01-01-2026

This week’s Zephyr News features local and statewide reporting from KZFR 90.1 FM Chico, with contributions from the Sacramento Observer, Public News Service, and KQED’s California Report.The episode includes a roundup of Northern California headlines, a breakdown of new California laws taking effect in 2026, coverage of updated homelessness protections, and an overview of California’s minimum wage increase. We also examine gaps in Medicare Advantage coverage affecting Black seniors and how PTA food pantries are supporting families during school breaks.Listeners will hear an update on Butte County’s decision to extend the Alert FM emergency warning system through 2031, explaining how the system delivers life-saving alerts over FM radio to rural and wildfire-prone areas when cellular and internet services fail.Zephyr News airs Thursdays from 7 to 7:30 pm on KZFR 90.1 FM and is available wherever you get your podcasts.