Sara DiNatale
@saradinatale.bsky.social
Reporter at @sfchronicle.com covering politics in California after a decade reporting across the South. Polk winner. Buffalo native 🦬.
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
“I won’t let my son fall through the cracks,” Cameron’s mom, Dana, told me. A year ago, Cameron found a doctor at Planned Parenthood that accepted Medicaid. Now, not only is his clinic closed but the remaining PPs in the region are sunsetting primary care altogether because of Medicaid cuts.
Planned Parenthood doctors often provide primary care for people with severe disabilities. Recent clinic closures are leaving those patients stranded.
He relied on Planned Parenthood for primary care. Now Trump cuts leave him doctorless
Planned Parenthood doctors often provide primary care for people with severe disabilities. Recent clinic closures are leaving those patients stranded.
bit.ly
July 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“I won’t let my son fall through the cracks,” Cameron’s mom, Dana, told me. A year ago, Cameron found a doctor at Planned Parenthood that accepted Medicaid. Now, not only is his clinic closed but the remaining PPs in the region are sunsetting primary care altogether because of Medicaid cuts.
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
Our local @pbs.org station KEET-TV might be another victim of #Trump GOP war on public media.
#SavePBS
#PublicMedia
#HumboldtCountyCA
Follow @saradinatale.bsky.social
#SavePBS
#PublicMedia
#HumboldtCountyCA
Follow @saradinatale.bsky.social
My latest story in my new job covering California politics & Trump at @sfchronicle.com. Meet the Northern California PBS station slated to lose half its budget under the federal funding cuts to public media: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
This Northern California PBS station will lose half its budget to Trump cuts
Stations like KEET-TV in Eureka could become casualties of President Donald Trump’s plan to claw back $9 billion in public broadcasting funds.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Our local @pbs.org station KEET-TV might be another victim of #Trump GOP war on public media.
#SavePBS
#PublicMedia
#HumboldtCountyCA
Follow @saradinatale.bsky.social
#SavePBS
#PublicMedia
#HumboldtCountyCA
Follow @saradinatale.bsky.social
Breaking news ➡️ Trump cuts to Medicaid have forced a Planned Parenthood affiliate to shutter five Northern California clinics: “It’s just not sustainable.” @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Planned Parenthood closes 5 Northern California clinics, citing Trump budget bill
Thursday’s announcement drives home the extent of the federal government’s tremendous power to impact abortion access.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 25, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Breaking news ➡️ Trump cuts to Medicaid have forced a Planned Parenthood affiliate to shutter five Northern California clinics: “It’s just not sustainable.” @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
My latest story in my new job covering California politics & Trump at @sfchronicle.com. Meet the Northern California PBS station slated to lose half its budget under the federal funding cuts to public media: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
This Northern California PBS station will lose half its budget to Trump cuts
Stations like KEET-TV in Eureka could become casualties of President Donald Trump’s plan to claw back $9 billion in public broadcasting funds.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 22, 2025 at 6:37 PM
My latest story in my new job covering California politics & Trump at @sfchronicle.com. Meet the Northern California PBS station slated to lose half its budget under the federal funding cuts to public media: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
The devastating floods have claimed 24 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
Camp Mystic deadly flood updates: Death toll rises to 24; 270 rescued
The devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
bit.ly
July 5, 2025 at 2:38 AM
The devastating floods have claimed 24 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
The devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. Twenty children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
Kerr County deadly flood updates: Emergency crews search for survivors
The devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. Twenty children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
bit.ly
July 4, 2025 at 11:45 PM
The devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. Twenty children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
About 23 girls were still missing after major flooding at a private Christian summer camp in Hunt, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during a news conference.
Who are the Camp Mystic girls still missing after devastating floods in Texas?
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday during a press conference that about 23 girls were still missing after major flooding at a private Christian summer camp in Hunt.
bit.ly
July 5, 2025 at 1:30 AM
About 23 girls were still missing after major flooding at a private Christian summer camp in Hunt, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during a news conference.
