Drug Bust to Doormats: San Jose’s Branham Lane Shelter Set for Permanent Housing Flip
City Council approved converting the Branham Lane modular shelter into permanent supportive housing after months of complaints, an operator change and an arrest. The city will provide an implementation update by Aug. 31.
Palo Alto Braces for Steep Jolt in Gas and Power Bills
City staff want to raise gas and electric rates beginning July 1, 2026, to cover rising supply costs and a roughly $300M grid overhaul. The Utilities Advisory Commission will review the proposal March 31 ahead of a possible council vote in June.
San Jose Social Workers Go Underground as ICE Jitters Rattle Immigrant Families
Social workers across Santa Clara County are shifting appointments to nights, cars and phone calls as immigrant families avoid public life amid ICE fears. An employee‑run "El Comité" is filling gaps while officials juggle a tight budget.
Bay Area Scientists Say California Let 11,613 Covid Deaths Slip Through The Cracks
A Science Advances analysis led by Stanford and UCSF estimates California likely missed about 11,600 COVID deaths in 2020–21, part of a U.S. undercount of roughly 150,000.
California Grocery Bill Showdown: Where Shoppers Actually Save Big
Consumer Reports finds big price gaps across California grocery chains as tariffs and fuel costs add fresh pressure. Where you shop now matters more than ever.
San Jose Mom’s ‘Quick’ India Visa Trip Turns Into Months-Long Nightmare
A San Jose mom flew to India for a quick H‑1B renewal and has been stuck since new vetting slowed consular appointments, leaving her family separated. Local attorneys say the backlog has ripple effects across Bay Area tech households.
Vallejo Rapper LaRussell Torches Timeline With Controversial 'Heaven Sent' Trump Track
Vallejo rapper LaRussell says controversial lines in his new song were an artistic statement after a clip calling Trump, Epstein and Hitler "heaven-sent" drew online backlash.
Santa Clara Inmates Now Leave Jail With A Doctor’s Plan, Not Just A Plastic Bag
A federal Medicaid shift is letting counties enroll people in Medi‑Cal before release, giving them meds, appointments and a case manager during the critical first weeks home.
Half Of California Freshmen Now Finish On Time, But The Other Half Hits A Wall
New PPIC data shows about 51% of California freshmen now graduate in four years, but the gains hide big differences between UC, CSU and community college pathways.
Bay Area Teens Face Admissions Roulette By UC Major
Interactive charts from the San Francisco Chronicle and UC data show sharp differences in acceptance rates and admitted GPAs by major for fall 2025. Berkeley CS ticked up but high‑demand programs remain tight.












