A violent smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in San Jose has left the community shaken and sparked new fears among business owners across the Bay Area. The brazen heist, which took place Friday afternoon at Kim Hung Jewelry, has become the latest example of organized retail crime that many say is leaving shopkeepers vulnerable and fearful. Surveillance video shows a car plowing into the front of the business before more than 15 suspects stormed inside. Armed with hammers and

California is facing a troubling rise in Covid cases earlier than expected this year, and public health experts are pointing to confusion over booster shots as a major factor behind the surge. The state’s Public Health Department reported that hospitalizations climbed steadily last month, deaths nearly doubled, and wastewater surveillance showed virus levels categorized as “very high.” The increase in severe cases has alarmed health officials, who emphasize that wh

Virginia lottery players shared in the excitement of the historic $1.787 billion Powerball drawing, with over 266,000 tickets winning prizes in the state. The massive run of 42 drawings without a jackpot winner finally came to an end on Saturday night, but not before Virginians claimed significant rewards. According to lottery officials, sales from Powerball tickets in Virginia during this period generated nearly $29.6 million in profit, reflecting both the popularity of the game and the impa

Voters in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District are preparing for an important special election that will determine who succeeds the late Representative Gerry Connolly, who passed away in May after a battle with cancer. The election, scheduled for Tuesday, involves voters in most of Fairfax County as well as all of the City of Fairfax, where polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. This contest will not only fill the vacancy left by Connolly’s death but will also shape the politi

As the nation continues to grapple with cuts to social safety nets, a new provision in the congressional budget bill has provided a significant boost to affordable housing efforts. The recently passed H.R. 1 includes an increase in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which has long served as the primary federal tool for financing affordable housing projects. Starting next year, states will be able to permanently expand their tax credit allocations by 12 percent, giving developers new o

A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops during immigration enforcement protests in Southern California was illegal, declaring the administration violated long-standing federal law. The decision, handed down by Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, found that Trump’s use of the Guard during the protests in Los Angeles crossed legal boundaries meant to prevent the military from enforcing domestic laws. Judge Breye

Authorities in Virginia say a woman accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of appliances, mostly Ninja Slushi machines, has been arrested after a series of retail thefts stretching across several counties. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Christine Woodson, was allegedly behind more than a dozen thefts at multiple stores, with most incidents linked to Target locations in Springfield and surrounding areas. According to police, the thefts occurred over the course of several

In Arlington, a routine Sunday turned into an unforgettable day for both a pet owner and the local fire department when Chester, a popular toucan, found himself in an unusual predicament. Firefighters were dispatched to a home after receiving a call about a bird trapped behind a dishwasher, a scenario that was anything but typical for emergency crews. The dramatic incident ended with a safe rescue, leaving Chester’s owner relieved and grateful for the qui

Donald Trump has ordered the termination of Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, a move that has generated significant political debate just weeks before she begins her new book tour and memoir release. In a letter dated Thursday and directed to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Trump formally revoked the special protection Harris had been receiving since leaving office, effective September 1, 2025. His directive stated that no se

Pleasanton residents will have the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without spending a dime on permits this weekend. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has declared August 30 a Free Fishing Day, one of only two days each year when anyone can fish without a license. It’s a perfect opportunity for both beginners and experienced anglers to enjoy a day at the water, relax in nature, and maybe even bring home a fresh cat

San Jose city leaders have taken a firm stand against absentee landlords who allow properties to fall into neglect and create hazards for surrounding communities. In a unanimous decision, the City Council approved a dramatic increase in daily fines for code violations tied to blighted properties, raising the penalties from $2,500 per day to as much as $20,000 per day. The cap on cumulative fines was also lifted from $100,000 to $500,000, sending what officials

Thousands of residents in Northern California’s wine country and central Oregon are under evacuation orders and warnings as massive wildfires continue to spread in dangerously hot and dry conditions. Firefighters are battling around the clock to contain flames that have consumed homes, scorched land, and forced families to flee. The combination of steep terrain, dried-out vegetation, and triple-digit temperatures has created a dangerous setting for both r

A tourist bus carrying 54 passengers, including several Indian nationals, crashed Friday evening on a highway near Pembroke, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, New York. Authorities confirmed that five people were killed while many others sustained injuries, some of whom required immediate air evacuation. The passengers, who were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin, were returning to New York City after a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s mo

Good News Bears (GNB), the beloved Livermore-based nonprofit that has been gifting comfort through teddy bears since 1996, has announced a major leadership transition. The all-volunteer charity, known for delivering “stuffed love” to people in need, has named longtime member and local teacher Lisa Kitzmann as its new Chairbear. Lisa, who has used teddy bears extensively in her classroom as reading buddies

A recent detection of West Nile Virus in Dublin, Alameda County, has sparked health warnings across the Bay Area. City officials confirmed that the virus was identified near Tamarack Drive and Brighton Drive, urging residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. Health Risks And Spread West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, can infect

Kerri Walsh Jennings, one of the most celebrated figures in volleyball history and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has traveled across the globe during her career and stayed in some of the most renowned hotels in the world. Despite her extensive experiences abroad, she says her favorite place remains her home, a reflection of her deep connection to family and community. At 46, Walsh now lives in Saratoga, California, located in Silicon Valley’s South

Jannik Sinner, the current world number one in men’s singles tennis and a four-time grand slam champion, has withdrawn from the mixed doubles competition at the US Open 2025 due to illness. The highly anticipated mixed doubles event had included Sinner alongside Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova, but his health condition has forced him to pull out, altering the tournament lineup. Sinner’s struggle began d

In Sonoma County, a disturbing case has unfolded as authorities confirmed the arrest of a 71-year-old man accused of murdering his 94-year-old father-in-law. What was first believed to be a natural death turned into a homicide investigation after new evidence came to light, leaving a close-knit neighborhood in shock and disbelief. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department reported that the incident took place on Au

A former superintendent of the Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose is speaking out about what he describes as an abrupt and unjust firing. German Cerda, who was appointed to lead the district in September 2024 after the termination of his predecessor, said his dismissal on July 31 was the result of challenging board members over questionable reimbursements and improper use of district funds. Cerda’s tenure lasted less than a year, and he maint

San Ramon has been named the best place to raise a family in Contra Costa County and the second-best suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Niche’s latest rankings. The city has consistently earned high marks due to its exceptional public schools, family-friendly environment, and overall quality of life. Based on data from the U.S. Census, the Department of Education, and crime statistics from the FBI, San Ramon stood out as a top choice for