Government

A recent federal budget bill included $2 billion for surface water storage. Experts say it’s likely meant for a controversial plan to raise the Shasta Dam. Critics argue the cost, effectiveness, and environmental impacts don’t add up.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday that will send the money to conservancies around the state.

With increasing food prices and food insecurity throughout the nation, the need for food in Chico is also increasing. Some organizations hold consistent distributions despite ongoing costs. Also, the Chico State student killed in a murder-suicide last week will be remembered at vigils in Chico and Redding, and the Thursday Night Market is back in Chico again this evening.

Following citizen complaints, City of Chico staff have been looking into streets that need more lights, and where funding for lighting projects would come from. Also, Yuba, Sutter, and Tehama counties will not receive anticipated federal funds for levee maintenance and improvement projects, and California wildlife officials say beavers reintroduced to their native watersheds are working on restoring the wetlands.

Safe Space is ramping up its services with more case management and new day classes to help unhoused residents in Chico build life skills. Also, Butte County and the fire safe council could enter into an agreement to reduce wildfire risk near roadsides, and council members in Yuba City have endorsed a grant-funded program to incentivize commercial property owners to save water by replacing existing landscaping.

A rally and march in downtown Chico drew more than 1,000 to protest. Also, a shooting that ended with two people dead in Chico last week is believed to be connected to domestic violence. We hear from the director of Catalyst. And Attorney General Rob Bonta along with 18 other U.S. attorneys general is challenging President Donald Trump's executive order that requires proof of citizenship be provided before a person can register to vote.

An anti-Trump rally and march in downtown Chico drew more than 1,000 people to demonstrate.

A presentation was held to give an overview of the current state of identity documents, education and health care for transgender people in California.

Dozens of residents from around the North State are showing up to Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s office in Chico to picket outside on Fridays. At their latest gathering, protestors indicated frustration over not being able to reach the representative.

President Donald Trump signed a short-term spending bill over the weekend. It prevented a government shutdown and outlined where federal funds will go over the next six months. But it does not include money that rural schools have historically used to stay afloat. Also, Shasta County supervisors joined the Freedom Foundation in a lawsuit against a state agency. They claim California statutes violate their free speech rights, and a homeless aid group has created a fund to push back against anti-homeless laws and policies at the federal, state, and local level.