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill requiring the Public Utility Commission to publish a consumer guide to avoiding rip-offs by rooftop solar companies. The law was inspired in part by @saradinatale.bsky.social's four-part series, "In Broad Daylight."
capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/A...
capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/A...
Texas Legislature Online - 89(R) Actions for SB 1697
capitol.texas.gov
May 14, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill requiring the Public Utility Commission to publish a consumer guide to avoiding rip-offs by rooftop solar companies. The law was inspired in part by @saradinatale.bsky.social's four-part series, "In Broad Daylight."
capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/A...
capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/A...
In Broad Daylight update 🧵 ➡️
TX Senate committee discussed solar consumer protections today. The bill is still pending, but industry (from roofing to electricians & solar) testified in support. The bill has been changed to have extra penalties for vics 65+ rather than 55. @expressnews.com
TX Senate committee discussed solar consumer protections today. The bill is still pending, but industry (from roofing to electricians & solar) testified in support. The bill has been changed to have extra penalties for vics 65+ rather than 55. @expressnews.com
March 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
In Broad Daylight update 🧵 ➡️
TX Senate committee discussed solar consumer protections today. The bill is still pending, but industry (from roofing to electricians & solar) testified in support. The bill has been changed to have extra penalties for vics 65+ rather than 55. @expressnews.com
TX Senate committee discussed solar consumer protections today. The bill is still pending, but industry (from roofing to electricians & solar) testified in support. The bill has been changed to have extra penalties for vics 65+ rather than 55. @expressnews.com
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
"The Texas government has got to come up with a way to incentivize (virtual power plants)," TAEBA's Matt Boms told @saradinatale.bsky.social @expressnews.com.
Read more: www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Read more: www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Backyard backup: Virtual power plants give homeowners — and grid — security
“Virtual power plants” fed by connected pools of residential power could be key in stabilizing the Texas grid. But technology and regulation are challenges.
www.expressnews.com
March 4, 2025 at 5:06 PM
"The Texas government has got to come up with a way to incentivize (virtual power plants)," TAEBA's Matt Boms told @saradinatale.bsky.social @expressnews.com.
Read more: www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Read more: www.expressnews.com/business/art...
If you're interested in hearing more about the four-part series 'In Broad Daylight' I did on the Texas solar industry that just won a George Polk Award, @douglewin.bsky.social posted his latest podcast where we chat the series, the process and the grid. www.douglewin.com/p/know-befor...
Know Before You Go Solar with Sara DiNatale
Award winning investigative reporter Sara DiNatale exposed how some bad actors in misled Texas homeowners, leaving them with faulty systems, mounting debt, and little recourse
www.douglewin.com
February 19, 2025 at 7:07 PM
If you're interested in hearing more about the four-part series 'In Broad Daylight' I did on the Texas solar industry that just won a George Polk Award, @douglewin.bsky.social posted his latest podcast where we chat the series, the process and the grid. www.douglewin.com/p/know-befor...
You may have seen a dire-sounding ERCOT report last week. My story today has needed nuance about the figures and why standardized load growth reporting criteria could help ERCOT improve the reports & forecasts that keenly influence lawmakers.
@expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...
@expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...
ERCOT anticipates 'significant increase' in upcoming demand forecast
ERCOT anticipates 'significant increase' in upcoming Texas power demand forecast
www.expressnews.com
February 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
You may have seen a dire-sounding ERCOT report last week. My story today has needed nuance about the figures and why standardized load growth reporting criteria could help ERCOT improve the reports & forecasts that keenly influence lawmakers.
@expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...
@expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
Relentless, gutsy reporting by @saradinatale.bsky.social exposed the sleazy underside of Texas' rooftop solar energy boom. Today, her work was honored with a George Polk Award, first ever for San Antonio Express-News.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
E-N series on dark side of rooftop solar boom wins George Polk Award
The San Antonio Express-News series documented deceptive sales tactics, exorbitant lending fees and shoddy workmanship. Thousands of Texans were victimized.
www.expressnews.com
February 17, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Relentless, gutsy reporting by @saradinatale.bsky.social exposed the sleazy underside of Texas' rooftop solar energy boom. Today, her work was honored with a George Polk Award, first ever for San Antonio Express-News.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Will Texas finally crack down on the solar industry's bad actors? Sen. Judith Zaffirini filed a new bill that creates sales registration requirements and penalities up to $100k. It comes on the heels of my 4-part investigation for @expressnews.com
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Texas bill would put financial hurt on dishonest solar sales reps
The proposed law targets abuses highlighted in a San Antonio Express-News series. Installers and salespeople coul be fined up to $100K for repeat violations.
www.expressnews.com
February 4, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Will Texas finally crack down on the solar industry's bad actors? Sen. Judith Zaffirini filed a new bill that creates sales registration requirements and penalities up to $100k. It comes on the heels of my 4-part investigation for @expressnews.com
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Could Texas’ laissez-faire approach to the residential solar industry be changing? Industry leaders hope so as they look ahead to the legislative session. An @expressnews.com investigation uncovered heart-wrenching fallout from bad actors across the state. 🧵
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Texas residential solar firms look to state to clean up their industry
Unscrupulous operators have put a hurt on the industry's image. Solar companies and trade groups are asking the Legislature to step in and set standards.
www.expressnews.com
December 23, 2024 at 3:29 PM
Could Texas’ laissez-faire approach to the residential solar industry be changing? Industry leaders hope so as they look ahead to the legislative session. An @expressnews.com investigation uncovered heart-wrenching fallout from bad actors across the state. 🧵
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
If you've stumbled onto any of @saradinatale.bsky.social's hard-hitting takeouts on the residential solar power industry in Texas, we've collected them in one place for your convenience. And there's one more still to come.
www.expressnews.com/solar/
www.expressnews.com/solar/
In Broad Daylight | ExpressNews.com
www.expressnews.com
December 12, 2024 at 2:56 PM
If you've stumbled onto any of @saradinatale.bsky.social's hard-hitting takeouts on the residential solar power industry in Texas, we've collected them in one place for your convenience. And there's one more still to come.
www.expressnews.com/solar/
www.expressnews.com/solar/
Part III of my @expressnews.com investigation into Texas’ solar industry uncovers a hidden fee often worth thousands of dollars in fintech loans used across the country. “We fought, and we got nothing except money going out of our pockets,” said one customer. www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Hidden lending fee inflated the cost of rooftop solar systems across Texas
Companies offering quick-approval online loans for rooftop solar systems didn't disclose a lending fee of 30% or more, an Express-News investigation found.
www.expressnews.com
December 9, 2024 at 4:02 PM
Part III of my @expressnews.com investigation into Texas’ solar industry uncovers a hidden fee often worth thousands of dollars in fintech loans used across the country. “We fought, and we got nothing except money going out of our pockets,” said one customer. www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
As a post-Uri solar boom rolled across Texas, hidden loan fees pushed the cost of residential systems through the roof. Here's the latest ln @saradinatale.bsky.social's series on the impacts of the largely unregulated industry.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Hidden lending fee inflated the cost of rooftop solar systems across Texas
Companies offering quick-approval online loans for rooftop solar systems didn't disclose a lending fee of 30% or more, an Express-News investigation found.
