San Jose leads U.S. cities in housing permit decline amid rising costs and delays
The San Jose metropolitan area has topped a national ranking — but for reasons that signal growing trouble for California’s housing market. According to a recent HomeAbroad report analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region recorded the steepest drop in residential construction permits among the country’s 100 largest metro areas, with a staggering 68% decline over five years. In July 2020, the region issued 1,949 building permits. By July 2025,
San Jose leads U.S. cities in housing permit decline amid rising costs and delays
The San Jose metropolitan area has topped a national ranking — but for reasons that signal growing trouble for California’s housing market. According to a recent HomeAbroad report analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region recorded the steepest drop in residential construction permits among the country’s 100 largest metro areas, with a staggering 68% decline over five years. In July 2020, the region issued 1,949 building permits. By July 2025,
Large crack mars Smith Street in Woodbridge Township, repair date uncertain
In Woodbridge Township, a significant crack that first appeared weeks ago along Smith Street remains unrepaired, leaving local residents in the Keasby section frustrated and anxious. The roadway serves as a crucial link between Woodbridge and Perth Amboy and provides access to major arteries such as the Garden State Parkway. County and township officials have confirmed the damage was triggered by a nearby construction project, but as of now no firm start date for permanent repairs has been an
Large crack mars Smith Street in Woodbridge Township, repair date uncertain
In Woodbridge Township, a significant crack that first appeared weeks ago along Smith Street remains unrepaired, leaving local residents in the Keasby section frustrated and anxious. The roadway serves as a crucial link between Woodbridge and Perth Amboy and provides access to major arteries such as the Garden State Parkway. County and township officials have confirmed the damage was triggered by a nearby construction project, but as of now no firm start date for permanent repairs has been an
Regional Medical Center trauma unit revives under county ownership after service cuts
In East San Jose, the trauma unit at Regional Medical Center is once again alive with activity. Doctors and nurses are back to doing the work they were trained for: cutting crash victims out of their clothes, replacing blood loss from torn arteries, and holding shattered bones together while shouting urgent instructions through the chaos of an emergency room. The noise and intensity may sound alarming to an outsider, but to those who work there, it represents a vital return to function after
Regional Medical Center trauma unit revives under county ownership after service cuts
In East San Jose, the trauma unit at Regional Medical Center is once again alive with activity. Doctors and nurses are back to doing the work they were trained for: cutting crash victims out of their clothes, replacing blood loss from torn arteries, and holding shattered bones together while shouting urgent instructions through the chaos of an emergency room. The noise and intensity may sound alarming to an outsider, but to those who work there, it represents a vital return to function after
Tarrant County approves new lower tax rate after heated debate
Tarrant County commissioners have voted to approve a slightly lower property tax rate after days of disagreements and tension. With four commissioners present, the proposal passed by a 3-1 vote, setting the new rate at $0.1862 per $100 of valuation. This represents a small decrease of 0.69 percent from last year’s rate of $0.1875. For a home valued at $300,000, the cut amounts to annual savings of about four dollars. While the financial impact on individual homeowners is min
Tarrant County approves new lower tax rate after heated debate
Tarrant County commissioners have voted to approve a slightly lower property tax rate after days of disagreements and tension. With four commissioners present, the proposal passed by a 3-1 vote, setting the new rate at $0.1862 per $100 of valuation. This represents a small decrease of 0.69 percent from last year’s rate of $0.1875. For a home valued at $300,000, the cut amounts to annual savings of about four dollars. While the financial impact on individual homeowners is min
Telangana techie shot dead by US police after roommate clash
A 29-year-old software professional from Telangana’s Mahabubnagar district was shot dead by police in the United States after a violent altercation with his roommate. The incident, which occurred on September 3 in Santa Clara, California, has left his family in India devastated and appealing to authorities for assistance in bringing his body home. The victim, Mohammed Nizamuddin, had been living in California after completing his master’s degree in the US and working in
Telangana techie shot dead by US police after roommate clash
A 29-year-old software professional from Telangana’s Mahabubnagar district was shot dead by police in the United States after a violent altercation with his roommate. The incident, which occurred on September 3 in Santa Clara, California, has left his family in India devastated and appealing to authorities for assistance in bringing his body home. The victim, Mohammed Nizamuddin, had been living in California after completing his master’s degree in the US and working in
Santa Clara County launches food recovery program to fight waste and hunger
