Lowell High expects no more than seven Black freshmen this fall despite years of outreach, highlighting persistent gaps in admissions and campus climate. The numbers reopen debates about merit, recruitment and belonging at the city’s most selective public high school.

Grok, Elon Musk’s chatbot, published a full slate of California primary picks while other major chatbots declined to pick winners. The recommendations sharpen questions about bias, moderation and who should advise voters.

A 93‑year‑old San Francisco homeowner says her mailbox has been flooded with business mail for LLCs she never authorized — and state filings show her address linked to the companies. Investigators and experts warn it’s a red flag worth reporting.

Gusty offshore winds return Friday, with gale warnings offshore and elevated fire-weather risk inland.

Morning fog clears to sun with inland highs near 80°F. Gusty winds and elevated fire weather return Friday into the weekend.

Affirm told investors it would seed a Nevada‑chartered bank with about $350M to fund loans with deposits and capture fees. Management says the bank could be profitable within a couple of years if regulators sign off.

Cisco raised its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to $62.8–$63B and announced a restructuring that could cost up to $1B in pre‑tax charges, with local job impacts still unclear.

A juvenile was taken to a hospital in life‑threatening condition after emergency crews responded to the 1200 block of Lancelot Lane in San Jose. Authorities are investigating.

Pleasanton native Brandon Crawford will be inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on May 14, 2026. The honor recognizes his defensive excellence and two World Series titles.

A developer wants to replace a life‑sciences building at 3350 West Bayshore Road with 286 homes — an eight‑story apartment, 25 townhomes and at least 15% affordable units. The filing invokes state housing laws that can speed review.

A police report reconstructs the frantic minutes before a Lake Tahoe boat capsized on June 21, 2025, killing eight and leaving two survivors as investigators probe what went wrong.

A new Nature study finds rain in the West is clustering into heavier storms separated by longer dry spells — a pattern that dries landscapes and strains water supplies.

Alameda County prosecutors have charged San Leandro Police Chief Angela Averiett with a misdemeanor hit-and-run tied to a May 2025 sideswipe on I‑580. The filing follows months of scrutiny over how investigators handled the initial probe.