The weekly roundup includes a shelter opening in Salinas in anticipation of El Niño, a fin whale washed ashore at Cowell Beach, and a watchdog group alleging ICE agents pepper sprayed their volunteers.
Midterm Elections
Videos from around the NPR Network on the 2026 Midterm Elections
As federal cuts aim to limit Medicaid, California’s own state-funded safety net is also shrinking, including the dental coverage it has offered to undocumented residents alongside its Medi-Cal benefits. Laura Marcus, the CEO of Dientes Community Dental, discusses how the converging cuts threaten dental care in Santa Cruz County.
- ‘My Name is Gitta’ tells the story of Santa Cruz woman coming to terms with Holocaust survival – 80 years later
- 'Transylvanian Dances' blends Eastern European history and folk music with live performance in Sand City
- Ekene & Friends Experience will showcase original music and shared humanity
- KAZU’s new leader is a familiar voice at the station
- 'Big Sur Stories' chronicles the artists who live where 'only the strong survive'
The Latest From NPR
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In several states, Democrats took control of legislatures that had been divided and they weakened GOP dominance in others. Issues on the agenda: More access to health care, new limits on school vouchers.
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A year ago in November, New Mexico became the first state to offer free childcare to every eligible family, regardless of income.
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The film Being Heumann tells the lesser-known story of the mother of the disability rights movement. A new generation of activists share how they "carry the torch" today.
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A federal judge on Saturday ordered a two-week delay to any work at a historic Washington public golf course not far from the White House.
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Some college football games were delayed a few hours on Saturday or postponed to Sunday. And in Oklahoma at least, there will be perks for fans to make up for the inconvenience, including cheap beers.
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A new Florida law that prohibits taxpayer dollars from going toward diversity initiatives has prompted Delray Beach to cancel its St. Patrick's Day parade after a nearly 60-year run.
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy points blame toward contractor in explaining Friday's nation-wide aviation ground stop.
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NPR's Rob Schmitz speaks with Blue Ridge Public Radio's Gerard Albert III about his new podcast A Man-Made Disaster.
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The U.S. has lost its status as a country where measles is eliminated, according to researchers with direct knowledge of the deliberations at the Pan American Health Organization.
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The company's spacecraft returned to its Texas launchpad in dramatic fashion — by carefully lowering itself until two metal arms attached to the launch tower could secure it.
