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Articles by Ken Devol
Quick reads — Chico Parade of Lights canceled
A longtime Chico tradition kicking off the holiday season — the Parade of Lights — will not happen this year. This week, organizers announced on social media that they could not meet the city’s updated safety requirements around securing the downtown route. Organizers added that they don’t have the kinds of vehicles and barricades needed. They also can't pay the $19,000 fee to use the city’s equipment. NSPR reached out to city staff for comment but did not hear back by time of publication.
Quick reads — Chico greenhouse gas emissions fall 36% as population grows
Chico’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 36% between 2017 and 2024, even as its population grew, according to a new city report. The report to the city's Climate Action Commission estimates emissions per person dropped by nearly half. City planner Molly Marcussen told NSPR that state climate and energy policies are among the main drivers of the decline. Those policies have helped reduce pollution from electricity and transportation fuels and improve energy efficiency, she said.
Quick reads — North State advocates push for more rural child care funding
Advocates are calling on California to invest more in affordable child care in rural North State communities, where they say a shortage of options is forcing some parents to leave the workforce or take on debt. Supporters of the statewide Choose Children 2026 campaign gathered Wednesday in Corning to highlight the shortage and its effect on rural families. Anais Durán, an organizer with the campaign, said finding an open child care spot can be especially difficult in places like Tehama County.
Quick reads — Election ballots are on their way to registered voters in Butte County
Ballots are now on their way to registered voters across California. Butte County elections officials say voters should expect theirs to arrive by Oct. 14. Voters can track their ballot through the Secretary of State’s “Where’s My Ballot?” service. It sends updates when a ballot is mailed, received and counted by the county elections office. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 3 — to be counted.
Chico entertainment zones launch | Bill targets rural transit | Newsom signs tougher DUI laws
This local reporting is made possible by the community it serves. Support it at mynspr.org/donate. “Headlines” is your daily look at what matters in the North State. It’s published every weekday morning by 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the NPR app. Our theme song, “Fast Pop,” is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Local NewsButte CountyChico, CaliforniaButte County LibraryParadise Unified School DistrictParadise, CaliforniaCaliforniaGavin Newsom
Padilla takes on license-plate readers | Chico schools mull return of police | BrickWorks to reopen after 22 years
This local reporting is made possible by the community it serves. Support it at mynspr.org/donate. “Headlines” is your daily look at what matters in the North State. It’s published every weekday morning by 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the NPR app. Our theme song, “Fast Pop,” is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Local NewsButte CountyChico, CaliforniaButte County LibraryBrickWorks ChicoAlex PadillaCaliforniaChico Police Department
Gallagher pitches federal redistricting rules | ‘Zone Zero’ wildfire rules approved | Tina Peters hiring plan in question
California 3 hours ago What does it mean to grow old in Berkeley? berkeleyside.org - by Daniel Ekonde • 3h One in five Berkeley adults will be 65 or older by 2030.
Supreme Court birthright ruling brings relief to North State families
The Supreme Court's decision Tuesday to uphold birthright citizenship is bringing relief to many immigrant families across the North State.
Birthright citizenship ruling could affect North State immigrant families
A Supreme Court ruling expected this week on President Donald Trump's order to end birthright citizenship could have consequences for immigrant families in the North State, according to a University of Virginia legal expert. The order would deny automatic citizenship to some children born in the U.S. if their parents are undocumented or on temporary visas.
Federal special education shift raises concerns in North State
The Trump administration is moving federal oversight of special education programs from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It’s a change that's raising concerns among some North State educators and disability advocates. The administration announced June 16 that HHS will take over the office responsible for overseeing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Journal suggests Chico library shooting suspect planned suicide, DA says
Prosecutors say Chico library shooting suspect Bradley Scott Sayer planned to kill himself after Monday's deadly attack. That conclusion comes from a journal investigators recovered that belonged to the 18-year-old, said Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
Quick reads — Butte County library shooting suspect identified
The Chico Police Department has identified the suspect in Monday’s library shooting as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, of Chico. At this time, the department believes Sayer wanted to commit a shooting massacre similar to Columbine High School. Investigators have determined that Sayer acted alone, and there’s no indication that he had any connection to the victims. Two people died in the shooting and one juvenile was taken to the hospital for injuries.
