∙ An initiative to transform Alcatraz into a "global peace and arts center" may be headed for the ballot again this year. A similar proposal failed at the ballot box in 2008. [Socketsite]

∙ An apparent murder-suicide is being investigated in Sonoma County. The bodies of a man and a woman were found at Ocean Cove Campground near Timber Cove. [Bay City News]

∙ For obvious reasons, no one currently wants to lease the retail space at the Salesforce Transit Center. The still-shuttered bus terminal is now pushing back its leasing projections for June 2020. [SF Business Times]

∙ A small child was reportedly shot in the head in Oakland's Eastmont neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened around 2 p.m. on Ritchie Street. [NBC Bay Area]

∙ In a highly unusual move this early in a criminal proceeding, the Wisconsin man who confessed to the abduction of 13-year-old Jayme Closs and murder of her parents last fall has pleaded guilty. 21-year-old Jake Patterson entered the plea at a Wednesday arraignment, and he faces life in prison. [New York Times]

∙ An overnight pipe burst caused flooding at St. Luke's hospital. [Mission Local]

∙ A pedestrian was struck early Wednesday by a commercial vehicle at 2nd and Bryant and they are being treated for life-threatening injuries. [Bay City News]

∙ One SFGate writer really wants us to know how great a deal the $12.99 lunch buffet is at Cache Creek Casino. [SFGate]