelessness
Many in the RV’s and camper vans that once lined Morris Street in Sebastopol now reside in a sanctioned village. Sebastopol city staff recently provided an update on the months-old project. Elderberry Commons, Park Village, Horizon Shine. The three supportive housing sites within Sebastopol have met opposition, even…
Jul 05, 2022
Local reaction to nation's new offshore drilling leases plan
Releasing controversial news right before a long holiday weekend: the classic tactic was used again July 1. This time it was by the Department of the Interior, which released a draft proposal to allow new offshore oil drilling. Quietly published on Friday afternoon, it's the newest proposed five-year program for the…
Jul 05, 2022
Displacement, loss of rural lifestyle are top fears as Sonoma County launches search for thousands of building sites
Rural aspects of the county would be plowed under, and those on the margins need protection from displacement were among the main themes as officials last week considered what to include in environmental studies of new, state-assigned housing goals. The county's must make it bureaucratically possible to add close to…
Jul 05, 2022
California's new budget includes historic funding for education
California school districts, enjoy it, make it last and spend it wisely, because you may never see an education budget like the one that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Thursday. Total state funding for schools and community colleges will be $128 billion. That's a dramatic increase from 2011-12 when, in the depths following…
Jul 01, 2022
Local Independence Day celebrations 2022
After two years of pandemic cancellations, Fourth of July in Sonoma County is back in full swing. Scroll down to get links for more information. Events in Cloverdale include time-honored classics like the fireworks at Cloverdale High School, as well as the first annual Cloverdale Fourth of July Faire and Parade, which…
Jun 30, 2022
Easing access during evacuations, but at what cost
You may know first hand how people evacuate during natural disasters; have you ever wondered what happens to livestock? A recent state law changed some rules, letting ranchers feed and water their animals, even during an evacuation. That’s opened up a series of questions concerning farmworkers’ health and safety. When…
Jun 29, 2022
New agreement on IOLERO reached
After a challenging year of negotiations, Sonoma County and two police labor groups have reached a final agreement, fulfilling the oversight promises in 2020's Measure P. The public release of police body cam footage. Independent review. And discipline recommendations. Rules for each of those provisions are outlined…
Jun 28, 2022
Sheriff's race decided but accountability battle continues
The race for Sonoma County sheriff is finally decided. Eddie Engram, the frontrunner and current assistant sheriff has secured victory with over 50% of the vote. As ballots from the June 7th election trickled in, Engram's hold on the margin above 50% needed to avoid a runoff was confirmed. He said his goals for the…
Jun 27, 2022
No immediate changes in Calif., but choice advocates bracing for next anti-abortion moves
Though insulated by state protections, local leaders say the end of Roe V Wade will have strong ripples locally. Friday's Supreme Court decision does not spell the end of abortions in California, a state with some of the most wide-ranging abortion rights in the country. Sabra Briere, the leader of Indivisible Sonoma…
Jun 24, 2022
Services provider paints more complex picture at supportive housing site
KRCB previously reported on allegations of violence, neglect, and squalor at a supportive housing facility south of Santa Rosa. The property's owner and service providers say the situation is more complex. With residents more empowered, operators said they have less leeway or control. “The most vulnerable.” A phrase…
Jun 24, 2022
Healdsburg advances universal income pilot program
Some Healdsburg families could see extra cash in their pockets later this year. Healdsburg will be the first city in Sonoma County to experiment with a universal basic income, or UBI, pilot program. The plan, approved Tuesday, June 21st, will provide 50 households within the city with up to 600 dollars in direct cash…
Jun 24, 2022
County to consider agricultural exceptions from future wildfire evacuations
You may know first hand how people evacuate during natural disasters; have you ever wondered what happens to livestock? A recent state law changed some rules, letting ranchers feed and water their animals, even during an evacuation. That’s opened up a series of questions concerning farm workers, health and safety.…
Jun 24, 2022
Rep. Thompson praises gun bill passage
A long anticipated bipartisan firearms-related bill passed the senate Thursday. Long a supporter of stronger action to regulate firearms, Congressman Mike Thompson, who represents much of the North Bay, praised the measure ahead of the final vote, even though the bill fell far short of actions sought by gun control…
Jun 24, 2022
Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades
The U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade on Friday, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion upheld for nearly a half century, no longer exists. Writing for the court majority, Justice Samuel Alito said that the 1973 Roe ruling and repeated subsequent high court decisions reaffirming Roe "must…
Jun 23, 2022
Sonoma County Radio Amateurs hold annual Field Day this Saturday
When all else fails, there's still ham radio. Amateur radio, often called "ham radio," has taken on new significance with all the recent wildfires and other emergencies in Sonoma County. It's also a time-honored hobby whose enthusiast are holding its biggest event of the year this weekend What you're hearing is MORSE…
Jun 22, 2022
COVID vaccines now available for kids under 5
The long wait for COVID vaccinations for children under five is finally over. At the County's vaccinations clinic in Santa Rosa there was a sense of relief for long anticipated day. Unable to secure an appointment in Contra Costa County, Jennifer Medici, said after two years of taking extra precaution with COVID…
Jun 22, 2022
Urchin Festival seeks to raise awareness
Uni. The rich and briny roe of sea urchins. Considered a delicacy by many, an aphrodisiac by some, and now a dangerous pest by ocean experts. These sea urchins took center stage at the Mendocino Coast Purple Urchin Festival, aimed at spreading the word on the detrimental impacts California’s kelp gobbling purple sea…
Jun 22, 2022
Issues remain at supportive housing site
Pests, mold, prostitution, drugs, violence and break-in’s. Accusations that a once promising permanent supportive housing south of Santa Rosa has descended into squalor. "What you have at the palms now is you have a, an indoor encampment because the people there are still living like they're homeless." The words of…
Jun 22, 2022
