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AI pixie dust is losing its stock market power

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Exclusive: Meta acquires AI data platform Sundial

DOJ accuses ex-FBI officials of lying about Hunter Biden probe

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Consumer sentiment shows cost-of-living frustration

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How AI is transforming economic research and analysis

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Ditching your car in San Francisco could save you $1,536 a month

Locals stand to save more than those in any other major U.S. city by choosing transit over a car.

Transit

San Franciscans who rely on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/transit" data-vars-content-id="a682d8e5-382c-4040-9e03-2fcdd333a5e1" data-vars-headline="Ditching your car in San Francisco could save you $1,536 a month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/transit" target="_self">public transit</a> instead of owning a car could save more than $18,400 a year — the most of any major U.S. city, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apta.com/press-release/households-that-ride-public-transit-can-save-14100-annually/" data-vars-content-id="a682d8e5-382c-4040-9e03-2fcdd333a5e1" data-vars-headline="Ditching your car in San Francisco could save you $1,536 a month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apta.com/press-release/households-that-ride-public-transit-can-save-14100-annually/" target="_blank">report</a> from the American Public Transportation Association.By the numbers: That&#x27;s roughly $1,536 a month back in your pocket.

Exclusive: How small businesses in California use AI

Companies nationwide, big and small, are figuring out how best to incorporate AI.

News

Small businesses in California are embracing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/ai-employee-purpose-productivity-ceos" data-vars-content-id="e3aa6661-724a-427e-be5e-1a8d8db6239d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: How small businesses in California use AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/ai-employee-purpose-productivity-ceos" target="_self">AI</a>, but how they&#x27;re using it and what they&#x27;re willing to spend varies, according to Goldman Sachs data exclusively shared with Axios.The big picture: Companies nationwide, big and small, are figuring out how best to incorporate AI into their workforces and what that means for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="productivity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/29/ai-jobs-roles-mckinsey?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="e3aa6661-724a-427e-be5e-1a8d8db6239d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: How small businesses in California use AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/29/ai-jobs-roles-mckinsey?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">productivity</a>.

Are you an SF news whiz? Take our quiz

From a street name change to a multibillion-dollar power struggle, San Francisco gave us plenty to talk about this week.<ul><li>But how closely were you paying attention? Take our weekly news quiz to find out.</li></ul>

San Francisco's Bottom of the Hill saved from closure by new owner

The new owner plans to preserve its independent spirit.

San Francisco&#x27;s beloved Bottom of the Hill isn&#x27;t going anywhere after all. The Potrero Hill rock club, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced plans to close" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/03/sf-music-venues-closing-bottom-of-the-hill-2026" data-vars-content-id="322ac981-457e-46f4-a91b-d6fda8311a98" data-vars-headline="San Francisco&#x27;s Bottom of the Hill saved from closure by new owner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/03/sf-music-venues-closing-bottom-of-the-hill-2026" target="_self">announced plans to close</a> at the end of 2026, has found a new owner who intends to keep the venue open, Coyote Media <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coyotemedia.org/bottom-of-the-hill-sold/" data-vars-content-id="322ac981-457e-46f4-a91b-d6fda8311a98" data-vars-headline="San Francisco&#x27;s Bottom of the Hill saved from closure by new owner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coyotemedia.org/bottom-of-the-hill-sold/" target="_blank">reports</a>.Why it matters: The news is a rare bright spot for the city&#x27;s struggling independent music scene, which has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longtime venues shutter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/30/thee-parkside-announces-official-closure-sf-bay-area" data-vars-content-id="322ac981-457e-46f4-a91b-d6fda8311a98" data-vars-headline="San Francisco&#x27;s Bottom of the Hill saved from closure by new owner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/30/thee-parkside-announces-official-closure-sf-bay-area" target="_self">longtime venues shutter</a> amid rising costs, changing nightlife habits and growing competition from corporate promoters.

