Elections Xavier Becerra gets to play it safe in the race for governor, and he isn’t making promises By Jeanne Kuang | CalMatters | August 20, 2026 The 35-year veteran of Democratic politics is playing it close to the vest.
Environment As California demands less plastic in packaging, manufacturers say you’ll pay more for stuff By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde | CalMatters | August 20, 2026 California’s law to slash plastic packaging is running into a fight over who pays — and how much.
Arts & Entertainment Betting on Black: Oakland looks to establish itself as incubator of Black filmmaking talent By Lloyd B. Davis | Bay City News | August 19, 2026 New public funding and a thriving artist community are lifting up a new generation of filmmakers.
Bay Area Trump’s visa policies are not deterring international students from California universities By William Melhado | EdSource | August 19, 2026 Elsewhere across the country, universities have seen dips in international student enrollment during Trump’s second term.
City The Blotter | Car stolen twice in Piedmont By Damin Esper | August 18, 2026 Plus: Flock camera tampered with
City Pool pass rates increase Sept. 1 By City of Piedmont | August 18, 2026 Lock in current rates by August 31.
Arts & Entertainment Tonight: Food Truck Friday returns as partner to Piedmont’s free Movie in the Park By City of Piedmont | August 18, 2026 Trucks along Highland Avenue will serve food and drinks until 8 and the movie will start shortly afterwards.
California Newsom promotes affordable insulin, but California’s generic label off to a slow start By Angela Hart | KFF Health News | August 18, 2026 CalRx aims to make insulin more affordable and accessible for the nearly 3.7 million California adults diagnosed with diabetes.
Arts & Entertainment High-stakes trial over Instagram and Facebook’s impact on children opens in Oakland By Thomas Peele | EdSource | August 18, 2026 Meta faces similar upcoming litigation in other states.
Environment Forest fires follow roads. The Trump administration wants to build more By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | August 18, 2026 Under a new federal rule, some of California’s most remote backcountry could open to new roads and development.