Petaluma raises living wage rate
Inflation might be Webster’s Dictionary's word of the year, and it’s certainly on the lips of many Americans. In the Bay Area, inflation has been felt across the board; with grocery prices up by more than 10 percent from this time last year. Petaluma has taken action to help mitigate those cost increases. Dylan Brady,…
Jun 22, 2022
Santa Rosa looks to provide college funds
Despite the disruptions caused by COVID to college campuses, the high cost of higher education hasn't changed. According to the University of California, the average annual cost of attending a UC school, including tuition, housing, and personal expenses is more than $35,000. Trying to make college more accessible and…
Jun 22, 2022
PG&E says new tech will reduce equipment fires, but there's a catch
Newly installed technology that can detect short circuits and instantaneously cuts electricity, should dramatically reduce utility triggered wildfires this summer. PG&E, has upgraded lines serving three million Californians. The new ‘Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings,’ can sever power in as quickly as one tenth of a…
Jun 22, 2022
Quest to relieve Santa Rosa housing pressure could generate pushback
The county’s biggest city is facing a housing conundrum. Santa Rosa must lay the groundwork for more than ten thousand housing units to rise over the next nine years if it wants to maintain control of local housing decisions, according to Mayor Chris Rogers. “We lose local control…if we don’t follow RHNA, if we don’t…
Jun 21, 2022
Amidst soaring pump prices, Santa Rosa cutting bus service
You’ve heard about shortages of baby formula and computer chips, and restaurant jobs being hard to fill. There’s something else in short supply, at least locally. Bus drivers. Santa Rosa’s CityBus announced Wednesday it would cancel some weekday routes until at least July 8. They simply don’t have enough drivers. Even…
Jun 17, 2022
Federal grant program aims to revitalize Native languages
Before European contact, more than 300 Native American languages were spoken in North America. Fewer than half remain. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs Wednesday announced scores of grants to slow or reverse that trend. In some cases, all that remains of a language are old recordings and archival texts. Marnie…
Jun 17, 2022
Neighbors north of Sonoma say unincorporated area already overwhelmed
Concerned neighbors sounded off to Sonoma County's planning commission Thursday afternoon, expressing concerns about a proposal that would streamline and encourage new development north of Sonoma, near Boyes Hot Springs. The voices there of Mary Shay, Ricci Wheatley, Gina Cuclis, and Tom Conlon. Written comments on…
Jun 17, 2022
County will give 'guaranteed basic income' a try with pilot program launching next year
It’s promoted as a salve against the worst aspects of poverty, and also dismissed as a giveaway that will undermine initiative. The roll out locally should test both arguments. Buying food, paying off debt, saving for college; what would you do with a couple extra hundred dollars a month? The County of Sonoma, in…
Jun 17, 2022
Sonoma teaming with Marin, Mendo to cut coastal trash
Disposable masks, takeout containers, Amazon boxes; the pandemic has caused a dramatic uptick in trash. Local officials are upping the game on cleaning it up. Last year, more than thirty-eight thousand pounds of trash were collected in Sonoma County on Coastal Cleanup Day alone, with eighty-five thousand pounds picked…
Jun 16, 2022
Neighbors expected to sound off today on effort to streamline development near Sonoma
Neighbors are expected to offer their verdicts Thursday on a proposal to encourage more development just north of Sonoma. Officials say they've already hosted 20 community workshops on the Springs Specific Plan. The lengthy document, if approved, would prescribe in detail the type, design and general location of new…
Jun 14, 2022
Santa Rosa approves new parklet rules
Of the many changes to how people navigate urban landscapes because of COVID, one in particular has proven quite popular: parklets. The small parking space - roadway enclaves, sometimes built for public use, but often used by restaurants as outdoor dining spaces, were quickly permitted by many cities early in the…
Jun 13, 2022
Ag workers protest for greater protections
Farmworkers, activists and supporters showed up at Sonoma County government offices last week, calling for worker protections.The protestors rallied outside Sonoma County’s Office of Emergency Management Thursday afternoon, June 9th, demanding to be included in negotiations over the direction of the county's Ag Pass…
Jun 13, 2022
Aging Lake Hennessey Spillway, other local water needs sail through House, await Senate
Dozens of local water-related projects moved a step closer to reality late last week, as the House of Representatives approved a nation-wide bill to upgrade water infrastructure. Much of the local initiatives that made the cut involve dredging and using spoils to shore up areas against sea level rise and to protect,…
Jun 13, 2022
Feds nix North Coast 'coal train;' improving odds for 'Great Redwood Trail'
Plans to resurrect the long derelict Northwestern Pacific railroad appear dead. Federal regulators Friday rejected two proposals, including one by investors apparently intending to export Rocky Mountain coal to Asia via the rail line and the Port of Eureka. The federal Surface Transportation Board rejected the group's…
Jun 08, 2022
Engram closes in on top Sheriff job
Sonoma County will elect a new sheriff-coroner this year. It's unclear at this point if there will be a run-off in November between two of the primary election candidates. Tuesday's race was between current assistant sheriff Eddie Engram, former Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy Dave Edmonds, and retired San Francisco…
Jun 08, 2022
Engram close to clinching Sheriff's race outright; 2nd place Tennenbaum pins hopes on runoff
Despite lackluster initial returns for sheriff's candidate Carl Tennenbaum, the former San Francisco police sergeant may be down, but he's not out. With initial returns underwhelming as polls closed Tuesday, the jovial mood on the patio at Santa Rosa's Mission Kitchen + Bar, turned more sedate. Sheriff hopeful Carl…
Jun 07, 2022
Healdsburg set to join water sharing agreement
Drought vulnerable Healdsburg is willing to consider signing on to a new state initiative that's looking to have parties equitably share water, rather than settling disputes in court. As far fetched as that sounds, the State Water Resources Control Board is fine tuning their Russian River 'voluntary water sharing…
Jun 07, 2022
Engram, Rabbitt leading in primary election
Preliminary results are in for the June 7 primary election. So far, Eddie Engram is leading in the race for Sonoma County sheriff-coroner. He's received just under 50% of the vote. In second is Carl Tennenbaum with 27% In the two judgeships on the primary ballot, Laura Passaglia McCarthy is far in the lead against…