How local restaurant owners redirect surplus food across the Bay Area

San Francisco-area Chick-fil-A restaurants have helped turn surplus food into more than 407,000 meals.

Partners

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/9_1GTRt0n38rgpvEk_yPRMfFSU4=/2026/08/28/1787939548785.jpg&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: Chick-fil-A&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>In San Francisco, 1 in 4 residents is at risk of hunger due to low income.California&#x27;s food insecurity rate has also risen in recent years, increasing pressure on local organizations that help residents access meals.The story: Hunger is a year-round challenge that requires ongoing support — but local businesses can play a practical role in strengthening that network.

Cole Valley's pie contest is serious neighborhood business

From Swedish cheese to spiced apple, locals put their best pies forward at the night market.

Neighborhoods

I can now add &quot;pie judge&quot; to my résumé, though I&#x27;m not sure my first assignment prepared me for just how seriously one can debate a crust.State of play: I joined the judging table at the second annual pie-baking competition during the Cole Valley night market last week.

The home buying clout of San Francisco's AI workers

A new analysis estimates how much home buying power OpenAI and Anthropic employees could gain.

Money

OpenAI and Anthropic employees could theoretically buy nearly one-third of the San Francisco metro area&#x27;s homes if both companies go public at their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expected valuations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/anthropic-ai-fundraising-openai" data-vars-content-id="67a36173-cd65-4a07-b723-987852dfcde6" data-vars-headline="The home buying clout of San Francisco&#x27;s AI workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/anthropic-ai-fundraising-openai" target="_self">expected valuations</a>, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Redfin analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.redfin.com*2Fnews*2Fopenai-anthropic-housing-wealth&amp;esheet=54568097&amp;newsitemid=20260709178090&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=report&amp;index=1&amp;md5=6b762b7d39150ff98d6dc61e3036d261__;JSUlJSU!!Al82Z4c!yTbnLAQU3E6G5zZTlo4ZcW9hR5Bw9QWasQWZmfME1zTZFSvOHWQdlOADFkpuLnw7U3ijbwcrkPk38xiJgoeqaUR3lWc$" data-vars-content-id="67a36173-cd65-4a07-b723-987852dfcde6" data-vars-headline="The home buying clout of San Francisco&#x27;s AI workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.redfin.com*2Fnews*2Fopenai-anthropic-housing-wealth&amp;esheet=54568097&amp;newsitemid=20260709178090&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=report&amp;index=1&amp;md5=6b762b7d39150ff98d6dc61e3036d261__;JSUlJSU!!Al82Z4c!yTbnLAQU3E6G5zZTlo4ZcW9hR5Bw9QWasQWZmfME1zTZFSvOHWQdlOADFkpuLnw7U3ijbwcrkPk38xiJgoeqaUR3lWc$" target="_blank">Redfin analysis</a> shows.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a striking illustration of how much purchasing power could enter a housing market already defined by scarce inventory and fierce competition.

Bay Area has 37 cities with $1M starter homes

Homeownership remains out of reach in many Bay Area communities.

The San Francisco metro area has 37 cities where the typical starter home costs $1 million or more, the second most in the nation, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Zillow data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/million-dollar-starter-home-36452/" data-vars-content-id="8d4c311a-15b7-418b-847e-af1b728f0f9c" data-vars-headline="Bay Area has 37 cities with $1M starter homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/million-dollar-starter-home-36452/" target="_blank">new Zillow data</a> shared with Axios.The big picture: The Bay Area is among the most expensive places in the U.S. to buy a home. Only the New York City metro area (63) has more cities where entry-level homeownership crosses the million-dollar threshold.

Valkyries' rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco

The Valkyries' breakout success is bringing another major sporting event.

