The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, Nov. 4.
Test results show North State schools were disproportionately affected by the pandemic
The California Department of Education released the "Smarter Balanced" standardized test results last week. It surveyed grades 3 through 8 and 11th grade. It was the first time the test was required since the pandemic. The percentage of students meeting or exceeding language arts and math standards in Shasta County fell by 2 and 4 percentage points, respectively, from pre-pandemic levels. That was a smaller decline than the statewide average.
— Alec Stutson, NSPR
Public health officials warn COVID cases could surge this holiday season
Top public health experts say people should be prepared for a COVID-19 surge with the arrival of cold weather and the upcoming holiday season. Experts say while the rate of COVID is low in California, new variants can be better at evading the immune system.
— CapRadio Staff
Advocates: California should do more to protect employees from workplace violations
Worker advocates with the National Employment Law Project Wednesday demanded California state lawmakers do more to stop employers from retaliating against employees who report wage theft, sexual harassment or other violations. The group released a survey showing nearly four out of 10 California workers have experienced a workplace violation.
— CapRadio Staff
Experts say it’s unlikely Prop. 1 would allow late-term abortions for any reason
Opponents of California’s Proposition 1 say it could expand state abortion law to allow late-term procedures for any reason. The language of the measure is broad and puts the right to abortion into the state constitution. But legal experts say a judge is most likely to interpret Proposition 1 as simply providing constitutional protections to the current system.
— Alexei Koseff, CalMatters
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.
In case you missed it
- North State health officials warn of tripledemic threat — NSPR
- California health agencies address spreading virus infections — NSPR
- Despite lack of evidence, election fraud worries rise in Shasta County — The California Report
- ‘Footsteps to You’ exhibit spotlights Black history — NSPR
- Interview: Healthcare workers in Shasta County work to prevent congenital syphilis — NSPR
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