Local:

  • With opening night for the San Francisco Opera's 104th season just two weeks away, the Opera's orchestra musicians are threatening to go on strike. In a new statement, the orchestra's members called for a "fair contract" to be reached following the expiration of their previous deal on July 31. [Chronicle]
  • The Oakland Police Department suspects employee fraud after a routine internal audit allegedly revealed an employee had stolen $38,000 by falsifying time sheets, prompting further investigations. [KRON4]
  • Norway's new king, Haakon VIII, is a former UC Berkeley student who fell in love with surfing and local music during his time in California. [Chronicle]

National:

  • The Trump administration is considering a highly unorthodox land swap that would send a piece of Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas developer Kingsbarn Realty Capital. In response to media inquiries, a spokesperson for the Interior Department stated that “no political pressure to reach a predetermined outcome” had transpired in the deal. [Guardian]
  • Following news of Dolly Parton's death earlier this week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have announced that the airport will be renamed in honor of the late country star, actress, and philanthropist. [New York Times]
  • Motown legend Gladys Knight announced on Friday that she plans to take a step back from performing after clips from recent shows in which the singer appeared to be disoriented went viral on social media. [KRON4]

Video:

  • As part of the first-ever, three day PokémonXP fan convention currently taking over Moscone Center, the San Francisco Giants held a Pokémon-themed game on Thursday night that naturally included an elaborate drone show.

Top image: Facade of the War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, California, January 22, 2026.