Controversial Swan Hunt Appears to Work: California’s Mute Swan Population Drops

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law last year allowing Californians to kill non native mute swans. It appeared to have worked.

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Our Chatbot Friends and Lovers (with Pat Pataranutaporn)

View Full Episode Transcript What does a healthy relationship with AI look like? Pat Pataranutaporn, researcher at the MIT Media Lab, explores how chatbots can either support or undermine human flourishing. Pat explains why it’s so easy to imagine a “someone” behind the screen and why chatbots that never push back are dangerous. He ultimately … Continue reading Our Chatbot Friends and Lovers (with Pat Pataranutaporn) →

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Why The Ethan Klein Fair Use Lawsuits Are Way More Than Internet Beef

How an internet feud became a series of lawsuits about fair use and copyright infringement.

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San Francisco Is Quietly Removing 911 Peer Responders

This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Starting August 14, San Francisco will remove peer specialists from its 911 response. These peer responders, equipped with both training and personal experience with issues like homelessness and addiction, say the decision is a regressive step … Continue reading San Francisco Is Quietly Removing 911 Peer Responders →

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Trump Claimed Our Election System is Vulnerable. Then He Dismantled Cyber Defenses

From online disinformation to foreign meddling and the risks new technology poses, what are the actual vulnerabilities of our election system?

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Pacific Northwest Wildfires May Worsen Air Quality in the Bay Area, Officials Warn

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District recommends that Bay Area residents stay indoors with windows and doors closed if they see smoke in their immediate vicinity.

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Yes, That ‘Summer Cold’ Really Might Be COVID (Again). What to Know About Bay Area Viral Levels

COVID levels in Bay Area wastewaters are up again this summer — as if you needed another thing to worry about. Here’s what to know about your risk.

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California Fails to Fix Warning System for Teacher Misconduct

A proposal collapsed following opposition from unions and the state teacher licensing agency.

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California, US Lawmakers Debate License Plate Reader Technology

Every day, untold numbers of Californians drive past the thousands of cameras that at least 230 police and sheriffs’ departments have posted along roadways or installed on their patrol cars.

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The No Judgement Guide to Not Passing Out at a Concert (and Other Concert Health Tips)

Festival medics offer their best guidance on staying healthy at crowded concerts where fainting can be a regular occurrence.

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California Democratic Party Endorses Billionaire Tax, Splitting with Newsom

The party narrowly endorsed the billionaire tax measure, which still faces high-profile opposition. How much will it help the Proposition 40 campaign?

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‘They’ve Been Very Quiet’: Pittsburg Residents Seek Answers as Data Center Sets Up Shop in City

City council members haven’t explained their support for a planned data center since facing delayed criticism, but a special meeting this week could give insight into if they’ll support regulating future facilities.

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A Hayward Man Died in a Philippine Military Operation. Members of Congress Want Answers

Lyle Prijoles of Hayward was one of 19 people killed by the Philippine military in an April operation, and 11 members of Congress are now pushing for an investigation.

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Outside Lands 2026: Tickets, Parking, Road Closures and Bag Rules

Is Outside Lands really sold out this year? What can you bring to Outside Lands? Where is will call, what will the weather be like in Golden Gate Park in early August, and can you bring your own food? We have everything you need to know about Outside Lands 2026, including the best ways to get home.

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‘Kids Are Actually Eating the Food’: State Expands Lunch Program That Pairs Schools With Farms

Through the Farm to School program, schools get grant money to obtain fresh, local food, send students on field trips to farms and send cafeteria workers to culinary academies.

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Climate Funding Fight to Leave Lawmakers With Tough Spending Choices

Changes to the cap-and-invest program could leave billions less for housing, transit or high-speed rail.

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Inside the Fight for the Future of California’s Climate Dollars

Changes to the state’s cap-and-invest program could leave billions of dollars less for housing, transit or high-speed rail — forcing lawmakers to make tough spending choices.

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California Leads US With New AI Transparency Law

Legislation from two Bay Area lawmakers seeks to label content generated by artificial intelligence.

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Inside the Fight for the Future of California’s Climate Dollars

Changes to the state’s cap-and-invest program could leave billions of dollars less for housing, transit or high-speed rail — forcing lawmakers to make tough spending choices.

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Going to the Beach? Beware of Sneaker Waves

Sneaker waves are notorious for catching beachgoers off-guard. How do you stay safe at the beach?

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‘They’ve Been Very Quiet’: Pittsburg Residents Seek Answers as Data Center Sets Up Shop in City

City council members haven’t explained their support for a planned data center since facing delayed criticism, but a special meeting this week could give insight into if they’ll support regulating future facilities.

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A California University Is Cutting Ties With US Border Patrol After Student Outcry

Following a CalMatters investigation, students and faculty at UC San Diego protested against campus police for collaborating with Border Patrol through a federal grant program.

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California Lawmaker Told Court Her Mom Had Dementia in Family Property Battle. Not so, Said Doctors

Records show Anamarie Ávila Farías, a state lawmaker representing parts of Contra Costa County, tried to have her mother placed under conservatorship. She dropped it once she gained control of disputed properties.

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LA Fire Survivors Say Newsom Is Trying to Help Utilities Reduce Their Wildfire Costs, Again

Survivors, insurance industry slam purported last-minute bills to shift wildfire costs away from utilities.

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Could Smart Homes Make Electrification More Affordable for Californians?

PG&E is testing new technology to lower energy bills and improve reliability.

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East Oakland School Shooting Leaves 1 Student Dead, Another Injured

The campus is operated by Oakland Unified School District as an adult school. Twenty people were at the resource center during the incident.

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Lawmakers Return to Sacramento to Tackle Wildfire Costs, Climate Funding, AI Data Centers

In the final weeks of the legislative session, Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers will consider high-stakes decisions on energy and the environment.

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Randy’s Donuts Opens in Santa Clara, Across From Stan’s Donuts

Randy’s Donuts, known for its original location in Southern California with a giant doughnut sign, opened its first Bay Area franchise Friday.

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Lazy Bear Week Gets Hazy as Woodside Fire Smoke Fills Guerneville

The Woodside Fire has turned Lazy Bear Week into “Hazy Bear” as smoke from the Woodside Fire burns northwest of Guerneville.

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Congress Probes Hayward Man’s Death in Philippines Military Operation

Lyle Prijoles of Hayward was one of 19 people killed by the Philippine military in an April operation, and 11 members of Congress are now pushing for an investigation.

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