California News & Current Events | Public News Service

CalFood is a program of the California Department of Social Services that allows food banks to purchase California-grown and produced foods to augment donations. (Nadianb/Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 3, 2025

Hunger-fighting groups try to prevent cuts to CA food-bank funding

Groups working to fight hunger in California are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect funding for the CalFood program in his initial budget …

Thursday, January 2, 2025

New for 2025: A weaker CA lemon law

Starting this year, changes to California's "lemon law" will make it harder for consumers to get a refund or a replacement vehicle. The changes mean …

Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at an event for Habitat for Humanity in 2007 in Los Angeles. (County of Los Angeles)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

California nonprofit leaders recall President Jimmy Carter’s legacy

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at 100 years of age, had a huge effect on the Golden State far beyond his presidency…

USPS, state court systems warn CA customers against 'smishing' scams

Many people in California are still expecting holiday packages this week and the U.S. Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for "smishing" …

Data from the Children's Law Center of California show half of all kids in foster care have endured four or more adverse childhood experiences. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)<br />

Foster care system celebrates 25 years of progress

California has more than 60,000 children in the foster care system and about 7,000 in extended care up to age 21 but many do not receive all the servi…

Opah are often caught as incidental catch alongside tuna. (NOAA/Flickr)

When bycatch is on the menu

By Leilani Marie Labong for FoodPrint.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the FoodPrint-Public News Service …

Supporters of Measure J said opposition mailers such as this one were used to spread false claims ahead of the election. (Direct Action Everywhere)

Opponents of factory farms regroup after mixed election results

Animal rights organizers are regrouping after mixed results at the ballot box in November. A measure targeting factory farms passed in Berkeley but …

Juana Valle's well is one of 20 sites tested in California's San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast regions in the first round of preliminary sampling by University of California-Berkeley researchers and the Community Water Center. The results showed 96 parts per trillion of total PFAS in her water, including 32 parts per trillion of PFOS - both considered potentially hazardous amounts. (Hannah Norman/KFF Health News)

Toxic 'forever chemicals' taint rural CA wells

By Hannah Norman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Ser…

The Biden Administration estimates if the investment made in the IRS by the Inflation Reduction Act is sustained beyond 2031, tax revenue would increase by $851 billion over the next 10 years. (Aevan/Adobe Stock)

Future of IRS uncertain as Trump chooses agency critic as commissioner

The Internal Revenue Service will be in the crosshairs in the second Trump administration, as the president-elect's recently announced choice to run …

Dairy digesters remove methane from liquified animal waste. The gas can then be used to generate power. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved two clean-air waivers for California, but six more are still pending. (D. Jakli/Adobe Stock)

EPA allows CA to implement strict clean-car rules

Groups that fight for environmental justice are praising the Biden administration's decision to grant California a waiver so it can implement clean-ca…

Families looking to spread some holiday cheer are encouraged to write holiday cards welcoming new refugee families as part of the

'Hope for the Holidays' campaign welcomes refugee families

This holiday season, a nonprofit campaign is asking Americans to write holiday cards to welcome newly arrived refugee families. The 10th annual …

A new study found children who lose family members to overdose often suffer long-term harm to educational attainment, economic stability in adulthood, and mental well-being. (Irena_geo/Adobe Stock)<br />

USC study: More than 1.4 million children have lost family to overdose

A new study found more than 1.4 million children in the U.S., including many in California, have lost a family member to overdose, emphasizing the …

Offshore wind turbines such as these in Maine are currently in the planning stages at sites off of the coast of Morro Bay and Humboldt. (Jack Shapiro/Natural Resources Council of Maine)

Reports: Transmission grid plans must take wildlife into account

The power grid will need to be dramatically upgraded and expanded in the coming years to handle the transition to renewable energy - and two new repor…

California state energy goals include reaching 100% clean energy by 2045. (Anchalee/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups call for LA County power plant closure

Environmental groups are calling for the immediate closure of Los Angeles County's Walnut Creek Energy Park, because of potentially dangerous levels …

California and 11 other states have banned employers from subjecting workers to mandatory anti-union meetings. (Adobe Stock)

As Biden nominee fails in Senate, workers may lose ground with new NLRB

With unionization on an upswing of late, experts anticipate policy changes at the national level will reverse worker gains. The number of labor …