Quick reads — Two people killed after gunman opens fire at Chico library, police chief confirms
Two people have died after a gunman opened fire inside the Chico branch of the Butte County Library on Monday, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said at a press conference. Another person was injured, and a suspect was in custody, Aldridge said. A possible motive was not immediately known, but police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community, Aldridge said.
Q&A: Health officer says no sign of dangerous E. coli as Sycamore Pool reopens
As Sycamore Pool gets ready to reopen for summer, local health officials say repeated testing has found no sign of the dangerous E. coli 0157 strain that sent several children to the hospital after swimming in Big Chico Creek last year. NSPR's Ken Devol spoke with Butte County Public Health Officer Jarett Beaudoin, who says he's cautiously optimistic the bacteria won't return this summer. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Why do you think the risk of another E.
Quick reads — Chico power outage leaves more than 800 PG&E customers in the dark
A power outage around downtown Chico is affecting more than 800 customers as of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. PG&E's website reports the outage is affecting 855 customers generally around Lower Bidwell Park and the Barber neighborhood off Park Avenue. The utility says a crew is working to restore power. The website says power is estimated to be restored by 6:30 p.m. A cause of the outage was not listed.
Quick reads — PG&E warns of possible North State power shutoffs as fire weather returns
LIVE UPDATES The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for the Sacramento Valley from Wednesday morning to Thursday afternoon. PG&E says parts of Colusa, Glenn, Sutter and Tehama counties could have their power shut off later this week as fire weather returns to the Sacramento Valley. The utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoff forecast shows elevated risk in those counties from Wednesday through Friday.
Quick reads — Judge denies request to void Chico mayor’s downtown project vote
There’s an update in the lawsuit over Chico’s stalled plan to overhaul downtown streets and sidewalks. After hearing arguments Wednesday, Butte County Superior Court Judge Tamara Mosbarger denied a preliminary injunction that would have nullified Mayor Kasey Reynolds’ vote and allowed the Downtown Revitalization Project to move forward, according to the written order posted on the court's website. Reynolds co-owns Shubert’s Ice Cream and Candy downtown.
Quick reads — Judge tentatively sides with Chico mayor in downtown lawsuit
A Butte County judge is tentatively siding with Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds in a lawsuit over her vote against the Downtown Revitalization Project. Reynolds co-owns Shubert’s Ice Cream and Candy downtown, and a group of residents led by former Mayor Ann Schwab argues that this created a financial conflict of interest. But at this point in the case, the judge says they haven’t shown the project would affect Reynolds' business enough to amount to a legal conflict.
Cooler weather expected for Memorial Day weekend after near-100 degree heat
Hot weather will continue across the North State through Friday, May 22, with valley temperatures once again nearing 100 degrees. But conditions are expected to become much more comfortable over Memorial Day weekend as daytime highs ease a bit. Scott Rowe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, said the weekend weather should be ideal for outdoor recreation.
Quick reads — Chico schools to install hundreds of surveillance cameras powered by AI
Hundreds of surveillance cameras powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be set up in Chico schools. That’s after the Chico Unified school board this week approved the installation of the cameras, which are made by the Silicon Valley company Verkada. The move comes amid ongoing concerns from parents and teachers about student privacy. The board said its decision was informed by community feedback, and that the cameras won’t use facial recognition technology.
Quick reads — Special election turnout slightly ahead of statewide primary so far in Butte County
The June 2 primary election is less than two weeks away, and many Butte County voters have already returned their ballots. Registrar of Voters Keaton Denlay told NSPR that turnout for the special election to fill the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s seat is slightly ahead of the regular statewide primary. As of Wednesday, May 20, about 11% of ballots for the special election had been returned, compared to just under 10% for the statewide primary.
Quick reads — Chico's Upper Bidwell Park to charge parking fees
Parking fees are coming to Chico's Upper Bidwell Park this summer. Drivers will soon need to pay $2 a day or $25 for an annual pass, Shane Romaine, park and natural resources manager for the city of Chico, said in an email. The fees will start sometime in June or July. Payments will be taken at kiosks or through an app. Romaine said there will be a grace period before enforcement begins, and more details will be released soon. On-site at the new California Indian Heritage Center in West Sacramento.
Quick reads — California Indian Heritage Center breaks ground in West Sacramento
After years of planning, the California Indian Heritage Center is becoming a reality. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the center’s groundbreaking at the conclusion of the Tribal Nations Summit this week. It'll be located on a 51-acre property where the American and Sacramento rivers come together in West Sacramento. The state provided $100 million dollars in 2018 to begin the project, which is expected to draw visitors from throughout the state.