San Francisco will host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, adding to the city’s growing roster of major sporting events.State of play: Tuesday&#x27;s announcement comes a day after the Golden State Valkyries <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secured their second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49645344/valkyries-beat-wings-clinch-playoff-spot-second-straight-season" data-vars-content-id="63593e1e-20bf-40f5-a37b-9e67da7a0990" data-vars-headline="Valkyries&#x27; rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49645344/valkyries-beat-wings-clinch-playoff-spot-second-straight-season" target="_blank">secured their second</a> straight playoff berth, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beating the Dallas Wings 78-70" data-vars-click-url="https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-recap-20260817" data-vars-content-id="63593e1e-20bf-40f5-a37b-9e67da7a0990" data-vars-headline="Valkyries&#x27; rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-recap-20260817" target="_blank">beating the Dallas Wings 78-70</a>.

Cleveland

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers

Golden State? Cleveland? The NBA's all-time leading scorer is taking his talents elsewhere.

Sports

LeBron James is moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per ESPN&#x27;s Shams Charania" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2071988062259736871?s=20" data-vars-content-id="77a00bdd-e266-4a96-8d13-9ef9a3c5e598" data-vars-headline="LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2071988062259736871?s=20" target="_blank">per ESPN&#x27;s Shams Charania</a>, setting up a potential reunion with Cleveland or a chance to join former rival Steph Curry with the Golden State Warriors.Why it matters: The 41-year-old James is the NBA&#x27;s all-time leading scorer and one of the offseason&#x27;s most important dominoes.

How California is preparing for AI workforce disruption

The state is collecting workforce data and exploring safeguards as AI adoption grows.

Business Brief

Gov. Gavin Newsom&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5.21.26-AI-Workforce-EO-FINAL-SIGNED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fad04c17-4a33-4652-86aa-6154101d6e94" data-vars-headline="How California is preparing for AI workforce disruption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5.21.26-AI-Workforce-EO-FINAL-SIGNED.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a> last month directing state agencies to study how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/07/ai-business-technology-stocks-broadcom" data-vars-content-id="fad04c17-4a33-4652-86aa-6154101d6e94" data-vars-headline="How California is preparing for AI workforce disruption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/07/ai-business-technology-stocks-broadcom" target="_self">AI</a> is reshaping work reflects a growing challenge for policymakers: preparing workers for labor market changes as the technology accelerates and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/ai-regulation-china-us-pew-report" data-vars-content-id="fad04c17-4a33-4652-86aa-6154101d6e94" data-vars-headline="How California is preparing for AI workforce disruption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/ai-regulation-china-us-pew-report" target="_self">anxiety</a> about job losses grow.Why it matters: California is home to many of the world&#x27;s leading AI companies, making it both a driver of rapid growth and a potential ground zero for any workforce disruption that follows.

AI becomes easy culprit for layoffs

The cuts spotlight growing questions about whether AI is driving layoffs or justifying them.

San Francisco-based Coinbase is one of the latest companies to pair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/meta-layoffs-ai-efficiency-push" data-vars-content-id="aa67867a-0a65-47a6-8a87-16fe3b7eb366" data-vars-headline="AI becomes easy culprit for layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/meta-layoffs-ai-efficiency-push" target="_self">layoffs</a> with announcements that AI is changing the way the company operates. Why it matters: Companies are increasingly blaming AI for job cuts, but a messier mix of automation, cost-cutting and market pressure are also factors.

San Francisco's former downtown mall eyed for AI data center

Nearby businesses fear the mall's proposed transformation won't bring back badly needed shoppers.

San Francisco&#x27;s shuttered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/22/san-francisco-centre-mall-final-store-closing" data-vars-content-id="3146c9f2-5b7d-4873-9af8-b3cde1d411f0" data-vars-headline="San Francisco&#x27;s former downtown mall eyed for AI data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/22/san-francisco-centre-mall-final-store-closing" target="_self">downtown mall</a> could get a second life hosting an AI data center, a proposal that&#x27;s raising questions about what the city wants from one of its most important redevelopment sites.Why it matters: The former San Francisco Centre mall has become a symbol of downtown&#x27;s struggles since the pandemic.