In October, the United States allocated $72 million toward avian flu vaccines, aiming to strengthen national preparedness against potential outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

California expert sounds alarm on avian flu’s threat to humans, livestock

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Nearly half of children in the United States are covered by Medicaid. (michaeljung/Adobe Stock)

Budget cuts may jeopardize health programs for millions in California

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, federal health programs affecting 85 million low-income Americans, including more than 12 …

A solar power array will save the Free Clinic of Simi Valley about $20,000 a year, allowing the staff to enhance its programs, including medical, dental, counseling and legal services. (Adobe Stock)

Simi Valley free clinic gets rooftop solar through Power for Health Initiative

A newly installed rooftop solar power system will help the Free Clinic of Simi Valley keep its doors open and the lights on for the area's disadvantag…

A new study examined the true sustainability of fish farming. (Lilly Agustina/Act For Farmed Animals/We Animals)

Study: Fish farms consume far more wild fish than previously thought

By Sophie Kevany for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

The Children's Movement, the largest and most diverse children's advocacy network in the country, is gearing up to push California policymakers to prioritize kids in next year's state budget. (Spass/Adobe Stock)

1,000+ organizations demand CA governor prioritize kids in budget

More than 1,000 organizations sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking for California's children's programs to be shielded from cuts in the 2025-26 …

More than 2,000 cities and towns have worked to protect the monarch butterfly by joining the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, organized by the National Wildlife Federation. (Dave/Adobe Stock)

Big decision coming on protections for monarch butterflies

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to decide whether to protect the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act within the next …

A new report from the Aspen Institute looked at Native American youth attitudes toward culture, resource access, mental health and civic engagement. (Center for Native American Youth)<br />

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Tips on navigating post-election sensitivities this Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will see relatives who may be on the other side of the political divide for the first time since the election …

The Hispanic Access Foundation's wildfire management toolkit encourages families to proactively seek out local news and CalFire updates rather than waiting for evacuation orders from the authorities. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Wildfire toolkit helps CA Hispanic families prepare

Low-income Latino communities often bear the brunt of wildfires, so the Hispanic Access Foundation offers a wildfire management toolkit and video …

Senate confirmation hearings will likely start in January for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

Health experts speak out against RFK Jr. leading Health and Human Services

Groups fighting to improve access to health care are asking the U.S. Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr's nomination for Secretary of Health and …

Glitches last winter with federal student aid forms, known as the FAFSA, led the feds to temporarily relax document verification standards - creating fertile ground for bad actors seeking to defraud California colleges. (Piter2121/Adobe Stock)

CA community colleges lose millions to financial aid fraud

State data first reported by EdSource show that fraudsters have stolen more than $7.5 million in student financial aid from California community colle…

Brendan Carr, President-elect Trump's nominee to be Federal Communications Commission chair, would have significant influence over issues concerning satellite networks like those owned by billionaire Elon Musk. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Internet, press freedom groups sound alarm at Trump's choice for FCC

President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Brendan Carr to lead the Federal Communications Commission is raising red flags among groups that advocate fo…

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mustafa Kasubhai to a federal judgeship in Oregon. (Wikilaw contributor/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocacy groups protest as Trump tells Senate to halt judicial appointments

On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump called on the U.S. Senate to stop confirming President Joe Biden's nominees to federal judgeships, even as …

Health experts said it is unclear whether the next Trump administration will continue drug price negotiations in Medicare or seek to repeal or weaken them. (Eric Hood)

Health experts brace for Trump Administration 2.0

California could be in for some big cuts to health care for low-income families under a second Trump administration, according to health experts…

Some experts predict federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency could be hobbled by an exodus of experienced administrators during a second Trump administration. (A.F.G.E./Wikimedia Commons)

CA expert: Trump working to greatly expand presidential power

California good governance experts are warning the expansion of presidential power under a second Trump administration could cast aside expertise and …

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act are now flowing to help California families afford energy-efficient electric heat pumps. (Isengard/Adobe Stock)

New CA rebate program launched to cut home energy costs

A new rebate program could save California families up to $8,000 on an electric heat pump for home heating and cooling. The Home Electrification and …

