Scientists in California say they have created a “smart mask” that can detect disease by analyzing the wearer’s breath. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology say the new mask can then beam the data to an app over Bluetooth. In a report released Thursday, the researchers say they hope the new mask can improve efforts to diagnose and monitor certain conditions in a convenient and affordable way.
Southwest Airlines is introducing new direct flights from Sacramento to Tucson, Arizona. The airline will start offering nonstop flights between Sacramento International Airport and Tucson International Airport starting in the spring. The flights will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning on March 8th. Alaska Airlines announced in July that it was adding 18 direct flights for the winter travel season, including four new nonstop routes from Sacramento International Airport.
FoodieLand is coming to Northern California. The three day outdoor multi-cultural food festival will be held today through Sunday at Cal Expo. The event is inspired by the open-air night markets in Asia and features over 110 food vendors and 80 plus merchandise vendors. Entry tickets are $6 online and children under 5 get in free. Parking costs $10. Backpacks are not allowed, but you can bring handbags, diaper bags, and strollers.
A bill that would create restrictions on artificial intelligence is headed to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The state legislature approved the measure Wednesday that if signed, could help set a national standard for regulating AI. The bill would require companies to test their products for safety before they are made public. It would also let the state attorney general sue companies when use of AI results in property damage or death. Newsom has been under pressure from the tech industry to veto the bill and it’s not clear what he plans to do.
California’s Senate is approving a bill that would provide home loans to illegal immigrants. The bill that would make up to 150,000 tax-payer dollars available to each undocumented homebuyer passed along party lines, with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans against. The bill now moves to the Assembly for consideration. The current legislative session ends tomorrow.
Peace officers in California may soon get to keep their beards. A federal court has just put a temporary hold on the “no beard policy” within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, saying the policy does not accommodate a need for religious and cultural expression among peace officers. Advocacy groups like “CAIR and the ACLU”, plus the Department of Justice all requested the change in policy. Officials say affected peace officers will be allowed to continue their duties or receive paid leave until a permanent decision is made.
The California legislature has passed a bill banning local governments from adopting voter I-D laws. The vote came despite opposition from Republicans. (:04) California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher says many states have I-D provisions. And some cities, here, want it too. Earlier this year, the city of Huntington Beach approved a voter I-D requirement. But in other places, like San Fransisco, illegal immigrants are allowed to vote in local school board elections.
Firefighters are making progress on a pair of fires burning in Sonoma County. The Gulch Fire is now 100% contained while the Two Fire is 75% contained. The Two Fire, which started yesterday afternoon, has burned 33 acres as of the latest update, and Cal Fire says forward progression has been stopped. The Gulch Fire has been burning since Wednesday and has scorched 19 acres. CalFire is investigating the cause of both fires. Meanwhile, to the north, The Park Fire continues to burn. It’s currently 94% contained.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating after a Humboldt County woman was found dead in a Ukiah creek bed. According to a press release, CHP officers responded to a call for a hit and run on US 101 just south of Lake Mendocino Drive. At the scene they found the body of Aimee Younkin in Hensley Creek, just south of the Lake Mendocino Drive Exit off Highway 101. Investigators said it appears Younkin was hit by a vehicle sometime between August 8th and August 10th. It’s an active investigation, and CHP is asking anyone who may have information to call their office in Ukiah.
The Fort Bragg City Council will hold a public hearing next month to hear what residents have to say about Coastal development. Several items are on the agenda for the regular city council meeting on Monday, September 9th including a review of the Local Coastal Plan Amendment. The hearing will be held after the meeting, which starts at 6pm at Town Hall on North Main Street in Fort Bragg.
California lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban snacks with synthetic food dyes from public schools. The Sacramento Bee says a bill was approved Thursday that would ban California schools from distributing or selling products containing six common food dyes starting in 2028. A state study has linked synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity and neurological behavioral problems in children. The food coloring is found in cereal, baked goods and popular snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk.
