Oakland in 2026: The biggest stories so far

Editor-in-Chief Tasneem Raja sits down with Oaklandside's deputy editor Esther Kaplan and news editor Darwin BondGraham to take stock of the biggest stories of 2026 — crime, schools, road safety, Mayor Lee's first year, and the state of Oakland's arts and culture scene.Plus: a major housing program for homeless families at Children's Hospital, a whistleblower shaking up the DA's office, a pothole settlement, a sideshow ordinance that's never been used, and OPD's ongoing transparency problems.Stories we cover in this episode:Crime and public safetyOakland ended 2025 with the fewest homicides since 1967Sideshow participants can be fined in Oakland. Why has the city never done this?Oakland police illegally keep information from those who request it, says attorneyDeputy district attorney says she was retaliated against for whistleblowingCity Hall and politicsBarbara Lee has yet to confirm she's running for mayor — but she's raised $31,000Barbara Lee is relying on big companies and foundations to raise millions for the city'Strong mayor' for Oakland? City Council gets its first look — and some aren't soldEducationOUSD has agreed to tens of millions in new labor contracts. How will it cover the cost?OUSD lead crisis: Almost all drinking water sources are now safeRoads and transportation18 speed cameras just went up in Oakland. See whereWhich Oakland streets saw the most speed camera warnings?Injured cyclist gets $512,000 from Oakland in pothole settlementHousing50 homeless patients at Children's Hospital Oakland will get placed in housingArts and cultureAnother Alysa Liu mural in Oakland — this one with Kristi YamaguchiThis week in Oakland: a Prescott Circus Theatre showcase, and Fairyland's 'Mad Tea Party'Find all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at [email protected].