Santa Clara County is taking an innovative step to reduce food waste and at the same time support residents struggling with food insecurity. The county has rolled out a food recovery program that directly places commercial refrigerators stocked with fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals inside affordable housing developments. Residents can now access nutritious food right where they live without needing to travel long distances or rely on irregular food distribution events. The initi
Santa Clara County launches food recovery program to fight waste and hunger
Santa Clara County is taking an innovative step to reduce food waste and at the same time support residents struggling with food insecurity. The county has rolled out a food recovery program that directly places commercial refrigerators stocked with fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals inside affordable housing developments. Residents can now access nutritious food right where they live without needing to travel long distances or rely on irregular food distribution events. The initi
Johnson County Commissioners Give No New Information on Sheriff Adam King Case
Johnson County, Texas, remains in the spotlight as the legal case against Sheriff Adam King continues without new public developments. Commissioners gathered Monday for their scheduled court meeting, which included an agenda item on the sheriff’s office, but offered no new details about the indictment of the county’s top law enforcement officer. Instead, the commissioners focused briefly on operations before moving on, leaving many questions about the ongoing investigation unanswe
Johnson County Commissioners Give No New Information on Sheriff Adam King Case
Johnson County, Texas, remains in the spotlight as the legal case against Sheriff Adam King continues without new public developments. Commissioners gathered Monday for their scheduled court meeting, which included an agenda item on the sheriff’s office, but offered no new details about the indictment of the county’s top law enforcement officer. Instead, the commissioners focused briefly on operations before moving on, leaving many questions about the ongoing investigation unanswe
Congressmember Sam Liccardo and Supervisor Sylvia Arenas Meet South San Jose Residents
In a recent town hall event at John Muir Middle School, Congressmember Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas engaged with residents of South San Jose to discuss a range of pressing issues. The meeting, held Thursday, provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns on various political and social matters, from the federal government's stance on immigration to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and public health challenges.
Congressmember Sam Liccardo and Supervisor Sylvia Arenas Meet South San Jose Residents
In a recent town hall event at John Muir Middle School, Congressmember Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas engaged with residents of South San Jose to discuss a range of pressing issues. The meeting, held Thursday, provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns on various political and social matters, from the federal government's stance on immigration to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and public health challenges.
Goodguys West Coast Nationals Brings Muscle Cars, Races, and Shows to Pleasanton
The iconic Goodguys West Coast Nationals is back at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA, for its 38th year, bringing with it an incredible collection of 3,500 hot rods, muscle cars, trick trucks, and custom vehicles. The event, set to take place this weekend, is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, offering a spectacular showcase of some of the coolest cars on the planet. In addition to the massive car disp
Goodguys West Coast Nationals Brings Muscle Cars, Races, and Shows to Pleasanton
The iconic Goodguys West Coast Nationals is back at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA, for its 38th year, bringing with it an incredible collection of 3,500 hot rods, muscle cars, trick trucks, and custom vehicles. The event, set to take place this weekend, is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, offering a spectacular showcase of some of the coolest cars on the planet. In addition to the massive car disp
San Jose weighs support for Santa Clara County sales tax to fund hospitals
Santa Clara County is urging support for a proposed sales tax increase that it says is critical to keeping its hospital system alive in the face of looming federal funding cuts. The measure, known as Measure A, would add a five-eighths cent sales tax and has been fast-tracked for the November 4 special election ballot. County officials warn that without additional revenue, essential public hospital services, trauma care, and safety net programs could be jeopardi
San Jose weighs support for Santa Clara County sales tax to fund hospitals
Santa Clara County is urging support for a proposed sales tax increase that it says is critical to keeping its hospital system alive in the face of looming federal funding cuts. The measure, known as Measure A, would add a five-eighths cent sales tax and has been fast-tracked for the November 4 special election ballot. County officials warn that without additional revenue, essential public hospital services, trauma care, and safety net programs could be jeopardi
Harris County Commissioners Unveil Budget Priorities Amidst Political Tensions
Harris County Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia are preparing to unveil their new budget priorities during a press conference this morning, with a focus on investments in public safety, health, and infrastructure. This announcement, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. outside Commissioners Court in downtown Houston, is expected to highlight crucial areas such as disaster preparedness, road projects, and law enforcement funding. Despite the expansive