Think you know the news? Take this week's quiz

It&#x27;s been an eventful week.Think you&#x27;ve kept up? Put your local news knowledge to the test with our Friday quiz.

San Francisco moves to restore neighborhood-based schools

The school board voted 5-2 to move toward neighborhood assignments starting in 2028.

San Francisco is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving to dismantle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2026-10-13-san-francisco-board-education-approves-resolution-move-sfusd-toward-neighborhood-based-student" data-vars-content-id="bb6fccdd-2898-4cf2-99eb-c85b4fe54384" data-vars-headline="San Francisco moves to restore neighborhood-based schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2026-10-13-san-francisco-board-education-approves-resolution-move-sfusd-toward-neighborhood-based-student" target="_blank">moving to dismantle</a> its decade-old school lottery system in favor of neighborhood-based enrollment, changing how thousands of families navigate public elementary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/education" data-vars-content-id="bb6fccdd-2898-4cf2-99eb-c85b4fe54384" data-vars-headline="San Francisco moves to restore neighborhood-based schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/education" target="_self">school</a> admissions.Why it matters: The change would move the San Francisco Unified School District toward a system that promises greater predictability but raises concerns about whether a child&#x27;s ZIP code will determine the quality of their education.

Your Friday SF News Quiz has arrived

Do you think you know your SF news? Put your headline knowledge to the test with our Friday news quiz. <ul><li>Let&#x27;s see how closely you&#x27;ve been paying attention this week.</li></ul>

What to know about cychlorphine

The potent synthetic opioid can be mixed into recreational drugs and fake pills.

Health

San Francisco officials are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warning the public" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7news.com/post/cychlorphine-new-opioid-stronger-fentanyl-linked-san-francisco-teens-overdose-death-mayor-daniel-lurie-says-4-arrested/19832337/" data-vars-content-id="8c7ee5a2-e39d-4292-903c-0a8badd4193b" data-vars-headline="What to know about cychlorphine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7news.com/post/cychlorphine-new-opioid-stronger-fentanyl-linked-san-francisco-teens-overdose-death-mayor-daniel-lurie-says-4-arrested/19832337/" target="_blank">warning the public</a> about cychlorphine, a powerful new synthetic opioid circulating in the city&#x27;s illicit drug supply that can be deadly in even the smallest amounts.Why it matters: Counterfeit pills and other common recreational substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA have been found to be laced with the drug, leaving people unaware they&#x27;re taking it.

It's Friday and it's also SF News Quiz time

Step right up and test your local smarts.

Another work week ends, and another SF News Quiz begins.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="To semi-quote Timbaland" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/qTA0RuZoIxM?si=U6HAWJQ1QBo8HT18" data-vars-content-id="8666651a-2657-4820-9e93-415cb3c09224" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s Friday and it&#x27;s also SF News Quiz time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/qTA0RuZoIxM?si=U6HAWJQ1QBo8HT18" target="_blank">To semi-quote Timbaland</a>: &quot;It&#x27;s been a long time, we shouldn&#x27;t have left you, without a dope quiz to step to.&quot;</li><li>Yes, it&#x27;s been a few weeks, but that shouldn&#x27;t stop you from heading on in and testing your local smarts.</li></ul>

NYC, other cities fight Trump rule weighing immigrants' benefits

Cities argue the overhaul could increase homelessness, food insecurity and uncompensated medical care.