California snowpack among worst in recorded history. Here’s what we know
California’s snowpack is nearly gone this year, and new measurements show just how severe the situation has become. State water officials conducted their most important manual snow survey of the season on Wednesday at Phillips Station near Lake Tahoe. It’s a site that typically represents statewide conditions at a time when the snowpack is traditionally at its peak. This year, they found no measurable snow.
Quick reads — Storm system set to bring rain, wind, mountain snow to North State
Some Redding residents are taking legal action against the City and Shasta County over a proposed jail site focused on reentry and rehabilitation programs for inmates. The Redding Record Searchlight reports that a plan to build a custody campus in Redding is now facing a lawsuit from nearby residents. Those suing are part of the River Ranch Neighborhood Association. They say they’re worried about safety, property values and their water supply.
Oroville to stop fluoridation | Bill could make library state parks passes permanent | Iran conflict pushes gas higher
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Local NewsChico, CaliforniaButte CountyOroville, CaliforniaOilGovernmentIranHomelessnessGavin NewsomPG&EShasta CountyFluoride
More outages possible as snow levels drop to 1,000 feet
Thousands of North State residents are without electricity as a winter storm brings heavy snow and gusty winds to the region. PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno says outages right now mainly affect customers in higher elevations. “We are seeing some outages, particularly up in the mountains of Butte County in the Challenge area,” Moreno said.
Holiday travel could be hazardous as snow levels drop
With a long holiday weekend ahead, mountain travel could be especially challenging. A new storm system moving into the North State on Sunday is expected to deliver substantial rain and mountain snow into the middle of next week. Courtney Carpenter, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, says flooding is not expected to be a significant problem but low snow levels are. “There’s going to be a significant amount of mountain snow even down to the foothills,” Carpenter said.
Flu surges in North State | Chico police military equipment meeting | Counties struggle funding crime law
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Flu SeasonInfluenzaChico Police DepartmentChico, CaliforniaButte CountyHealthPolice
Flu cases reach highest levels in North State
If you feel like everyone is sick, you’re right. The North State has “very high” flu activity right now, which is the highest level on the California Department of Public Health’s dashboard. Butte County’s health officer Dr. Jarrett Beaudoin said this flu season is worse than last year. “There are flu tests that you can go to the pharmacy and buy.
Quick reads - Supreme Court clears new North State congressional maps
The redrawn congressional maps in the North State will remain in place for this year’s midterms. The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday upheld the gerrymandered districts that voters approved last year with Proposition 50. They’re meant to help Democrats gain more seats in the House of Representatives. Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed the measure in response to redistricting in Texas that favored Republicans.
Quick reads - Federal fix restores Glenn Medical Center’s critical access designation
The federal government has restored Glenn Medical Center’s critical access designation. It’s a key step toward reopening the county’s only hospital. The fix came through bipartisan legislation co-championed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa, according to a press release. The hospital closed last fall after losing the designation, leaving residents without a local emergency room.
Measles in Shasta County | Chico State enrollment boosts budget | Butte libraries expand emergency alert access
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines MeaslesRedding, CaliforniaShasta CountyChico StateChico, CaliforniaButte CountyLibrariesButte County Library
Quick reads - Debate grows over California proposal to study charging drivers by the mile
California hasn’t passed a mileage tax. But lawmakers are studying one, and that’s sparking political pushback. CapRadio reports that Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley warns similar studies have led to new taxes layered on top of existing fees. Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state bill only authorizes a study, not a new tax. Assembly Democrats Monday rejected an amendment that would have barred adding a mileage charge to the gas tax. Shasta County has a new judge.
Protests continue in Chico as nationwide anti-ICE movement spreads
Demonstrators line East 20th Street on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, during an anti-ICE protest in Chico, Calif. Anti-ICE demonstrations are growing in Chico. Around a thousand people turned out near the Chico mall on Saturday to join protests against President Donald Trump and his administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The action followed another demonstration at Chico State on Friday that drew around 200 people.
