Why TV news won’t cover my lawsuit against DA Mike Ramsey

Commentary: Local news stations beholden to the district attorney
by Dave Waddell | Posted January 25, 2026
Writer Dave Waddell says KRCR “invented excuses” to kill a story. Photo courtesy of Waddell.

This is my story of a disheartening experience that sheds light on the sorry state of local television “journalism” in the North State.

I sued Butte County’s forever district attorney,Mike Ramsey, his equally non-transparent protégé, Sheriff Kory Honea, and, of course, the Chico Police Department for a pattern of unlawfully concealing records that belong, not to them, but to the public. These records would allow the public finally to learn about a handful of officer-involved shootings, including multiple killings – the most powerful use of government authority. read more

Appeals court upholds right to non-disclosure

Judge says schools aren't required to out LGBTQ students
by Natalie Hanson | Posted January 23, 2026

An appeals court this month upheld state law and policy that protect student rights to privacy — even when that privacy pertains to gender identity.

A panel of judges with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted a stay in favor of law and policy that allow schools to protect the confidentiality of LGBTQ+ students who may discuss gender identity or other issues with school staff.

The three-judge panel acted to place a temporary block on a federal court ruling issued in December in the case of Mirabelli v. Olson by Judge Roger Benitez. That ruling had found that California policy violates the constitutional rights of educators and parents. read more

Two days in review: Protesting in Chico as Sacramento churns

by Sunny | Posted January 22, 2026

In this week’s podcast, Sunny looks at what the changes underway in state funding for homelessness mean, as well as the Jan. 20 Chico Free America Pop-up Protest.

“Personally, I think it’s important for people to come to protests to feel like they’re not alone in these scary times,” Michael Brennock from Chico Indivisible tells ChicoSol. “Together we can make our communities and our country a better place.”

Butte Defense Equity Project will hold a Know Your Rights & Risks training for protesters at 5 p.m. Jan. 25. More information and an RSVP link is here. read more

Public Works employees to get cancer screenings

Several councilmembers question the process
by Yucheng Tang | Posted January 21, 2026
Former Chico Police Chief Mike O’Brien, now a City Council member, favors the cancer screenings. Photo by Leslie Layton.

The City Council approved cancer screenings for public works employees in a split vote Jan. 20. Councilmembers Addison Winslow, Katie Hawley and Bryce Goldstein were opposed to the Galleri cancer screenings that will be available every three years.

The disagreement centered on whether a technology not approved by the FDA — a blood-based multi-cancer early detection test — should be available to more city employees, and whether the matter should be handled by the city’s Human Resources Office. read more

Pop-up protest draws more than 200

Upcoming workshop will encourage safety at protests
by Leslie Layton | Posted January 20, 2026
Bill Monroe attended the protest with a sign depicting the flag of Greenland. Photo by Leslie Layton

Demonstrators showed up today for the Chico Free America Pop Up Protest, waving anti-Trump signs and telling reporters they will defend democracy, free expression and Constitutional rights.

Between 200 and 300 people attended, lining up on the sidewalks at the corner of Vallombrosa and Mangrove avenues. The event was organized quickly today by the Re-Sisters, the Defenders of Democracy Coalition and Indivisible Chico in coordination with the Free America Walkout that was scheduled to coincide with the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration. read more

California counties must jump through new hoops to get homelessness funds

by Marisa Kendall and Ben Christopher, CalMatters | Posted January 19, 2026
Tents occupied by unhoused people outside city hall. Photo courtesy of Karen Laslo

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened many times to withhold state homelessness funds from cities and counties that aren’t doing enough to get people off the streets. 

This year, these threats seem more real than ever.

Newsom’s administration and the Legislature are adding new strings to that money, which they hope will help address one of the state’s most obvious policy failures: Despite California’s large recent investments in homelessness, encampments are still rampant on city streets. But cities and counties already are chafing under the tightening requirements, which they worry will make it harder to access crucial state funds without directly improving conditions on the street. read more