AI & Cost Control: Uber says it kept its 2026 AI spending flat after blowing the budget in four months, by routing simpler tasks to cheaper models and capping per-session use—an investor-friendly fix as margins slipped. Energy & Grid Flexibility: A new California report argues EVs and home batteries already in garages could help the grid and cut costly infrastructure needs, with vehicle-to-grid programs covering a big slice of storage goals. EVs & Storage: The same report estimates millions of EVs could become major “behind-the-meter” grid assets by 2036. Courts & Consumer Access: California lawmakers advanced a bill aimed at curbing ADA lawsuit abuse that can financially crush small businesses. Wildfire Liability: Sacramento lawmakers rejected a utility-damages cap, preserving survivors’ ability to sue and seek compensation. Tech & Copyright: Sony and Warner Chappell sued Anthropic in Northern California, arguing the company illegally obtained copyrighted music to train Claude. Local Crime: A Superior Grocers store in South Los Angeles was ransacked during an illegal street takeover, with staff barricading upstairs as police responded. Politics & Social Media: California lawmakers and advocates keep pushing over paid influencer endorsements and youth safety online, including criticism of Meta’s $18B settlement as not enough. Business & Health: AusperBio secured $120M for chronic hepatitis B therapies, while Arrowhead reported strong Phase 3 results for plozasiran. Aviation & Travel: United plans to resume nonstop Tel Aviv service from San Francisco next spring, positioning it for business travelers. Entertainment: Phil Tippett’s Berkeley studio is closing after bankruptcy, with memorabilia auctioned off.