Cali

California has passed a new law intended to clear up confusion among school districts about how K-12 arts education funding under Proposition 28 should be used and reported. The measure adds clarity after many schools were uncertain about spending requirements, and it could shape how districts budget for music, visual arts and other arts programs statewide.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa says it is scaling up efforts to stay ahead of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, stepping up surveillance, contact tracing and support to affected communities. Health authorities say rapid containment measures are critical to preventing wider spread across the region.

Hurricanes Polo and Odalys are forecast to send powerful swells toward the Southern California coastline, which has already taken a battering from recent storms. Authorities are warning of dangerous surf, strong rip currents and possible coastal flooding as the waves arrive. Residents and beachgoers along the coast are being urged to stay clear of the water and low-lying shoreline areas.

California has $13.5 million in funding available for nutrition incentive programs, according to the Ag Information Network of the West. Such programs typically help low-income shoppers buy more fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and grocery stores by matching their benefits. The announcement matters to growers, food access advocates and families relying on nutrition assistance across the state.

California is racing to prepare for a massive 'Kelvin' wave and predicted sea level rise, according to a Guardian report. The event is linked to El Niño-Southern Oscillation dynamics, raising concerns about coastal flooding and extreme weather along the US West Coast as officials move to bolster defenses.

California has relaunched its Wildlife Coexistence Program as gray wolf populations hit a record number of pups across the state. The program aims to reduce conflicts between wolves and ranchers through nonlethal measures like deterrents and monitoring. The move comes as wolf packs expand beyond their northern strongholds, drawing both praise from conservationists and concern from livestock producers.

A prolonged heat wave is forecast to hit Southern California beginning Friday, with dangerously high temperatures expected to persist for several days. Forecasters are warning residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors. The extreme heat also raises concerns about increased wildfire risk and strain on the power grid as demand for air conditioning climbs across the region.

California has enacted a new law focused on preventing conflicts between people and wildlife rather than reacting to them after they occur. The measure emphasizes coexistence strategies, such as securing food sources and habitat planning, to reduce encounters with animals. Details on its provisions, implementation timeline and enforcement remain limited, and reaction from residents and conservation groups has not yet been widely reported.

Kern County, California has approved a large solar-plus-storage project from developer Terra-Gen, combining 600MW of solar generation with 4GWh of battery storage. The development adds to the county's role as a major hub for renewable energy in California, where large-scale storage is increasingly paired with solar to help meet the state's clean electricity targets.