Oakland schools in crisis

Teachers nearly went on strike. More than 400 positions were cut. And the district still has $50 million in budget cuts left to find. Education reporter Ashley McBride breaks down everything happening in Oakland Unified right now — and what it means for students, educators, and the city.Plus: a mass shooting at a downtown nightclub leaves two dead, Oakland's speed cameras issue a stunning 70,000 warnings in their first month, thousands of immigrant truck drivers lose their licenses overnight, a new state bill aims to crack down on illegal dumping, the public defender makes a stand over a jury with no Black members, a vivid walking tour of Bruce Lee's Oakland, and your guide to all the Oakland sports teams to root for in 2026.Stories we cover in this episode:EducationOakland teachers avert strike, reach tentative deal with OUSDOUSD board approves 421 staff layoffsOUSD plans to slash two-thirds of the district's central office; $50M more in cuts loomOakland schools brace for staff layoffsA new contract for OUSD support staff raises the district's lowest salariesFunding for violence prevention in schools at riskPublic safetyWeekend mass shooting in Oakland: What we knowAlameda County public defender challenges judge over lack of Black jurorsTransportation and immigrationNew Oakland speed cameras send 70K warnings in first month13K immigrant truck drivers lose California licensesGovernment accountabilityIllegal dumpers face big fines in Oakland, but they rarely have to payCulture and sportsWalking Bruce Lee's Oakland with Jeff ChangAn Oakland sports fan's guide to the 2026 seasonFind all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at [email protected].