Animal-welfare groups accuse state authorities of turning a blind eye to allegations of neglect at California poultry farms. (Roibu/Adobe Stock)

Mixed results for CA measures to end factory farming

A measure to end factory farming in Sonoma County has only received about 15% of the vote so far - so supporters are gathering tomorrow in Santa Rosa …

Coalition forms to reaffirm 'California values' in 2nd Trump era

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

The California Undocumented Coalition for Higher Education took part in an advocacy day in Sacramento in January 2020. (California Campaign for College Opportunity)

CA undocumented student groups worry about incoming Trump administration

As President-elect Donald Trump announces immigration hard-liners as his deputy chief of staff and border czar this week, groups supporting …

Antibiotics have been widely overused worldwide, according to experts in California and elsewhere, giving the

Proposed bill would fight crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections

According to experts in the field, the system of developing new antibiotics is broken and doctors are running out of ways to treat deadly infections…

The new Los Angeles County Office of Food Equity will work with Social Services to encourage physicians to prescribe healthy food as medicine. (Alicja Neumiler/Adobe Stock)

Los Angeles tackles hunger with new Office of Food Equity

About one-third of the population in Los Angeles does not have reliable access to healthy food, so leading philanthropic organizations are teaming up …

California voters rejected the latest effort to raise the minimum wage statewide and to allow cities to enact local rent control. (IcemanJ/Adobe Stock)

Experts analyze why CA propositions on minimum wage, rent control failed

California political analysts say inflation and voter confusion contributed to the failure of propositions to raise the minimum wage and allow stronge…

Proposition 36 rolls back key parts of Proposition 47, passed in 2014 as part of an effort to emphasize crime prevention over incarceration. (Negro Elkha/Adobe Stock)

CA criminal justice reform suffers blow with passage of Prop. 36

Advocates of criminal-justice reform warn the passage of Proposition 36 will mean a sharp reduction in funds to anti-crime initiatives. The measure …

Artificial intelligence can easily be used to generate false images, a problem authorities fear will spread during the post-election period. (terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

Experts express caution over post-election AI deepfakes

As the votes are being counted, experts warned people to be wary of videos purporting to show voting irregularities because they could be artificial …

By law, any court disputes of election results must be resolved by December 16th, and the Electoral College convenes the following day. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: What CA voters can expect on election night

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Californians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid counting …

Conservation groups speak out in favor of Proposition 4

On this year's California ballot, Proposition 4 has not received much attention but it could have a huge effect on the Golden State. The $10 billion …

Consumer groups say a new court decision means used cars sold with manufacturer's warranties in California will not be subject to state

Consumer groups slam CA Supreme Court ruling on lemon law

Millions of Californians buy used cars still under a manufacturer's warranty - but consumer groups say those warranties are now essentially unenforcea…

DISCOVER students at Cedars-Sinai observe a rotation of the Women's Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills. (Cedars-Sinai)

Cedars-Sinai in LA uses college internship to diversify health care workforce

Lack of diversity in the medical field is a big problem. Data show fewer than 6% of active physicians in the U.S. are Black and fewer than 7% are …

Latino anglers bait their hooks in Imperial Beach, Calif. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Report: CA Latinos fishing for subsistence eat twice the legal limit of mercury

Hispanic families who fish to put food on the table are disproportionately affected by mercury, which accumulates in seafood in Southern California…

The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree National Park is home to more than 50 species which are threatened, endangered, sensitive or otherwise of concern. (Adobe Stock)

CA Tribes call for national monuments at world biodiversity conference

This week, more than 100 Californians are in Cali, Columbia, for the 16th United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity. Tribes, policymakers …

Kate McQueen and Jesse Vasquez lead the Pollen Initiative's journalism program at the Central California Women's Facility. (Anya Petrone Slepyan/Daily Yonder)

CA prison journalism spreads from urban to rural facilities

By Claire Carlson and Anya Petrone Slepyan for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News Se…

Forty percent of the funds for climate projects in the Inflation Reduction Act must be spent in underserved communities. The SolarCorps helps low-income families install residential solar. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Climate Corps workers: California here we come

By Yessenia Funes for Atmos.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 3, 2025

2025Talks - January 3, 2025

The Yonder Report - January 2, 2025

California