BEA county data and a San Diego Union-Tribune analysis show 16 California counties tripled in size from 2001–2024, led by Bay Area growth and small-county percentage spikes.

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.

Cal Fire staged a hands‑on demo of aircraft, crews and readiness tools as Northern California warms. Officials urged home hardening and defensible space ahead of peak season.

Redwood City is weighing a pilot that would let patrons carry drinks on the 200 block of Broadway. Staff say a managed pilot could begin as early as June 10, 2026.

Kathleen Foley-Hughes has built Ada’s Cafe into a mission-driven employer that trains and hires adults with disabilities. The founder was named an Avenidas honoree as the cafe plots local expansion.

CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit requires burn permits for residential hazard burning starting May 1. Apply online and confirm permissive burn days with your air district.

Samsung phone users in California can now add driver’s licenses to Samsung Wallet; airport acceptance will be limited at first.

A new University of West Alabama analysis finds California metros dominate the nation's highest-paying spots for registered nurses, with San Jose at the top. The report uses BLS data showing a big jump in RN pay since 2019.

A Miss Israel tabling event at Stanford's White Plaza turned physical when an IDF soldier tackled a student who took a sign; campus police have opened an investigation.

A contractor's slurry mix contacted a live Mountain View water main Friday, prompting an emergency shutoff that left several nearby streets without service.

A new Indian Health Center report finds widespread violence, missing relatives and murders among Bay Area Indigenous people and urges better data and culturally centered care.

A federal judge in San Jose allowed a father's civil‑rights lawsuit against the Santa Clara County Bar Association and its CEO to proceed after allegations the CEO shredded his bias complaint unread.

California mailed millions of Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards in 2022; many still carry unused funds that expire April 30, 2026. Here’s how to check and claim yours.