Jun 07, 2022
Gun lobby can be defeated with enough public pressure
Reforms capable of turning the tide on mass shootings are within reach. That's according to some elected leaders, including North Bay Representative Mike Thompson and gun control advocates who met for an online town hall Monday. Returning from a two week vacation, Democrats remain hopeful the increase in public…
Jun 06, 2022
Sakaki resigns from Sonoma State presidency
Sonoma State University president Judy Sakaki has announced she's stepping down. Her resignation takes effect on July 31st. Last month, controversy erupted regarding her alleged role in the handling of a sexual harassment case involving her now-estranged husband. Her resignation comes following a successful vote of no…
Jun 06, 2022
Cloverdale puts firework ban before voters
Due to drought and wildfire threats, another Sonoma County city is exploring a total ban on the use of fireworks. Around much of Sonoma County and its cities, fireworks are prohibited, even those deemed “safe and sane." The one exception: the city of Cloverdale. But now the Cloverdale city council has moved to put the…
Jun 03, 2022
Legislators and firefighters call for increased staffing
A group of legislators and firefighters gathered in Sacramento Wednesday to discuss the slate of issues facing Cal Fire during this time of critical wildfire danger. North Bay representative Mike McGuire is the state Senate’s majority leader. He detailed plans laid out in SB1062, also known as the "Fixing the…
Jun 03, 2022
Plans for coal train appear dashed
*Editor's note - Since the airing of this story, the North Coast Railroad Company submitted to the Surface Transportation Board a late application of intent to purchase 175 miles of rail line on the dormant rail line under the authority of the North Coast Rail Authority/Great Redwood Trail Agency. KRCB will continue…
Jun 01, 2022
Sonoma County women take a stand for abortion rights
It has been a month since Politico first reported a leaked draft decision from the US Supreme Court regarding the legality of abortion. Now questions and anger abound even for those in states like California, which has taken steps to protect a woman’s right to choose in face of the draft decision. KRCB News spoke with…
Jun 01, 2022
Experts urge maintenace and quality checks for private wells
As extreme drought gripping California continues to strain the state’s water system, property owners with groundwater wells are being urged to adapt. With areas of California experiencing land subsidence, or in layman’s terms, sinking, by up to two feet per year in recent times, experts are urging all private well…
May 31, 2022
'Old Fire' prompts mandatory evacuations in Napa County
June 1, 2022 8 a.m. update: This morning CalFire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit says crews made good progress overnight, and have held the fire at the nearly 600 acres burned Tuesday between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The 'Old Fire' is now considered 15% contained. Around 11 p.m. Tuesday night, authorities allowed access to…
May 28, 2022
Primary Election '22: Passalacqua vies Pardo for superior court judgeship
This week, as Sonoma County voters are mulling over their June 7 primary election choices, we've been talking to candidates for two rare judgeships on the ballot. We heard from the two candidate for office #6 and from Oscar Pardo, who is running for Office #9 on the county superior court. Now we speak to the fourth…
May 27, 2022
Millions in federal COVID aid going to local non-profits
Two and half years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonoma County officials Tuesday conceptually agreed to distribute millions of dollars in federal COVID relief funds. The money, some thirty nine and a quarter million dollars worth, was tentatively earmarked to dozens of non-profit groups. Officials will still need to…
May 26, 2022
Sonoma County earmarks nearly $15 million to reduce homelessness, develop housing
Sonoma County supervisors approved the use of nearly $15 million this week to support local homelessness services and develop new housing for the county's homeless residents. The board voted to utilize $11.8 million in federal and state grants for services that benefit homeless residents like street outreach and…
May 26, 2022
Rodriguez to replace Linares on Rohnert Park council after resignation
Samantha Rodriguez is the newest Rohnert Park city council member. She was appointed Tuesday. The council selected her from among three finalists who applied to fill the seat of departing Vice Mayor, Willy Linares. The term will expire once results from November's election are certified. Linares made a strong case for…
May 26, 2022
Local leaders speak for abortion rights
Local elected officials, civil leaders, and student representatives gathered for a press conference on reproductive freedoms in Santa Rosa this morning. As the fallout from the leaked draft Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade continues, local leaders are affirming their support for abortion rights and reproductive…
May 25, 2022
Thompson heavy favorite in upcoming primary
Despite a large number of challengers and major geographical changes to his district, professional prognosticators insist North Bay congressman Mike Thompson will easily sail to re-election. He's turned back every challenger since seeking a congressional seat in 1998. Thompson and his mainstream Democratic positions…
May 25, 2022
Feds weighing longshot rail revival against trail concept for derelict North Coast tracks
The future of close to 200 miles of derelict railroad tracks and right-of-way stretching from Sonoma County to Arcata is inching into view. A decision by the federal Surface Transportation Board last week clears the way for a final ruling. No trains have plied the tracks between Willits and Arcata for a few decades.…
May 20, 2022
Sonoma County set to add more supportive housing
Despite a five percent increase in the number of homeless individuals in Sonoma County since the start of the pandemic, a state program is helping to move people into permanent housing in Sonoma County. Growing out of statewide efforts to house vulnerable homeless individuals in the early days of the pandemic, Project…
May 20, 2022
Petaluma nurses look to community for support
You may have noticed nurses picketing recently in front of Petaluma Valley Hospital. In March of 2021, Petaluma Valley Hospital nurses signed a new labor contract following nearly three years of protracted negotiations. Jim Goerlich is president of Petaluma Nurse Staff Partnership, the independent union representing…
May 19, 2022
Next stop, downtown Rohnert Park
Plans for a formal downtown to rise on the abandoned State Farm site received a strong but informal vote-of-confidence this week from Rohnert Park's city council. Agreeing conceptually with an approach advanced by city manager Darrin Jenkins, the council agreed to fast-track the project, aim for about four hundred…