www.expressnews.com
December 8, 2024 at 5:40 PM
As a post-Uri solar boom rolled across Texas, hidden loan fees pushed the cost of residential systems through the roof. Here's the latest ln @saradinatale.bsky.social's series on the impacts of the largely unregulated industry.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
Absolutely love JessicaPhelps' lead image with
@saradinatale.bsky.social's blockbuster on how hidden loan fees drive up the cost of home solar systems across the country. The paperwork, the woman's expression ... a silent scream of aggravation and dismay.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
@saradinatale.bsky.social's blockbuster on how hidden loan fees drive up the cost of home solar systems across the country. The paperwork, the woman's expression ... a silent scream of aggravation and dismay.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
December 8, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Absolutely love JessicaPhelps' lead image with
@saradinatale.bsky.social's blockbuster on how hidden loan fees drive up the cost of home solar systems across the country. The paperwork, the woman's expression ... a silent scream of aggravation and dismay.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
@saradinatale.bsky.social's blockbuster on how hidden loan fees drive up the cost of home solar systems across the country. The paperwork, the woman's expression ... a silent scream of aggravation and dismay.
www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
The Texas grid operator’s meteorologist said the state could face a sudden winter freeze this season that would put the electric grid at significant risk of emergency conditions and forced power outages. bit.ly/41jeIIF
December 4, 2024 at 9:44 PM
The Texas grid operator’s meteorologist said the state could face a sudden winter freeze this season that would put the electric grid at significant risk of emergency conditions and forced power outages. bit.ly/41jeIIF
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
Just a reminder that without San Antonio's CPS Energy, Texas can’t keep the lights on, despite the claims that the state fixed the grid."
ERCOT: CPS Energy's Braunig unit must stay online to keep Texans' lights on
The $34 million project, to be paid for by utility customers across Texas, is necessary to reduce the impact of a glitchy transmission circuit in San Antonio.
www.expressnews.com
December 4, 2024 at 9:24 PM
Just a reminder that without San Antonio's CPS Energy, Texas can’t keep the lights on, despite the claims that the state fixed the grid."
ERCOT's meteorologist Tuesday told the state it should be on an extreme freeze watch in case a storm breaks through what's expected to be a warm winter. The grid operator's analysis shows a 50% chance h-+ of power outages during a deep freeze. @expressnews.com
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
ERCOT says Texas ‘in a pattern’ for deep freeze, boosting possibility of outages
“That doesn’t mean we’re going to have Uri,” the grid operator’s meteorologist says, “but we’re in a pattern that supports something like a Uri.”
www.expressnews.com
December 4, 2024 at 10:59 PM
ERCOT's meteorologist Tuesday told the state it should be on an extreme freeze watch in case a storm breaks through what's expected to be a warm winter. The grid operator's analysis shows a 50% chance h-+ of power outages during a deep freeze. @expressnews.com
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
www.expressnews.com/business/art...
Reposted by Sara DiNatale
"Texas sunshine is a gift from the heavens. Even Texans of modest means should be able to get in on this energy abundance. Just watch out for scoundrels and scalawags." @houstonchronicle.com edit board weighs in on @saradinatale.bsky.social's solar series.
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Don't get scammed on solar panels. Here's how to do it right | Editorial
An investigation by the San Antonio-Express News revealed rampant scams by door-to-door rooftop solar salespeople. Here are five tips to avoid getting cheated.
www.houstonchronicle.com
November 22, 2024 at 4:51 PM
"Texas sunshine is a gift from the heavens. Even Texans of modest means should be able to get in on this energy abundance. Just watch out for scoundrels and scalawags." @houstonchronicle.com edit board weighs in on @saradinatale.bsky.social's solar series.
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Part 2 of my series taking a dive into the problems of Texas' residential solar industry for the Express-News. Meet the sales agents targeting the elderly, then taking their earnings to strip clubs. One even called his sales groupchat the "wolves of wall street." www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Inside the high-pressure sales culture of Texas’ solar energy boom
Door-to-door sales agents targeted the elderly with promises of energy savings, rebates, tax credits that proved illusory, an Express-News investigation found.
www.expressnews.com
November 18, 2024 at 3:38 PM
Part 2 of my series taking a dive into the problems of Texas' residential solar industry for the Express-News. Meet the sales agents targeting the elderly, then taking their earnings to strip clubs. One even called his sales groupchat the "wolves of wall street." www.expressnews.com/news/article...