Annie Sciacca
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California-based journalist
Articles by Annie Sciacca
Newsom reverses on long-sought paid leave benefit for teachers in California
California lawmakers gave public school teachers 14 weeks of paid leave in the state’s new budget, a long-sought benefit for the largely female workforce. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously opposed similar measures. Monkey Business Images / Deposit Photos. California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break.
Newsom Reverses On Long-Sought Paid Leave Benefit For California Teachers
By Annie Sciacca and KFF Health News HealthDay Reporters Medically reviewed by Drugs.com via HealthDay FRIDAY, July 31, 2026 (HealthDayNews) — California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break. But when the elementary school teacher went into premature labor and delivered her baby two weeks before the end of school, she faced another stressor: a huge pay cut.
Newsom Reverses On Long-Sought Paid Leave Benefit For California Teachers
FRIDAY, July 31, 2026 (HealthDayNews) — California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break. But when the elementary school teacher went into premature labor and delivered her baby two weeks before the end of school, she faced another stressor: a huge pay cut. The majority of California’s roughly 300,000 teachers don’t have access to the state-funded paid leave program that most new parents in the private sector do.
Newsom reverses on long-sought paid leave benefit for teachers in California
California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break. But when the elementary school teacher went into premature labor and delivered her baby two weeks before the end of school, she faced another stressor: a huge pay cut. The majority of California's roughly 300,000 teachers don't have access to the state-funded paid leave program that most new parents in the private sector do.
Newsom reverses on long-sought paid leave benefit for teachers in California
California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break. But when the elementary school teacher went into premature labor and delivered her baby two weeks before the end of school, she faced another stressor: a huge pay cut. The majority of California's roughly 300,000 teachers don't have access to the state-funded paid leave program that most new parents in the private sector do.
Newsom reverses on long-sought paid leave benefit for teachers in California
California public school teacher Mollie Blustein planned her pregnancy so that her daughter would arrive during summer break. But when the elementary school teacher went into premature labor and delivered her baby two weeks before the end of school, she faced another stressor: a huge pay cut. The majority of California’s roughly 300,000 teachers don’t have access to the state-funded paid leave program that most new parents in the private sector do.
Berkeley slashes 2 safety net programs — a mental health crisis team and a homeless shelter
A protest homeless encampment outside Berkeley’s Old City Hall in October 2024. A winter homeless shelter serving many Berkeley residents has been run by the nonprofit Dorothy Day House and, until the most recent season, opened each winter inside Old City Hall.
Surveillance contract with Flock approved by Alameda County
Alameda County’s new $2.4 million contract extension with Flock Safety, approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, includes automated license plate readers, which capture data from the backs of passing vehicles; pan-tilt-zoom cameras that provide operators with a real-time view of public areas; and a fleet of drones.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. kAm(9:=6 r2=:7@C?:2 92D D@>6 @7 E96 DEC:4E6DE G244:?6 =2HD :? E96 4@F?ECJ[ 4@?D6CG2E:G6 $92DE2 r@F?EJ’D 2AAC@249 5FC:?8 E96 r~'xs A2?56>:4 DE@@5 :?
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. kAm(9:=6 r2=:7@C?:2 92D D@>6 @7 E96 DEC:4E6DE G244:?6 =2HD :? E96 4@F?ECJ[ 4@?D6CG2E:G6 $92DE2 r@F?EJ’D 2AAC@249 5FC:?8 E96 r~'xs A2?56>:4 DE@@5 :?
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu, Shasta County’s public health officer, led the rural, conservative California county’s effort to contain a measles outbreak that began in late January 2026. Infectious disease specialists say Shasta’s successful strategy could be a playbook for other communities struggling to contain the highly contagious virus. (Shasta County/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
California’s Shasta County stopped a measles outbreak from spreading, enlisting teachers, church leaders, and other trusted community members to get the public on board with health guidelines. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight/KFF Health News/TNS) James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. kAm(9:=6 r2=:7@C?:2 92D D@>6 @7 E96 DEC:4E6DE G244:?6 =2HD :? E96 4@F?ECJ[ 4@?D6CG2E:G6 $92DE2 r@F?EJVD 2AAC@249 5FC:?8 E96 r~'xs A2?56>:4 DE@@5 :?
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
Gran estrategia para frenar el sarampión en condado anti vacunas
El condado de Shasta, en California, detuvo la propagación de un brote de sarampión, recurriendo a maestros, líderes religiosos y otros miembros de confianza de la comunidad para lograr que la población acatara las pautas sanitarias. (Drew Askeland/Redding Record Searchlight) James Mu se había preparado para la llamada que le llegó a finales de enero.
In vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles
Dr. James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County's approach during the COVID pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state's guidance.
In Vaccine-Skeptical California County, A Potential Playbook To Contain Measles
All News Consumer Pro New Drugs Pipeline Clinical Trials FDA Alerts By Annie Sciacca and KFF Health News HealthDay Reporters Medically reviewed by Drugs.com via HealthDay FRIDAY, May 29, 2026 — Dr. James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.
In a Vaccine-Skeptical California County, a Potential Playbook To Contain Measles
James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County’s approach during the covid pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state’s guidance.
Annie Sciacca, Author at KFF Health News
The legislation bans the use of four additives that are already prohibited in many other countries but remain in popular U.S. foods. Advocates say states need to act because the FDA has done little.
In a vaccine-skeptical California county, a potential playbook to contain measles Original
May 22, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January. A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case. While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County’s approach during the covid pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state’s guidance.
‘Got to get fixed’: Billing delays, coverage issues still plague Tricare patients and providers
TRICARE issued a reminder Sept. 9 that a West Region referral approval waiver deadline is nearing. If you used the West Region referral approval waiver to see a specialist between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 and need to continue seeing that specialist, you’ll need to get a new referral to a network specialist before Oct. 1, 2025.
‘Got to get fixed:’ Billing delays, coverage issues still plague Tricare patients, providers
The War Horse TriWest took over administration last year of the Defense Department’s health care program across 26 states in the western half of the country. Nearly every day for months, Lorelei Evans, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, received a call or text from a doctor’s office trying to collect on some of her family’s $86,000 in unpaid medical bills. Almost weekly, she said, a bill showed up in the mail at her home in San Antonio, Texas.
‘Got to Get Fixed:’ Billing Delays, Coverage Issues Still Plague Tricare Patients and Providers Original
Nearly every day for months, Lorelei Evans, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, received a call or text from a doctor’s office trying to collect on some of her family’s $86,000 in unpaid medical bills. Almost weekly, she said, a bill showed up in the mail at her home in San Antonio, Texas. Some of the notices were “friendly” reminders, but some were more ominous. “This is your final notice,” one of the letters warned, in big, red block font.
Hundreds of Young Adults in Washington’s Extended Foster Care Face Homelessness. Will the State Provide More Housing Aid?
During Washington state legislative hearings last winter, former foster youth Courtney Hageman, 21, testified about reaching the end of her time in foster care. She lived with a church friend, her only option at the time. But having to depend on someone else for housing felt precarious, and the consequences of any misstep constantly weighed on her, she told lawmakers. “I felt the need to hide my trauma and the life-pausing panic attacks I was having,” Hageman said.
The national suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth shut down. States are scrambling to help.
Annie Sciacca, KFF Health News Tue, September 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM UTC 7 min read Participants come out to walk and support the Out of the Darkness Walk in Chicago in September 2024. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) This article first appeared on KFF Health News.
The national suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth shut down. States are scrambling to help.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.” On July 17, the option shut down for LGBTQ+ youth to access specialized mental health support from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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