Catch Me Up: Daily news roundup for Aug. 18, 2025

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This Daily News Roundup for the 24 hours from 4:00 PM Sunday 8/17 to 4:00 PM Monday 8/18 is based on news articles created by Bay City News reporters and editors. We prompted ChatGPT to analyze the articles produced by our staff and to choose 5 stories to highlight. Then we used ElevenLabs and other tools to help us convert the text into audio based on the voice of Leslie Katz, one of our Bay City News editors. This content was verified by a human editor.

Hello, and welcome to Bay City News for Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Here is a look at some of the top stories from across the region.

San Francisco Bay Ferry has received nearly $2 million in federal funding to prepare its Oakland Ferry Terminal for the nation’s first-ever electric ferries. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the grant last week, part of over $175 million allocated nationwide through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program. Thomas Hall, director of operations for the San Francisco Bay Ferry, stated that electric vessels require less maintenance and offer more control over costs compared to volatile fuel prices. He also emphasized the environmental benefits, calling it “the moral thing to do for the planet.” The agency plans to introduce these new electric vessels as early as 2027, including new short-hop routes connecting San Francisco’s Ferry Building, Treasure Island, and Mission Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District also received over $800,000 for its service.

From that news, we turn to state politics. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The suit challenges a new federal requirement that ties over $1 billion in grants for crime victim services to immigration enforcement activities. The Office for Victims of Crime, which administers these funds, declared in July that states would not receive grants unless they agreed to assist federal immigration efforts. California is slated to receive over $165 million for the 2025 fiscal year to support programs like the state’s Victim’s Services Unit, Victim Witness Assistance Centers, and the Domestic Violence Assistance Program. Attorney General Bonta criticized the move, calling it “morally wrong and illegal,” arguing that only Congress has the authority to impose such conditions on these funds. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, seeks to have these conditions declared unlawful.

Shifting our focus to another significant state issue, our partners at CalMatters report that Governor Gavin Newsom is warming to the oil industry as California faces a potential energy crisis. The shift comes as two of the state’s last remaining fuel refineries are set to close earlier than expected, raising concerns about gasoline prices potentially reaching $8 per gallon. Governor Newsom, who previously criticized oil companies for alleged price gouging, now emphasizes the need for a “just transition” and “pragmatism” in the state’s energy policy. He is currently negotiating a plan with the industry to boost oil production in Kern County, aiming to avert what he calls a “nightmare scenario” for an administration focused on affordability. The proposals include streamlining environmental reviews for new wells and potentially revising regulations. Environmental groups, however, are strongly opposing the move, calling it an “industry giveaway” that would harm public health and have no real impact on gas prices or refinery closures. The issue highlights the tension between California’s ambitious climate goals and the economic realities of its energy transition.

In other developments, our partners at San Jose Spotlight report that Santa Clara County is grappling with significant federal spending cuts under President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” HR 1, which threatens to cost the region $1.5 billion in lost revenue. County officials warn these cuts could severely impact the public hospital system and other critical social services. To help mitigate the impact, the county is seeking support for “Measure A,” a proposed five-eighths cent sales tax increase for the Nov. 4 special election ballot. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has expressed reservations, suggesting the city’s support could be tied to the county allocating more funds towards homeless services in San Jose’s interim shelters. Congressman Sam Liccardo noted that while the sales tax increase isn’t ideal, it’s preferable to closing emergency rooms. The county’s hospital system is the largest health care provider in Silicon Valley, handling half of all emergency department visits and serving a large population reliant on Medi-Cal. Separately, San Jose Spotlight also highlighted that Santa Clara County plans to spend over $122 million on homelessness this fiscal year, with a significant portion, more than $50 million, going to the nonprofit Abode Services.

Meanwhile, in Los Gatos, our partners at San Jose Spotlight report that residents are growing increasingly concerned about reckless e-bike riders, particularly teenagers, who are speeding through community streets. Vice Mayor Rob Moore hosted a meeting last week to address the issue, noting that many complaints involve powerful e-bikes with throttles, like those from Surron USA and Talaria, which exceed the state’s legal wattage limits for street use. Residents have shared videos of riders performing wheelies, weaving through traffic, and even harassing wildlife. The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is working with local schools on safe e-bike use and supports a newly introduced Assembly Bill 875, which would allow for the confiscation of bikes for violations, with return contingent on riders attending safety training. The problem isn’t isolated to Los Gatos, with nearby Campbell also reporting numerous e-bike related calls. Officials are exploring legislative action to address the safety concerns before serious injuries occur.

Finally, some news on the weather. Bay City News reports that the National Weather Service is forecasting “Moderate Heat Risk” conditions for inland areas of the greater San Francisco Bay Area from Thursday through Saturday. Meteorologists say this will be some of the warmest weather of the year so far, with temperatures climbing 5 to 10 degrees above normal. Daytime highs are expected to reach the low 100s in inland areas, while coastal and bay shore communities will see temperatures mostly in the mid to upper 70s. The Weather Service is also anticipating minor coastal flooding in locations directly next to Richardson Bay, including Sausalito, Tam Valley, and Manzanita, due to slightly elevated high tides. However, officials say this is not a major concern for widespread flooding. Residents, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those who work outdoors, are advised to take care, hydrate, stay in the shade, and take breaks during the warmer periods. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly into the weekend but remain warm into next week.

And those are some of the top stories we’re following. Thank you for joining us for Bay City News.