New York City and five other Democratic-led local governments sued the Department of Homeland Security to block a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="5144491a-6c82-4999-9756-b1262bb3d4c1" data-vars-headline="NYC, other cities fight Trump rule weighing immigrants&#x27; benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration rule they say will drive immigrants and mixed-status families away from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/21/ai-snap-medicaid-unemployment-benefits" data-vars-content-id="5144491a-6c82-4999-9756-b1262bb3d4c1" data-vars-headline="NYC, other cities fight Trump rule weighing immigrants&#x27; benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/21/ai-snap-medicaid-unemployment-benefits" target="_self">public benefits</a> they can legally receive.Why it matters: The cities warn the rule could drive hundreds of thousands out of health, food and housing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/immigrants-taxes-benefits-cato-institute" data-vars-content-id="5144491a-6c82-4999-9756-b1262bb3d4c1" data-vars-headline="NYC, other cities fight Trump rule weighing immigrants&#x27; benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/immigrants-taxes-benefits-cato-institute" target="_self">programs</a>, worsening public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/20/trump-public-charge-rule-health-impact" data-vars-content-id="5144491a-6c82-4999-9756-b1262bb3d4c1" data-vars-headline="NYC, other cities fight Trump rule weighing immigrants&#x27; benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/20/trump-public-charge-rule-health-impact" target="_self">health</a>, increasing homelessness and shifting millions of dollars in costs to local hospitals and governments.

Media Trends Executive

Landmark local news bill heads to Gov. Newsom's desk

Local news advocates believe the measure would represent the country's largest single-state investment in community news ever.

A historic California bill that provides a refundable employment tax credit for qualifying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/08/local-news-funding-public-media-global" data-vars-content-id="2ccb1428-8286-4819-983c-c401855ec810" data-vars-headline="Landmark local news bill heads to Gov. Newsom&#x27;s desk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/08/local-news-funding-public-media-global" target="_self">local news</a> organizations could soon become law, pending Gov. Gavin Newsom&#x27;s signature. Why it matters: Local news advocates believe the first-of-its kind measure, if signed into law, would represent the country&#x27;s largest single-state investment in community news ever.

San Francisco unemployment rate dips to 4.1% in June

San Francisco added 14,500 jobs over the past year.

San Francisco&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unemployment rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/jobless-claims-unemployment-ai" data-vars-content-id="32dfa025-22a8-4e71-b2c4-8c2bedf70cca" data-vars-headline="San Francisco unemployment rate dips to 4.1% in June" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/jobless-claims-unemployment-ai" target="_self">unemployment rate</a> fell to a seasonally adjusted 4.1% in June as the national rate ticked down, new federal data shows.Why it matters: San Francisco&#x27;s unemployment rate is 0.1 percentage points below the national rate, and a bit higher than half of the areas surveyed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jobs report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" data-vars-content-id="32dfa025-22a8-4e71-b2c4-8c2bedf70cca" data-vars-headline="San Francisco unemployment rate dips to 4.1% in June" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" target="_blank">jobs report</a>.

How America is adapting to climate extremes

Communities are adopting new ways to prepare for floods, wildfires, heat and hurricanes.

Energy & Climate

Climate adaptation is increasingly moving from planning to real-world action as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="9b09ec47-3ccd-4221-9ec6-feb810dba399" data-vars-headline="How America is adapting to climate extremes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" target="_self">heat</a> waves, droughts, wildfires, floods and hurricanes test communities across the U.S.Why it matters: Even if greenhouse gas emissions decline, many communities are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already facing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="9b09ec47-3ccd-4221-9ec6-feb810dba399" data-vars-headline="How America is adapting to climate extremes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" target="_self">already facing</a> more frequent or intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="9b09ec47-3ccd-4221-9ec6-feb810dba399" data-vars-headline="How America is adapting to climate extremes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self">climate</a> extremes, prompting officials to invest in infrastructure designed to reduce future damage.

The grid's climate stress test

Every heat wave is becoming a stress test for tomorrow's electric grid.

A series of dangerous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/wildfire-weather-firework-bans-july-4-weekend" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/wildfire-weather-firework-bans-july-4-weekend" target="_self">heat waves</a> this summer — including one that has left 17 states under an emergency federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-37" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-37" target="_blank">order</a> — are putting the electric grid under an intense real-world stress test.Why it matters: Successive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" target="_self">summer heat waves</a> are forcing utilities to rethink how they prepare the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">grid</a> for longer and more frequent periods of extreme stress.

