The Venice Biennale opened May 9 amid protests after its international jury resigned over Israeli and Russian participation. Organizers shifted prize decisions to ticket‑holding visitors and postponed awards to Nov. 22.

A man from one of Louisiana's smallest towns allegedly made himself a very busy poacher — stripping Florida waterways of nearly 1,800 protected turtles over two years and selling them into an international pipeline that ran straight through San Francisco. The Bay Area connection is still very much an open thread.

The Mina Group will step back from managing Tiburon’s Bungalow Kitchen on June 1. Arizona’s Clive Collective will take over management while the restaurant stays open.

Phillips 66 sued the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to block release of records tied to a Bay Area pipeline, refinery and oil terminal, reviving a transparency fight.

A new Migration Policy Institute report finds immigrant workers contribute roughly $1.5 billion a year — about 11% of Napa County’s output — and anchor much of its farm labor. Simulations show major revenue and job losses if that labor were removed.

Mayor Daniel Lurie pointed to a Marina bar's quick permit win as proof PermitSF reforms are easing red tape for small businesses. The example shows how faster approvals can quickly add outdoor seats.

The Richmond Caspers on Macdonald Avenue will close after a sale; the storefront is expected to reopen as Corky's Famous Hot Dogs on May 16, 2026.

Google agreed to a proposed $50 million settlement in a class action alleging systemic racial bias against Black employees; the deal pairs cash with pay‑equity measures. A final fairness hearing was scheduled for Thursday.

Kairos has put its 10-story Financial District tower at 550 Kearny back on the market, with the offering priced at nearly twice what it paid for the loan in May 2024.

Nosh Corner has opened at 2655 Broadway in Redwood City, replacing Ike’s Lair with a menu of sandwiches, matcha drinks and milk teas.

A FAA ground delay program tied to low cloud ceilings throttled San Francisco International on Friday, producing widespread delays and disrupting hundreds of flights.

A welfare check at the San Leandro Marina ended in a fatal police shooting Friday; three officers have been placed on leave as investigators open probes.

San Jose's El Halal Amigos lands a Food Network feature — Guy Fieri sampled the barbacoa and chile relleno burritos and a recipe is now online.