May 18, 2022
Despite major efforts, homelessness again rising in Sonoma County
Despite hotel conversions, safe parking experiments and millions of dollars in emergency rental assistance, homelessness is still on the rise in Sonoma County. The annual, one-night "point-in-time" homeless census found nearly 3000 people currently living on the streets of Sonoma County or experiencing some form of…
May 18, 2022
Suit seeks higher authority intervene in alleged mismanagement of Russian River
A year-old lawsuit about how Sonoma County manages the Russian River could make some waves Tuesday. County supervisors met behind closed doors to discuss the case, which seeks judicial intervention in the county's management of the Russian River watershed. Brought by environmental group California Coastkeeper…
May 18, 2022
New strategy for those in crisis already paying dividends
An initiative sending crisis counselors to certain emergency calls, rather than police, is showing great promise in Santa Rosa. That's where officials reported progress to the public Monday evening on the now four-month-old program. John Cregan, Santa Rosa's interim police chief, gave the rollout of inRESPONSE, high…
May 17, 2022
Sonoma County to examine fractional ownership
Sonoma County officials recently gave the go-ahead for staff to explore possible new regulations around fractional ownership. There are some similarities between what many know as time shares and fractional ownership. Companies like Pacaso sell partial ownership rights to homes, and serve as the property managers.…
May 15, 2022
Santa Rosa to test e-scooter pilot program for one year
The city of Santa Rosa will be adding up to 200 shared electric scooters, or e-scooters, to its streets for a pilot program that will begin this summer. E-scooter programs have emerged in other American cities and have proven popular and green modes of transportation. But they have also led to injuries, obstruction of…
May 12, 2022
Who judges aspiring judges? You have a rare chance right now
Near the bottom of June's ballot, beneath races for state treasurer and the board of equalization, locals will have the opportunity to choose two of the sixteen judges serving on the Sonoma County Superior Court. They may not make the news like governors or senators, but judicial rulings can have impacts, even if they…
May 12, 2022
County launches effort to convert 100 existing dwellings into affordable housing
With a lack of affordable housing, and years long, often fruitless waiting lists, Sonoma County is trying a new tack. Officials Monday announced an effort to make one hundred existing dwellings affordable by recruiting some property owners into a federal housing program. "The main goal is to get additional affordable…
May 12, 2022
COVID tide again on rise
Another spike in COVID cases continues growing in Sonoma County, officials said late Wednesday afternoon, but widespread vaccinations appear to be mainly taming the worst aspects of the pandemic. Dr. Sundari Mase is Sonoma County's health officer. "While our case rate is now twenty-six new cases per-day, per-100,000…
May 11, 2022
Brad Coscarelli talks his vision for county superintendent
Sonoma County will elect a new superintendent of schools next month. Three candidates are hoping to replace the retiring Steve Harrington. They are: Brad Coscarelli, Amie Carter and Ron Meza Calloway. As part of our ongoing June 7th primary election coverage KRCB gets to know the candidates, next up: Brad Coscarelli.…
May 11, 2022
Santa Rosa adopts new pension strategy
Santa Rosa officials voted Tuesday on a new strategy to fund city pensions. According to Santa Rosa’s Chief Financial Officer, Alan Alton, pension costs account for 62% of the city’s benefits budget. Approved by a unanimous vote, the new strategy involves shifting to what's called section 115 trusts, named after the…
May 09, 2022
Endangered abalone win federal mating help
Once a coastal staple, abalone have become about as rare as a hen's tooth. That could eventually change. Federal scientists are recommending state officials accept close to a million dollars to turn the tide for two dwindling abalone species. Scientists want to narrow down what's caused the crash in black abalone and…
May 09, 2022
Simple practices can partly blunt some climate change impacts
Though still frequently shrouded in fog, climatic conditions in Sonoma County, like the rest of the world, are changing. While large scale efforts remain hostage to political intrigue, there are practical, small scale ways to limit impacts locally. Along with oak, raspberry and mango notes, recent local grape harvests…
May 06, 2022
Rival groups clash over narrative on vineyard workers
A group of vineyard workers attended the Sonoma County board of supervisors meeting this week to speak out. The workersrepresent a new industry group, the Sonoma Wine Industry for Safe Employees, or Sonoma WISE, and they contradicted claims from a well-known local labor advocacy group. Showing up en masse, the more…
May 06, 2022
Are we depleting our groundwater? High tech underground scan should provide clearer answer
It's easy to tell how much water is in a reservoir. Just take a look. But in California, where water in rivers, lakes and reservoirs supply only about two-thirds the state's water needs in a wet year, knowing how much remains in aquifers below ground--where it can't be seen---is critical. For an accurate picture of…
May 05, 2022
Huffman: battle to save Roe decision not over
Demonstrators gathered Tuesday night in San Francisco, Santa Rosa and elsewhere across the nation, reacting to a leaked supreme court opinion suggesting the 49-year-old Roe V. Wade decision will be soon overturned. For insight into how the nation's majority Democrats might stem the tide, KRCB's Marc Albert spoke with…
May 03, 2022
Healdsburg: Council member resigns
A Healdsburg City Council member abruptly resigned Monday, citing "housing instability" and "hostile treatment" in her resignation letter. Skylaer Palacios announced her resignation from the council at the end of the body's Monday night meeting, roughly 18 months after being elected to the seat. In addition to the…
May 03, 2022
Conjuring a downtown for Rohnert Park
After a number of 'false starts,' Rohnert Park may soon receive a long-awaited downtown. The site has potential. Plenty of it. Right now, there's not much other than a concrete slab for a building torn down long ago, a cracked, meandering road lined in spots with rosebushes gone wild. From the fence, it's a meadow of…
May 02, 2022
MUSIC NEWS: Musician and filmmaker H.P. Mendoza joins Doug for Midday Music (Aired: May 2, 2022)
Musician and filmmaker H.P. Mendoza brings his film, Attack, Decay, Release to the Lost Church in Santa Rosa on Friday May 6 at 7pm. It's part of the AV Film Fest. H.P. spoke with Doug Jayne about music, movies, and more...