Lawmakers push to reopen Glenn hospital | Covered California enrollment declines | Snow Goose Festival returns
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, January 22, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaCovered CaliforniaGlenn Medical CenterGlenn CountyGovernment
Free America Walkout in Chico | All women music jam debuts at 1078 Gallery | Proposition 50 forum this weekend
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, January 21, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaProtestsProp 50MusicICERenee Good
Quick reads - California GOP asks U.S. Supreme Court to block new congressional maps
The legal fight over California’s new congressional maps is escalating to the nation's highest court. The California Republican Party has filed an emergency request asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block the voter-approved maps from being used in the 2026 election. The request comes after a federal three-judge panel upheld the maps, rejecting claims that Proposition 50 amounted to racial gerrymandering.
California warns against mushroom foraging | Officials await LaMalfa autopsy results | Gallagher seeks LaMalfa seat
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, January 15, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaMushroomsDeathDoug LaMalfaGovernment
What to know about James Gallagher’s run for Congress
Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher announced Wednesday that he’ll run in the special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to announce the special election soon. It’ll be held under old congressional district lines that favor Republicans, and includes Chico and Redding. If elected, Gallagher would serve until January 2027. Here’s what you should know. Why is Gallagher running for Congress now?
Quick reads - Federal court upholds California’s voter-approved redistricting maps
A federal court has upheld California’s voter-approved congressional redistricting maps. A three-judge panel rejected Republican claims that last November’s Proposition 50 amounted to racial gerrymandering, according to reporting by KQED. The judges noted that during the campaign, no one described the maps as racially motivated. The lawsuit was brought by California Republicans and backed by the Trump administration.
Quick reads - Memorial service for late Rep. Doug LaMalfa set for Jan. 24 in Chico
A memorial service for the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa will be held at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico on Saturday, Jan 24. Tickets are required for entry and can be accessed by filling out a registration form online. Once registered, attendees will receive their ticket by e-mail two days before the memorial. Parking opens at 9:30 a.m. The service starts at noon.
Quick reads - California Attorney General Rob Bonta rules out governor bid, seeks reelection
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced he's not running for governor. Instead he's seeking reelection to his current post. In a statement, Bonta said he wants to defend California against attacks from the Trump administration. He said the state needs a "battle-tested" top prosecutor. There are 23 candidates in the governor's race, according to Ballotpedia. They include Bay Area Rep. Eric Swalwell, Orange County Rep.
Chico joins ICE protests | Controversial surveillance cameras in Shasta County | California’s budget hinges on AI boom
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Monday, January 12, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaRenee GoodShasta CountyICERedding, CaliforniaAIGovernment
LaMalfa remembered in the House | Chico reacts to Venezuela operation | Louisiana funk hits Chico
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, January 9, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaDoug LaMalfaVenezuelaICECongressMusicGovernment
Quick reads - Shasta County begins installing Flock license plate reader cameras this month
Shasta County officials plan to activate 24 automated license plate readers across the county by mid-January, reports the Redding Record Searchlight. The technology will be provided by the company Flock Safety and will capture vehicle images and identify license plates for law enforcement. Police can then check databases by case number, plate number, vehicle make or model, and by distinguishing features on vehicles like bumper stickers or dents.
Quick reads - Oroville formally backs Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians’ push for federal recognition
The Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians were officially recognized by the City of Oroville at a council meeting Tuesday. The tribe has been pursuing federal recognition for years. The city resolution acknowledges the tribe’s historical lineage to the Butte County area and supports its effort to gain federal status. The tribes chairman told the Chico Enterprise-Record his next steps will be filing a revised petition to the federal government or seeking support from a congressional representative.
Chico Renee Good vigil | Charges dismissed in Palermo Christmas shooting | North State sheriffs honor LaMalfa
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, January 8, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaDoug LaMalfaFloodingICECongress
Quick reads - Chico police ask for help as investigation continues into Oasis bartender’s death
The Chico Police Department said in a press release that detectives are still working to locate and interview witnesses in the death of Terry Smith. Smith was a bartender at the Oasis Bar and Grill. He was injured while trying to break up a fight at the bar during the early morning hours of Dec. 21. He was placed on life support and later died from his injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chico PD at (530)-897-5820 and reference case #25-9030.
Newsom on the clock after LaMalfa’s death | What comes next for District 1 | Farm Bureau remembers LaMalfa
The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, January 7, 2025. Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Headlines Butte CountyChico, CaliforniaDoug LaMalfaChico StateFarmingCongress
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