Harris County Commissioners Unveil Budget Priorities Amidst Political Tensions
Harris County Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia are preparing to unveil their new budget priorities during a press conference this morning, with a focus on investments in public safety, health, and infrastructure. This announcement, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. outside Commissioners Court in downtown Houston, is expected to highlight crucial areas such as disaster preparedness, road projects, and law enforcement funding. Despite the expansive
Nitrous oxide sales ban in unincorporated San Mateo County advances toward approval
San Mateo County is taking decisive steps to combat the recreational abuse of nitrous oxide, with the Board of Supervisors unanimously approving the drafting of an ordinance to ban its sale in unincorporated areas. Board of Supervisors President David Canepa and Supervisor Ray Mueller are co-sponsoring the proposed legislation, which targets the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide canisters, often referred to as laughing gas or whip-its, in these parts of th
Nitrous oxide sales ban in unincorporated San Mateo County advances toward approval
San Mateo County is taking decisive steps to combat the recreational abuse of nitrous oxide, with the Board of Supervisors unanimously approving the drafting of an ordinance to ban its sale in unincorporated areas. Board of Supervisors President David Canepa and Supervisor Ray Mueller are co-sponsoring the proposed legislation, which targets the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide canisters, often referred to as laughing gas or whip-its, in these parts of th
Santa Clara County assessor race heats up with record fundraising before special election
A high-stakes contest is unfolding in Santa Clara County as candidates scramble to replace longtime Assessor Larry Stone in a special election scheduled for November 4. With the nomination period closing on Friday, a growing roster of hopefuls has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive race. The victor will temporarily fill Stone’s seat until December 2026, with a formal reelection campaign required in 2025 for a full term.
Santa Clara County assessor race heats up with record fundraising before special election
A high-stakes contest is unfolding in Santa Clara County as candidates scramble to replace longtime Assessor Larry Stone in a special election scheduled for November 4. With the nomination period closing on Friday, a growing roster of hopefuls has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive race. The victor will temporarily fill Stone’s seat until December 2026, with a formal reelection campaign required in 2025 for a full term.
Sales tax increase proposed to protect Santa Clara’s public hospital system
Santa Clara County officials are preparing to propose a sales tax increase to voters in an effort to safeguard the county’s public hospital system from severe federal revenue losses. The Board of Supervisors is expected to convene a special meeting around August 7 to decide whether to place the measure on the November 4 ballot. The proposed five-eighths cent sales tax would raise the current rate from 9.125% and is seen as a crucial step to help offset billions in anticipated funding cu
Sales tax increase proposed to protect Santa Clara’s public hospital system
Santa Clara County officials are preparing to propose a sales tax increase to voters in an effort to safeguard the county’s public hospital system from severe federal revenue losses. The Board of Supervisors is expected to convene a special meeting around August 7 to decide whether to place the measure on the November 4 ballot. The proposed five-eighths cent sales tax would raise the current rate from 9.125% and is seen as a crucial step to help offset billions in anticipated funding cu
Little Saigon Freeway: California moves to honor Vietnamese community in San Jose
In a historic gesture of recognition and cultural respect, the California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to rename a significant stretch of Highway 101 in San Jose as the "Little Saigon Freeway." Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill designates the portion of Highway 101 between the Story Road exit and the I-280/680 interchange—just under half a mile in length—for this honor. The renaming serves as a tribute to the vibrant Vietnamese American commu
Little Saigon Freeway: California moves to honor Vietnamese community in San Jose
In a historic gesture of recognition and cultural respect, the California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to rename a significant stretch of Highway 101 in San Jose as the "Little Saigon Freeway." Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill designates the portion of Highway 101 between the Story Road exit and the I-280/680 interchange—just under half a mile in length—for this honor. The renaming serves as a tribute to the vibrant Vietnamese American commu
Santa Clara County faces $1 billion Medi-Cal cut under new federal budget bill
Santa Clara County’s expansive public hospital system, the second largest in California, is now facing a financial crisis as sweeping federal budget cuts threaten to erase over $1 billion in vital revenue over the next few years. Just months after the county celebrated the expansion of its health system with the acquisition of Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, leaders now confront a bleak future triggered by President Donald Trump’s recent signing of H.R.
