State Government

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.

Some employees worry the move could push caretakers out of state jobs and its tight deadline could be an issue for processing accommodation requests.

The Chico City Council made changes to a law amending its syringe exchange program ordinance at the last meeting and tomorrow will decide whether to adopt the amendments. Also, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company announced it won’t be hosting Oktoberfest or Beer Camp this year, and the Paradise Planning Commission has two open positions and accepts applications until early April.

A guide on how to support children after a disaster was recently created by an assistant professor at Chico State. It’s a result of people not having enough resources about helping children after the 2018 Camp Fire. Also, residents from around the region are showing up on Fridays to picket outside Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office, and properties in downtown Chico might see a yearly increase in their assessments starting next year.

The remains of a smoldering home in an Altadena neighborhood affected by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. California's insurer of last resort is facing $1 billion in losses from Southern California wildfires.Jules Hotz/CalMatters

The bills add requirements for immigration agents on school and daycare grounds. That comes after the Trump administration issued new guidance allowing them in schools and other "sensitive areas.”

The federal funding from the bill helps fund small and rural schools in most North State counties. After the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass the bill, many schools are scrambling to make ends meet.

Some major themes that have already emerged include affordability, elections and how to prepare for the next Trump Administration.

The holiday season brought many shoppers to downtown Chico. But business owners said they’d like to see changes to make the area more appealing. Also, a recent report shows traffic cameras have reduced violations in Redding. This comes as the Chico City Council is exploring options for purchasing cameras for Chico. Plus, Shasta County business owners will have an opportunity to learn about exporting their products or services at a seminar next month.

San Francisco Democrat Scott Wiener says California could leave the door open to the incoming Republican-led Congress making major changes to the constitution if it doesn’t act.