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Zogg Fire charges | Biden surveys damage | Federal wildfire investment

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, Jan. 20.

PG&E faces manslaughter charges in 2020 Zogg Fire

Pacific Gas & Electric is in criminal court again to fight charges it killed four Shasta County residents in a 2020 wildfire. The company is facing four counts of manslaughter for its alleged role in starting the Zogg Fire. Shasta County prosecutors allege that the utility is criminally responsible because it failed to identify and remove a damaged tree that fell on power lines and sparked the fire. PG&E has pleaded not guilty and says failing to remove the tree does not amount to a crime.

— Dan Brekke (KQED), The California Report 

President Biden visits California to assess storm damage

President Joe Biden toured storm-damaged areas of California's Central Coast Thursday to get a firsthand look at the destruction caused by a series of atmospheric rivers that slammed the state with heavy rain, snow and powerful winds. Seven counties now fall under a major disaster declaration after San Joaquin was added Thursday.

— CapRadio Staff

Millions to go to addressing wildfire concerns in western states

The federal government announced an investment of $930 million to address wildfire concerns in 11 at-risk areas in the western U.S. These areas include parts of California, Arizona, Oregon and other states. These states have been heavily hit in recent years by massive wildfires, threatening landscapes and communities.

— CapRadio Staff

Study shows policy to open up housing units isn’t meeting its goal

A new California law ambitiously promised to unlock thousands of housing units by allowing owners of single-family homes to split their lot and build up to two duplexes. But a new study shows the law isn't working as promised.

— Adhiti Bandlamudi (KQED), The California Report

Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.

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A graduate of California State University, Chico, Andre Byik is an award-winning journalist who has reported in Northern California since 2012. He joined North State Public Radio in 2020, following roles at the Chico Enterprise-Record and Chico News & Review.
Angel Huracha has been a part of the journalism field since 2006 and has covered a range of topics. He is a graduate of Chico State with a Bachelor's degree in news-editorial and public relations with a minor in English.
Adia White is a broadcast journalist and producer with nearly 10 years of experience. Her work has appeared on WNYC, This American Life, Capital Public Radio and other local and national programs. She started at North State Public Radio as a freelance reporter in 2017 before leaving for a stint at Northern California Public Media in Santa Rosa.