Local bookstores are betting community beats convenience

Once left for dead, SF booksellers are thriving again

San Francisco&#x27;s newest bookstores are betting community beats convenience.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise, independent and chain booksellers have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulled off a stunning turnaround" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" data-vars-content-id="a650767a-e75c-4429-8e45-a68afbd8e05f" data-vars-headline="Local bookstores are betting community beats convenience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" target="_self">pulled off a stunning turnaround</a>, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Where to celebrate Halloween in San Francisco this year

From haunted houses to free block parties, SF has plenty of ways to celebrate spooky season.

Things to Do

San Francisco doesn&#x27;t exactly need an excuse to get weird, but Halloween gives the city a chance to take things up a notch.Why it matters: From haunted houses and drag-fueled scares to neighborhood block parties and family-friendly festivities, there&#x27;s no shortage of ways to celebrate spooky season.

San Francisco Fleet Week is back. Here's what to know

Expect packed waterfronts, transit changes and plenty of jet noise.

Love it or hate it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fleet Week" data-vars-click-url="https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/" data-vars-content-id="6813eb34-c7f6-46c8-bdf4-26958942d2aa" data-vars-headline="San Francisco Fleet Week is back. Here&#x27;s what to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/" target="_blank">Fleet Week</a> has descended on San Francisco once again.Why it matters: The annual celebration, which began Sunday and runs until Oct. 12, brings thousands of spectators to the waterfront for one of the city&#x27;s loudest and busiest weekends of the year.<ul><li>For fans, this week means prime time for Blue Angels flyovers and ship tours. For everyone else, consider this your warning to expect plenty of noise and traffic. Here&#x27;s what to know.</li></ul>

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to San Francisco

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="cc1d18f7-9f44-474a-9612-6ff3eff007d9" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in San Francisco&#x27;s Hayes Valley neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

San Francisco Oktoberfest brings beer and lederhosen downtown

Get ready for polka, yodeling, stein-holding contests and live music.

Culture

Oktoberfest takes over downtown today, bringing giant beers, lederhosen and a little Bavarian revelry to Front Street. State of play: The free block party has become a major draw for a part of the city that&#x27;s still working to bring more foot traffic back after office hours.

SFMOMA extends exhibit on scandalous Matisse portrait

You can now see "Matisse's Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal" through the end of the month

You can now see &quot;Matisse&#x27;s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal&quot; at SFMOMA through the end of the month.State of play: The museum extended the exhibition&#x27;s run due to popular demand. It centers on Henri Matisse&#x27;s 1905 portrait of his wife, Amélie. The painting&#x27;s unconventional colors and loose brushstrokes caused a stir when it debuted.

Your last-minute Labor Day weekend guide

Fill your long weekend with free shows, art, festivals, comedy and more.

Still figuring out Labor Day plans? We&#x27;ve got you.The big picture: From free Shakespeare plays and museum admission to block parties and comedy, there&#x27;s plenty happening in San Francisco this long weekend.

Where San Francisco candidates stand on Flock cameras

Some want to ditch the city's 400 license plate readers, while others support keeping them.

San Francisco&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/08/21/sf-backlash-flock-cameras-privacy" data-vars-content-id="548e3de0-34a9-488b-9ebb-cd63425981bd" data-vars-headline="Where San Francisco candidates stand on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/08/21/sf-backlash-flock-cameras-privacy" target="_self">Flock cameras</a> have become a dividing line in local races, with candidates split over whether the city should keep the surveillance technology or get rid of it altogether.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400 automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sf.gov/news--san-franciscos-new-public-safety-camera-technology-delivering-early-results" data-vars-content-id="548e3de0-34a9-488b-9ebb-cd63425981bd" data-vars-headline="Where San Francisco candidates stand on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sf.gov/news--san-franciscos-new-public-safety-camera-technology-delivering-early-results" target="_blank">400 automated license plate readers</a> help police investigate crimes, but recent findings showing improper access to the data by outside agencies has fueled concerns about privacy and immigration enforcement.