Apr 29, 2022
Unease grips Sonoma State campus
"So disappointing, so disheartening, so demoralizing." Those are the words of Michaela Grobbel, professor of German at Sonoma State University and a senator at large, representing all faculty, in the University’s Academic Senate. On April 13th the Press Democrat published revelations that Sonoma State had paid…
Apr 28, 2022
Santa Rosa greenlights more affordable housing
A large, affordable housing complex in Santa Rosa is closer to breaking ground. If all goes according to plan, 135 local families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, will find safe harbor in December of next year. That's when the three-story Aviara apartments on West College Avenue should welcome its first…
Apr 27, 2022
Kincade Fire payout goes towards local fire resiliency org
Local agencies and nonprofits are set to receive various windfall payouts following Sonoma County settlement with PG&E over the Kincaid Fire. One of the recipients is Fire Safe Sonoma. Fire Safe Sonoma has been working on coordination and securing grants for local fire prevention efforts for 25 years. The nonprofit's…
Apr 27, 2022
Amie Carter lays out positions for school superintendent campaign
This year after over a decade of Steve Harrington in the role, Sonoma County will have a new superintendent of schools. The position heads up the Sonoma County Office of Education, oversees county-wide education initiatives, and maintains fiscal oversight for Sonoma County’s 40 school districts. Three candidates are…
Apr 26, 2022
Local Sunrise Movement chapter calls for expanded public transit
On Earth Day Sunrise Sonoma County marched from Santa Rosa Junior College to the county supervisor chambers. Sunrise SoCo is the local chapter of the national youth-fueled Sunrise movement aiming to put pressure on elected officials to meaningfully act on the climate crisis. Organized in coordination with Sonoma…
Apr 26, 2022
Chopper noise, exhaust to go under review
Residents east of downtown Santa Rosa don't expect the silence of a remote mountain village. But their patience with the thumping whoosh of helicopter blades wore thin long ago. Next week, that may start changing. That's because a new contract between the county and what's now Providence-Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital,…
Apr 25, 2022
Yet another setback for PG&E wildfire victims
All roads lead to Sacramento. That's one takeaway from the convoluted series of events that led to tens of thousands of PG&E wildfire victims losing one of their top advocates in the state Capitol this week -- just one day after veteran lobbyist Patrick McCallum pitched Gov. Gavin Newsom's staff on the idea of a $1.5…
Apr 22, 2022
Artists across mediums welcome for Creative Sonoma's call for public art
A new initiative aiming to pepper Sonoma County with diverse and whimsical art pieces is welcoming applicants. While sculptors and muralists are welcome, Kristen Madson, director of Creative Sonoma, said the call out is actually more broad. "We're interested in seeing how any genre can engage and enliven our public…
Apr 20, 2022
Sonoma Water bills set to rise
Most locals will be digging a little deeper into their pockets to pay their water bills in the months ahead. Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a roughly 6.5% rate increase on wholesale water prices. Officials from Sonoma Water though said ratepayers will be mostly shielded from the increase though…
Apr 19, 2022
Minor league baseball coming to Santa Rosa
Professional baseball is coming to Santa Rosa. The city has approved the use of Doyle Park for use by a new team called the Santa Rosa Scuba Divers. One of the newest members of the Pecos League, an independent professional minor baseball league, the Santa Rosa Scuba Divers will play their inaugural home game on May…
Apr 19, 2022
Graton tribe plans Rohnert Park casino expansion
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in Sonoma County are seeking to expand the Graton Resort & Casino by as much as 50 percent, according to a notice of preparation filed by the tribe earlier this month. In addition, Sonoma County is seeking input from the community regarding the proposed project. The tribe…
Apr 19, 2022
Give pupping harbor seals a wide berth, say local wildlife experts
In a natural, annual spectacle tens of thousands of harbor seals are ashore, nursing newborns in small groups and giant colonies. Federal scientists charged with protecting the speckled marine mammals say beachgoers fairly frequently misinterpret what they're seeing. Sarah Codde is a marine ecologist with the National…
Apr 15, 2022
COVID vaccine requirement postponed for school kids
State lawmakers and the Newsom administration are pausing plans to implement COVID-19 vaccine requirements for K-through-12 students. The California Department of Public Health announced it won’t move forward with requiring the COVID-19 vaccine in schools until at least the 2023 school year. That’s because the FDA…
Apr 14, 2022
Superintendent of schools candidates say they are intent on correcting educational disparities in Sonoma County
There are three candidates running for Sonoma County’s next superintendent of schools, and all three took part in a recent forum hosted by Cradle to Career Sonoma County. The candidates are Ron Meza Calloway, currently superintendent of Mark West School District; Amie Carter, now the assistant superintendent of…
Apr 13, 2022
Wall wins Windsor town council seat
Windsor voters have chosen Mike Wall to join the town's council, as results in a special election there continue to be tallied following Tuesday's mostly mail-in balloting. Preliminary results showed Wall with a commanding lead over Stephanie Ahmad. The choice for voters may have hinged on plans to build a civic…
Apr 13, 2022
Fountain and community faith restored after holocaust memorial vandalized
A simple, four-sided pedestal with four faucets for ritual handwashing was recently re-installed at Santa Rosa Memorial Park after being damaged a second time in two years. Intended as a place of reflection to honor victims of the Nazis, repeated vandalism has left a feeling of unease among some in the local Jewish…
Apr 12, 2022
Northern Sonoma County fire district expands
Sonoma County officials recently approved tax and revenue sharing agreements with the Northern Sonoma County Fire District (NSCFD), which will annex areas like the Geysers, Sotoyome, Fitch Mountain and Red Slide/Mill Creek Road. This increases the Northern District’s footprint from 273 square miles to just under 400…
Apr 12, 2022
Local actress debuts first feature film
Actress and writer C.M. Conway, who lives in Occidental, decided her book idea could be a fit for the big screen. So she recruited film industry friends and acquaintances from around the state to help her shoot the film at the end of 2019. For so many who make their way to Los Angeles in hopes of a star turn - those…
Apr 11, 2022
County drops criminal charges against PG&E over Kincade Fire
Sonoma County is nearing a civil settlement with utility Pacific Gas & Electric over responsibility for 2019's Kincade Fire. In a Monday morning hearing, lawyers representing Sonoma County District Jill Ravitch told Judge Mark Urioste that progress was made toward settling the civil case Friday before another judge.…
Apr 08, 2022
Watch Live: President Biden, Vice President Harris, Ketanji Brown Jackson speak after historic Senate confirmation - Friday at 9am
President Biden, Vice President Harris and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson are set to deliver remarks on the Senate's historic, bipartisan confirmation of Jackson to be an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the nation's highest court.