Santa Clara County faces $1 billion Medi-Cal cut under new federal budget bill
Santa Clara County’s expansive public hospital system, the second largest in California, is now facing a financial crisis as sweeping federal budget cuts threaten to erase over $1 billion in vital revenue over the next few years. Just months after the county celebrated the expansion of its health system with the acquisition of Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, leaders now confront a bleak future triggered by President Donald Trump’s recent signing of H.R.
Apple Spends $500 Million on Bay Area Real Estate in One Week
Apple has made headlines with its latest real estate investment spree, spending over half a billion dollars in just one week. The tech giant finalized two major property purchases in Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. On June 24, Apple closed a deal to acquire the 220,000-square-foot Cupertino Gateway complex for $166.9 million. Located on North Tantau Avenue in Cupe
Apple Spends $500 Million on Bay Area Real Estate in One Week
Apple has made headlines with its latest real estate investment spree, spending over half a billion dollars in just one week. The tech giant finalized two major property purchases in Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. On June 24, Apple closed a deal to acquire the 220,000-square-foot Cupertino Gateway complex for $166.9 million. Located on North Tantau Avenue in Cupe
Federal Cuts to SNAP May Leave California Families Without Food Assistance
California families who rely on food assistance and other social safety nets may soon find themselves without critical support as the federal government moves forward with sweeping cuts to key programs. A Senate-backed budget reconciliation bill now under consideration in the House would slash $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next ten years, representing the largest funding cut in the history of the program. Know
Federal Cuts to SNAP May Leave California Families Without Food Assistance
California families who rely on food assistance and other social safety nets may soon find themselves without critical support as the federal government moves forward with sweeping cuts to key programs. A Senate-backed budget reconciliation bill now under consideration in the House would slash $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next ten years, representing the largest funding cut in the history of the program. Know
Commercial real estate slows while home sales drive growth in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County property values have reached a historic high, with the total net assessed value of real estate and personal property now approaching $726 billion. This rise, however, comes with a significant caveat: it reflects the county’s slowest year of growth in more than a decade. Economic uncertainty, mounting construction costs, and a steep drop in demand for commercial space have created strong headwinds for the region's development. Despite the record-setting
Commercial real estate slows while home sales drive growth in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County property values have reached a historic high, with the total net assessed value of real estate and personal property now approaching $726 billion. This rise, however, comes with a significant caveat: it reflects the county’s slowest year of growth in more than a decade. Economic uncertainty, mounting construction costs, and a steep drop in demand for commercial space have created strong headwinds for the region's development. Despite the record-setting
Athletes From 35 Counties Compete in Special Olympics at Santa Clara University
More than 1,000 athletes gathered in the heart of the South Bay this weekend to participate in the highly anticipated Special Olympics, a statewide celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and community spirit. Hosted at Santa Clara University, the event drew competitors from 35 counties across California, all converging to test their skills, share camaraderie, and represent the unifying power of sports. The vibrant atmosphere on Saturday was marked by the sights and sounds of fr
Athletes From 35 Counties Compete in Special Olympics at Santa Clara University
More than 1,000 athletes gathered in the heart of the South Bay this weekend to participate in the highly anticipated Special Olympics, a statewide celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and community spirit. Hosted at Santa Clara University, the event drew competitors from 35 counties across California, all converging to test their skills, share camaraderie, and represent the unifying power of sports. The vibrant atmosphere on Saturday was marked by the sights and sounds of fr