San Francisco voter guide 2026: Propositions, candidates and races

Here's what voters need to know come November.

Politics

San Francisco voters have much to weigh before the Nov. 3 election, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of Muni " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/03/sf-ballot-measure-muni-parcel-tax-renters-homeowners-bart-public-transit-november" data-vars-content-id="bc724dc7-aed4-4819-95d9-5bd9268aa942" data-vars-headline="San Francisco voter guide 2026: Propositions, candidates and races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/03/sf-ballot-measure-muni-parcel-tax-renters-homeowners-bart-public-transit-november" target="_self">future of Muni </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sunset Dunes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/09/great-highway-park-name-sunset-dunes" data-vars-content-id="bc724dc7-aed4-4819-95d9-5bd9268aa942" data-vars-headline="San Francisco voter guide 2026: Propositions, candidates and races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/09/great-highway-park-name-sunset-dunes" target="_self">Sunset Dunes</a> to City Hall&#x27;s balance of power and their next supervisor. Why it matters: With 25 measures on the ballot and several dozen candidates running for office, even the most politically engaged San Franciscans could use help making sense of it all. We got you.

Xavier Becerra's gubernatorial agenda for California

The Democrat wants faster home building and says he'll protect Californians from federal Medicaid cuts.

It&#x27;s time to vote for governor in California.The big picture: Democrat Xavier Becerra is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squaring off against" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" data-vars-content-id="2fa77988-4005-4baa-b296-7438175dbe9e" data-vars-headline="Xavier Becerra&#x27;s gubernatorial agenda for California" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" target="_self">squaring off against</a> Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Hilton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/10/06/steve-hilton-lays-out-his-agenda-for-california-and-san-francisco" data-vars-content-id="2fa77988-4005-4baa-b296-7438175dbe9e" data-vars-headline="Xavier Becerra&#x27;s gubernatorial agenda for California" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/10/06/steve-hilton-lays-out-his-agenda-for-california-and-san-francisco" target="_self">Steve Hilton</a> to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

How San Francisco aims to limit banked rent increases 

Advocates say the proposed limit could still leave longtime renters at risk of displacement.

San Francisco wants to put a ceiling on one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest rent hikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/09/10/sf-rent-spike-tenant-protections-lurie" data-vars-content-id="c14c0987-8009-4811-9099-83ca28fe0eb7" data-vars-headline="How San Francisco aims to limit banked rent increases " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/09/10/sf-rent-spike-tenant-protections-lurie" target="_self">biggest rent hikes</a> some longtime tenants can face, but tenant advocates say the proposed limit may still leave renters vulnerable to displacement.State of play: Supervisor Danny Sauter recently proposed legislation that would cap annual increases from &quot;banked&quot; rent and certain capital improvement costs at 10% annually for rent-controlled tenants through 2029.

California explores "kill switch" for powerful AI systems

The state is studying how to shut down advanced models and independently verify companies' safeguards.

California is exploring an emergency off switch for its most powerful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI systems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="4ef19365-52c7-4322-8e6e-a31641008528" data-vars-headline="California explores &quot;kill switch&quot; for powerful AI systems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI systems</a> as concerns grow about what happens when the increasingly autonomous technology escapes its intended controls.Why it matters: The move marks a notable shift in how California is approaching the tech powering much of its current economic boom — moving beyond requiring AI companies to disclose their safety practices and toward potentially independently verifying that their safeguards actually work.

Newsom's 2028 plans could hinge on Harris' decision

The California governor says he won't run for president if Harris launches another White House bid.

Gov. Gavin Newsom says there&#x27;s one person who could keep him out of the 2028 presidential race: Kamala Harris.Why it matters: Newsom&#x27;s announcement that he won&#x27;t run if Harris does puts the former VP in an unusual position: Her decision could help determine whether another of California&#x27;s most prominent Democrats enters what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary.

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