Apr 07, 2022
Amy's Kitchen responds to alleged workplace controversies
Petaluma-based food company Amy’s Kitchen has come under increased scrutiny in recent months following a controversial NBC News report on working conditions in its Santa Rosa factory. Last week KRCB spoke with local union organizers, who alleged unsafe working conditions. To hear the company's viewpoint, on Wednesday,…
Apr 06, 2022
Changes coming to Cloverdale waste collection
When State Senate Bill 1383’s organic waste and food diversion regulations took effect at the beginning of this year, municipalities up and down the state found themselves needing to develop new capacity for composting. As well as new oversight for diverting unused edible food to recovery services for redistribution…
Apr 06, 2022
Former SoCo sheriff candidate found dead
Many in the law enforcement community and in the city of Healdsburg are in shock, coming to terms with news that Kevin Burke, until recently the well-liked chief of Healdsburg Police, has died. Burke's body was reportedly discovered Tuesday evening during a welfare check by Healdsburg police. Healdsburg Mayor Osvaldo…
Apr 06, 2022
Petaluma to confront race, equity issues
City leaders Monday unanimously directed city manager Peggy Flynn to finalize a multi-pronged effort. That includes a city equity czar and an independent city commission along with further police oversight. The ideas were advanced by a special advisory committee, tasked with improving diversity, equity and inclusion,…
Apr 04, 2022
The Sonoma County "First News" Podcast from KRCB 104.9
The Sonoma County FIRST NEWS podcast is available for download now. Subscribe now to the weekday news podcast that offers the top local stories and weather forecast you need to start your day. Get Sonoma County news stories featuring the latest in breaking news, county government, elections, environment, cultural…
Apr 04, 2022
State Water Board may extend restrictions to Russian River water
A current regulation that curtails water rights in the Russian River watershed is set to expire in July. But that may be extended due to the continuing drought. State Water Resources Control Board officials have released a draft emergency regulation to extend the curtailments and clarify some of its requirements. The…
Apr 04, 2022
Santa Rosa youth organizations unveil new public mural
New public art is on display in Santa Rosa’s West End neighborhood. Nestled between Sixth Street and SMART train tracks, the Assistance League of Sonoma County’s Thrift Shop is home to a new mural. On the building's east wall, the project's title is Transforming Lives Strengthening Community and it was made in…
Apr 04, 2022
Opposition to proposed Windsor-area casino growing
A proposed Native American-owned casino just south of Windsor is running into official opposition. Sonoma County supervisors are being asked Tuesday to consider officially opposing a planned multibillion dollar gaming operation on what's now a vineyard off Shiloh Road south of Windsor. Leadership of the Koi Nation, a…
Apr 01, 2022
Lively debate as supervisor candidates spar over Sonoma County's future
Five candidates contesting two county supervisor seats met for a wide-ranging and well-structured debate Thursday evening. It was organized by Los Cien, a council of local Latino leaders. Housing prices, law enforcement accountability, racist incidents driving away county leaders, evictions, and the possible…
Apr 01, 2022
Community health clinics nearing financial brink as COVID reimbursement lags
In the pandemic emergency, Sonoma County clinics providing care to the neediest, say they're being left out in the cold. Another wrinkle in the Rube Goldberg-esque world of American medical care---clinics that have distributed six million vaccine doses to California's un- and under-insured are still awaiting…
Apr 01, 2022
Petaluma: reduction in parking could cut vehicle trips, emissions
Setting a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 is easy enough. Making it happen though, as Petaluma officials are learning, involves a lot of moving parts. Meeting for more than three hours Monday, elected and appointed leaders spoke of moves to significantly reduce the amount of vehicle parking in Petaluma. The goal…
Apr 01, 2022
Tensions mount at Amy's Kitchen Santa Rosa facility
Editor’s Note: This is part one in a series of interviews and reporting on workplace conditions and unionization efforts at the Amy's Kitchen production facility in Santa Rosa. Part two, a response from Amy's Kitchen company officials, will air early next week. Tensions remain high at the Amy’s Kitchen production…
Apr 01, 2022
Santa Rosa selects new city council district map
Santa Rosa is in the final stages of its redistricting process. The city council chose a new map Tuesday, and heads for final approval on April 12th. The new map, called version A2, preserves the current boundaries of districts 1, 6, and 7, which cover parts of Roseland and Coffey Park. And the neighborhoods west of…
Mar 31, 2022
Sonoma County candidate forum moves online
With a focus on equity, candidates for Sonoma County’s 2nd and 4th district supervisor seats will gather virtually for a debate Thursday evening. Click here for a link to Los Cien's website to register for the online Zoom session. As the Press Democrat reports, the forum was originally scheduled to be in-person at…
Mar 30, 2022
Microbusiness grant program taking local applicants
There’s new grant money available for very small businesses in California. Officially called the Microbusiness Covid-19 relief grant program, it’s administered statewide by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, or CalOSBA. It gives out grants up to $2,500. In Sonoma County, the Economic Development…
Mar 29, 2022
Santa Rosa Zine Fest successfully returns
The Santa Rosa Zine Fest, a celebration of the DIY publication style, returns this week for its second annual event after a hiatus in 2021. The festival includes a series of webinars on topics like “liberation through art,” demonstrations on printing and binding methods, and a Spanish language workshop on lithography.…
Mar 29, 2022
Petaluma nears last steps in redistricting process
Petaluma is in the final stages of its redistricting process. The Petaluma City Council chose a new district map by a six-to-one vote, the map will be finalized on April 4th. The new map is an amended version of a map submitted by a member of the public and splits Petaluma into six electoral districts. It’s the first…
