Bay Area
'My son was killed': Landmark $1.4T Meta trial underway in Oakland
The landmark suit could overhaul Meta's most popular apps.
The date archive
2026-08-18
24 stories. Coverage is grouped by its original source date, with VINI publication dates shown separately. Dates use UTC.
Technology
ABC sues FCC on behalf of SF's KGO-TV over 'deeply un-American' actions
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of government censorship.
Bay Area
After slashing science budgets, Trump bets on Bay Area researchers
The administration is funding research involving AI, energy and critical minerals.
California
California leads in organized retail crime fight, recovers 8,500 stolen items in 9-day nationwide blitz
Source
Bay Area
Civil Grand Jury raises concerns over Silicon Valley BART extension
VTA officials will provide more clarity about the finances and long-term costs of the massive Silicon Valley BART extension in response to a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report that criticized the agency’s management and oversight of the project. The June 17 report raised concerns about VTA’s financial planning and oversight of the roughly $13... The post Civil Grand Jury raises concerns over Silicon Valley BART extension appeared first on San José Spotlight .
Bay Area
Climate scientists warn El Niño may bring tallest-ever seas to California
Climate scientists explain.
Markets
Daniel Chu; Jerome Kollar; Ameryn Seibold
Daniel Chu; Jerome Kollar; Ameryn Seibold
Science
Drive for Nuclear Power Boosts Uranium Industry — And Tribal Health Concerns in Southwest
Federal efforts to revive uranium mining in the West and decrease reliance on Russian uranium are raising concerns about drinking water for tribal communities reckoning with the industry’s deadly legacy.
Bay Area
Employers are ghosting college grads and rescinding offers, destroying morale
"It's totally out of control."
California
Governor Newsom announces $95 million plan to expand EV charging and hydrogen fueling across California
Source
California
Governor Newsom secures federal disaster assistance for small businesses impacted by Boyle Heights warehouse fire
Source
California
Governor Newsom signs legislation 8.17.2026
Source
Technology
Governors' races are being increasingly buffeted by the toxic politics of data centers
More governors are shifting their stances or taking more steps to squeeze data centers, as the midterm elections near and public opinion sours on the energy-hungry behemoths
California
M 6.9 - 15 km NNW of Pematangsiantar, Indonesia
PAGER - GREEN ShakeMap - V DYFI? - IV Time 2026-08-15 10:54:51 UTC 2026-08-15 10:54:51 UTC at epicenter Location 3.086°N 99.015°E Depth 172.53 km (107.20 mi)
Technology
OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens, promising a more age-appropriate chatbot
OpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers — the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence — who are already using it for schoolwork, questions about daily life and even companionship
Culture
Prolific Chinese Money Launderer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Laundering Drug Trafficking Proceeds Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation
A Chinese national was sentenced today in the Western District of North Carolina by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez to 15 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $25 million for his role in a Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO) that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.
Technology
Shrews’ noses grow in winter as their brains shrink
Long-clawed shrews’ snouts temporarily grow larger in the winter. This skull reshaping may be an extreme survival strategy in cold conditions.
California
State Farm defense lawyers admit AI generated fake cases in LA lawsuit
Lawyers for a former Los Angeles homeowner find AI-generated “hallucinations” in State Farm’s filings.
Technology
The UK and Google test changes to flight paths to tackle aviation's climate impact
Hundreds of commercial flights will be told to change their paths over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean during the next two winters to show how minor altitude adjustments can reduce aviation’s climate impact
Technology
US school vaccination rates inch down yet again and exemptions reach record high
U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high
Science
What Geriatric Emergency Departments Do Differently
These specialized units can help keep older patients out of the hospital, lower their healthcare costs, and more.
Technology
What Spider-Man gets right — and wrong — about turning off superpowers
In 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' Peter Parker devises a superpower inhibitor based on a real therapy using RNA.
California
Why the secret to a longer life might start with training your balance
Better balance can help you live longer. Here's why it matters, how to test your 'balance IQ' at home and 3 different modalities to train your balance — no special equipment needed.
California
With a strong El Niño expected in SoCal, should you consider flood insurance?
The weather pattern doesn’t guarantee flooding here, but now could be a good time to consider flood insurance, which is not included in most homeowners or renters policies.