Good morning, North State. Here's what you need to know to start your day on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

California OKs $600 stimulus payments for 5.7 million people

The California State Legislature has approved a plan for 5.7 million people to get at least $600 in one-time payments. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will sign the bill into law today. If you claim the California earned income tax credit, those earning $30,000 a year or less will get payments, along with some low-income, elderly or disabled individuals.

California inspectors find 'deficiencies' at virus test lab

State inspectors said they found "significant deficiencies" at California’s $25 million coronavirus testing lab, the investigation comes after a whistleblower complained of worker violations, incompetence and mismanagement at the lab inspectors say a fraction of 1% of the more than 1.5 million tests had problems.

HHS nominee Becerra says pandemic will be top priority

Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is set to start two days of Senate confirmation hearings. Becerra is nominated for health and human services secretary. He faces grilling by two separate senate panels. Today he will face the health committee. Wednesday the finance committee.

New deadline set for Bear Fire survivors regarding debris removal

The Butte County Board of Supervisors is set to create a deadline for Bear Fire debris removal. Bear Fire survivors can no longer apply to have their property removed by the government since the deadline passed a week ago. Click here to view the alternative program debris removal program.

Butte Supervisors to consider pathway under Highway 99

The Butte County Board of Supervisors will also consider a proposed pathway to help to drain water under Highway 99 north of Chico. It is a Caltrans project. County staff said the drainage problems in this area, have been studied for more than 40 years. The last flood was in 2019.

Defensible space inspectors to begin visiting homes soon

If you have not yet reviewed your property to make sure you fall in line with defensible space guidelines, you might want to do so. Cal Fire said defensible space inspectors will begin visiting homes in Tehama and Glenn counties in the coming weeks. Those teams will check to see if you are in compliance with rules for 100 feet of defensible space.