Mar 26, 2022
Another local city prohibits new gas stations
Earlier this week, a third city followed Petaluma and Sebastopol in prohibiting construction of new gasoline stations. While not the first, Monday's vote in Rohnert Park banning new gas stations is perhaps more consequential. The quote "friendly city" isn't usually thought of as at the forefront of climate politics.…
Mar 26, 2022
Travelers returning to skies, airport poised for growth
After a COVID induced lull, fewer people are shying away from taking to the air locally. Figures from last month show a rebound in travelers alighting or arriving at Charles Schultz-Sonoma County Airport. Jon Stout is the airport's manager. "At the end of the year, we were doing better than 2019 numbers but then the…
Mar 24, 2022
Graton Chairman details tribal relationship with controlled fire
Facing persistent catastrophic wildfire risk, landowners and government agencies are using controlled burns to mitigate that risk. Sonoma County property owners looking to use prescriptive fire can turn to the Good Fire Alliance. That’s the prescribed burn association which helps organize controlled burns in Sonoma…
Mar 24, 2022
Scale, wildlife, traffic and affordability key issues shaping SDC redevelopment
While bold and transformative still describes plans to redevelop a sprawling Sonoma Valley campus, community feedback received Tuesday generally favored a less ambitious future for the Sonoma Developmental Center. Roughly 80 people met online Tuesday evening, in the first of two hearings to brainstorm policies that…
Mar 23, 2022
Cotati tables urban agriculture ordinance
More commercial farming won’t be coming anytime soon to Cotati. A decision on a new proposed local law addressing urban agriculture in the central Sonoma County city of 7500 has been pushed to a later date. Cotati city council members have tabled the hotly contested ordinance following over two hours of deliberation…
Mar 23, 2022
Watch Live: Senate holds confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson - Wednesday at 6 am
The Senate is holding confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Wednesday, 3/23 at 6 am PDT
Mar 23, 2022
Meetings to narrow options for SDC redevelopment
There's more opportunity for public input this week on what's next for the Sonoma Development Center. While the future outlines of the nearly thousand acre Sonoma Valley campus remain mostly conceptual---housing, jobs, environmental and historical preservation---officials on Tuesday and Saturday are soliciting input…
Mar 23, 2022
Fed $$$ to help recycle water in Petaluma
They say that every drop counts. Whether that holds true regardless of the source was put to the test in Petaluma Monday. The city council there was asked to consider requesting federal help to turn sewage into water for local and agricultural irrigation. Federal funds can cover up to a quarter of the full freight,…
Mar 23, 2022
Santa Rosa moves forward on housing homeless veterans
Plans for a contentious supportive housing facility for veterans in southwest Santa Rosa are moving forward. The Santa Rosa City Council rejected an appeal to halt the project. The project, which aims to subdivide and redevelop a roughly two acre plot off Hearn Avenue in southwest Santa Rosa, was advanced by a 5-2…
Mar 18, 2022
Rock and rolling brothers drop debut album
Rock and Roll isn’t dead yet. At least not in Sonoma County. This first clip is a cut from the track Rock and Roll off the Gill Brothers Band debut self titled album. Jacob and Connor Gill, the namesake rockers and brothers behind the up and coming Gill Brothers Band hail from neighboring Lake County but currently…
Mar 17, 2022
Plans for SRJC pedestrian corridor nixed
The city of Santa Rosa has nixed a proposed pedestrian corridor on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus. Santa Rosa city officials dashed the hopes of Santa Rosa Junior College administrators, who were trying to see a section of Elliot Avenue, which splits the northern and southern sides of campus, restricted to…
Mar 17, 2022
Teacher's strike continues
Rohnert Park and Cotati educators continue to strike. That’s despite the union and district’s negotiation teams meeting with a mediator from the California Public Employment Relations Board, known as PERB. RPCEA, the teacher’s union, delivered a letter Tuesday detailing the budget viability of their wage demands to…
Mar 16, 2022
Cannabis growers win temporary tax reprieve
A partial tax holiday for struggling cannabis growers won approval from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The board's action, after lengthy debate, temporarily cuts cultivation taxes by nearly half through the middle of next year. And, the cut is retroactive to last July. Cultivation taxes vary widely,…
Mar 16, 2022
Local BIPOC art group helps uplift community
When Isabel Lopez was a student at Santa Rosa High School’s ArtQuest program, she says she felt invisible as one of few Latina students enrolled in the program. Lopez went on to graduate from Sacramento State, before taking a corporate job.. When her position was moved out of state, Lopez says she sensed an…
Mar 16, 2022
Rise in anti-Semitic incidents causes concern
Communities across the Bay Area have seen a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in recent months, including some allegedly perpetrated by a Sonoma County-based hate group. As one of the world’s foremost anti-hate organizations, the Anti-Defamation League or ADL is, "Often the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur."…
Mar 16, 2022
Sheriff's chopper wins another reprieve
Facing a financial conundrum, Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday punted a decision on the future of the sheriff's department's helicopter. In the end, one-time money will keep the whirlybird in the air another year, but a day of reckoning lies ahead for a county helicopter mainly used for law enforcement. The chopper…
Mar 14, 2022
Kincade Fire trial postponed again
A preliminary hearing in a trial assessing utility giant Pacific Gas and Electric's culpability in the 2019 Kincade Fire was rescheduled to next month. Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Mark Urioste told attorneys for both the county and PG&E that this would be the final extension. The case, which is seeking…
