The Alameda County coroner found that metal from an exploding replacement airbag pierced an Oakland karaoke DJ’s skull in a September crash, prompting renewed concern about dangerous replacement inflators. NHTSA has issued an urgent advisory for used-car owners.

Two SF-trained bakers are opening weekend bakeries at West Oakland's O2 makers' campus — one focused on Chinese-American pastries and one on inventive sourdough. Theyshare a small, self-funded space and will sell limited batches on weekends.

Prosecutors say they can't locate the central witness in the bribery case against Detective Phong Tran, and have asked a judge to compel her before his March trial.

A former Newark private‑school principal was arraigned this week on felony wage‑theft, embezzlement and tax‑evasion charges tied to nearly $688,000 in alleged unpaid wages and penalties.

The Education Department asked an appeals court to drop its challenge, leaving a federal judge’s decision that blocked anti‑DEI funding threats in place. Educators called it a win.

Most CalPERS retirees remain in California, but a rising share of pension dollars now goes to beneficiaries living out of state. That shift is small but growing and matters for local economies.

An armed carjacking in Oakland ended with a vehicle crash in Piedmont and the arrest of two individuals after a pursuit. No injuries were reported, and a rifle was recovered.

Oakland's landmark Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopens this weekend with a free festival and ticketed shows, returning a major stage to the city after years dark.

California’s final 2025 tally shows more than 2.5 million EVs sold since 2012 while the state moves to replace lost federal incentives. Litigation and a proposed $200M rebate will shape the next chapter.

Prosecutors told a judge the corruption case against former Oakland mayor Sheng Thao rests on documents and records, and they’ve opposed defense bids to suppress evidence.

Moxy Uptown has stopped taking reservations and appears set to close, adding to a string of hotel troubles in downtown Oakland.

Antioch police say a suspect has been charged in the May 2024 killing of Raheem Coe. Investigators say evidence, witnesses and surveillance video led to the arrest.

A Mellman Group survey paid for by opponents finds support under 50% for California’s proposed billionaire tax, complicating the SEIU‑UHW signature drive.