Mar 14, 2022
"Safe parking" sites for homeless roll out amid hope and trepidation
The first of fifty families living out of their cars and RVs rolled into a Santa Rosa parking lot this month. That's as an experimental 'safe parking' program, long pushed by advocates, finally launched in Santa Rosa. Meanwhile, public pressure forced city leaders to torpedo a similar program in the Central Coast city…
Mar 14, 2022
"Moving San Francisco" tells a public transit history full of innovation and perseverance
San Francisco is known for its cable cars, ferries and bridges. The history of transit in the 'City by the Bay' tells a story of innovation and perseverance, and the city grew hand in hand with its ever-changing transit system. "Moving San Francisco" is a new documentary from filmmakers Jim Yager and Peter Stein.…
Mar 14, 2022
Supes violated state 'open-meetings' law at least twice during redistricting process
Sonoma County supervisors violated the state's open meeting laws twice last year as they worked to redraw political boundaries. That's according to a determination by Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. The findings are unlikely to force any changes to recently-approved district maps, as the violations of…
Mar 11, 2022
Guerneville turns out to support Ukraine
Locals from Guerneville and elsewhere gathered Friday evening to show support and solidarity with Ukraine, as the Russian invasion of the east European nation enters its third week. About 100 people turned out around sunset, some wearing yellow and blue stickers, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. A handful of people…
Mar 10, 2022
Civilian volunteer crews help mitigate wildfire risk
On a recent cold morning in the steep hills outside Healdsburg, a team of volunteers with Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Fire Forward program managed a controlled burn. The program is designed, in the words of its founders, to bring a unique blend of science-based program design and community organizing to fire prevention and…
Mar 10, 2022
Rohnert Park-Cotati teachers strike for increased wages
Teachers and employees of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District went on strike Thursday, primarily over wages. That’s after months of negotiations hit a standstill. Over 90 percent of Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association, or RPCEA, members voted Monday to authorize a strike if the union’s demands were…
Mar 10, 2022
NorCal Public Media Honors Harry L. Rubins 1938-2022
NorCal Public Media commemorates the life and community leadership of longtime Board of Directors member Harry Rubins who passed away in his sleep at his home in Santa Rosa on the morning of March 4th, 2022, at the age of 84. The Board of Directors, Community Advisory Council, and NorCal staff are thankful for the 12…
Mar 10, 2022
Just when you thought it was safe(r), new deadly variant multiplying
With new illnesses continuing to drop and masking requirements at schools set to end after Friday, the two year COVID nightmare is over, or perhaps not. Although national political figures have been signaling the epidemic is all but over, another variant, BA.2, sometimes called omicron II, is rising fast. Media…
Mar 09, 2022
Sonoma Valley school district censures trustee for multiple ethical violations
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District voted to censure trustee John Kelly on Tuesday night after an independent investigation found that he "abused his position of authority" as board president by violating the board's policies, regulations, bylaws, and ethical duties. The investigation was prompted by former…
Mar 09, 2022
Cotati and Rohnert Park teachers set to strike
A teachers' union said members will strike Thursday if the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District fails to agree to a fact finder's recommendations issued last week to resolve the dispute. According to a Monday news release from Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association, the fact finder's recommendations more…
Mar 08, 2022
Petaluma finalizes council districts, moves ahead with big development
Officials advanced a final option outlining new council districts in Petaluma Monday evening, and took a crucial step, approving parts of a major mixed-use development. Throughout the process, it was no-one on the council's first choice, but after lengthy debate, Petaluma officials chose what they called 'option 2,'…
Mar 08, 2022
Santa Rosa High dedicates track to beloved coach
For nearly three decades, track and field athletes at Santa Rosa High were greeted by the familiar face of Coach Doug Courtemarche. He coached track and field for 27 years, from 1992 to 2019. Following his retirement, current head coach Carrie Joseph who served as an assistant and co-coach to Courtemarche for 23 years…
Mar 08, 2022
Former Ambassador speaks to Sonoma County-Ukraine connections
Steven Pifer’s journey to the US Embassy in Kyiv had numerous stops along the way. He spent time at US Embassies in London, Warsaw, and Moscow, as well as time at the White House. That was before being appointed as the third United States Ambassador to Ukraine by President Bill Clinton in 1998. His journey began…
Mar 08, 2022
Watch Live: Biden to announce U.S. ban on Russian oil imports - Tuesday at 7:45am
Credit: Annette Elizabeth Allen for NPRPresident Biden is set to announce a U.S. ban on the import of Russian oil because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The ban would mark a divergence in U.S. sanctions from those of its allies and partners, most of whom rely on Russian oil imports.
Mar 07, 2022
Limited cooperation between ICE, sheriff
Fear of arrest and deportation remains an issue in Sonoma County according to activists, despite limits on cooperation between local and immigration authorities detailed in a special county meeting last week. During public comment Wednesday evening, speaker after speaker urged an end to any and all communication…
Mar 03, 2022
Santa Rosa takes more action to combat homelessness
Santa Rosa city officials took more action this week towards tackling homelessness. The Santa Rosa city council has unanimously agreed to apply for up to thirteen million dollars in grants from the state’s Homekey program. It’s also approved hiring a consultancy company called Focus Strategies to help the city figure…
Mar 01, 2022