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California vows to fight Trump's mail-in voting order

State officials are preparing for another legal fight before the midterms.

News

California&#x27;s vote-by-mail system faces new uncertainty less than three months before the midterms after the Supreme Court on Monday allowed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="8c7fd8f6-8d27-4eb1-9aca-2f3e7e35107b" data-vars-headline="California vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" data-vars-content-id="8c7fd8f6-8d27-4eb1-9aca-2f3e7e35107b" data-vars-headline="California vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" target="_self">executive order</a> restricting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail-in voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" data-vars-content-id="8c7fd8f6-8d27-4eb1-9aca-2f3e7e35107b" data-vars-headline="California vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" target="_self">mail-in voting</a> to move forward.Why it matters: The decision could upend the midterms, but the legal battle is far from over and the exact effect on California&#x27;s upcoming elections remains unclear.

 Behind the Flock backlash in San Francisco

A national surveillance fight is spilling onto San Francisco streets as Flock's footprint expands.

Activists and citizens across the political spectrum are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="58fea506-e5ca-407d-9248-f4b664c2d557" data-vars-headline=" Behind the Flock backlash in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns and suspected police misuse.Why it matters: Flock cameras are suddenly emerging as the next big target of populist anti-tech, pro-privacy sentiment, alongside the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="58fea506-e5ca-407d-9248-f4b664c2d557" data-vars-headline=" Behind the Flock backlash in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">data centers</a> fueling the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ai-boom-goldman-sachs" data-vars-content-id="58fea506-e5ca-407d-9248-f4b664c2d557" data-vars-headline=" Behind the Flock backlash in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ai-boom-goldman-sachs" target="_self">AI boom</a>.

It's SF Friday News Quiz time

Flex those news chops and see if you can snag a perfect score. Glory awaits!

It&#x27;s Friday, friends!<ul><li>Time to flex those local news chops once again, click on in and get quizzed.</li></ul>

Valkyries' rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco

The Valkyries' breakout success is bringing another major sporting event.

San Francisco will host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, adding to the city’s growing roster of major sporting events.State of play: Tuesday&#x27;s announcement comes a day after the Golden State Valkyries <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secured their second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49645344/valkyries-beat-wings-clinch-playoff-spot-second-straight-season" data-vars-content-id="63593e1e-20bf-40f5-a37b-9e67da7a0990" data-vars-headline="Valkyries&#x27; rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49645344/valkyries-beat-wings-clinch-playoff-spot-second-straight-season" target="_blank">secured their second</a> straight playoff berth, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beating the Dallas Wings 78-70" data-vars-click-url="https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-recap-20260817" data-vars-content-id="63593e1e-20bf-40f5-a37b-9e67da7a0990" data-vars-headline="Valkyries&#x27; rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-recap-20260817" target="_blank">beating the Dallas Wings 78-70</a>.

SF Bay Area tops U.S. host cities in World Cup prices

There is a wild variance in prices across U.S. host cities.

Sports

A beer at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium will set soccer fans back $24.50 — the highest concession price among U.S. cities hosting the World Cup.Why it matters: Fans are paying dramatically different prices for food and drinks depending on which of the 11 U.S. host cities they&#x27;re in.

The Bay Area's first World Cup match kicks off in a month

The region is bracing for crowds, transit rushes and fan events.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" data-vars-content-id="4f3ebb93-af95-470c-954b-326efa9d937f" data-vars-headline="The Bay Area&#x27;s first World Cup match kicks off in a month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off June 11 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.The big picture: The Bay Area&#x27;s first matchup begins in exactly one month, with Group B action between Qatar and Switzerland set for Saturday, June 13. The area&#x27;s final game will be played July 1.

Sportsball Monday: Giants still uneven, 49ers add WRs, Valkyries prep

We bring you up to speed on your favorite local teams.

Welcome to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sportsball Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/09/sportsball-monday-warriors-giants-49ers" data-vars-content-id="a52c16ef-1e94-430a-b7c1-de2feddaf7c5" data-vars-headline="Sportsball Monday: Giants still uneven, 49ers add WRs, Valkyries prep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/09/sportsball-monday-warriors-giants-49ers" target="_self">Sportsball Monday</a>, where we bring you up to speed on your favorite local teams once a month.The big picture: The Giants remain on shaky ground; the 49ers expand their wide receiver room; and the Valkyries gear up for their second year.

Sportsball Monday: Playoff push, bullpen woes, trade buzz

Steph Curry's injury, bullpen setbacks and trade rumors lead today's sports news.

Welcome to Sportsball Monday, where we bring you up to speed on your favorite local teams once a month.The big picture: The Warriors fight to hold their play-in position as Stephen Curry&#x27;s knee injury lingers, the Giants juggle bullpen uncertainty ahead of Opening Day and the 49ers weigh trade moves.

Giants fans flock to Phoenix for spring training

Nearly 60% of Cactus League fans come from out of state for sun and baseball.

San Francisco Giants fans are soaking up some desert sun as spring training kicks off throughout the Phoenix area under new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="manager Tony Vitello" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/10/31/giants-larry-baer-sf-downtown-recovery" data-vars-content-id="3129782a-1528-4de9-b6cb-1b48ac8a1a9a" data-vars-headline="Giants fans flock to Phoenix for spring training" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/10/31/giants-larry-baer-sf-downtown-recovery" target="_self">manager Tony Vitello</a>.The big picture: This is the 79th year of the Cactus League, which now boasts 15 teams at 10 stadiums, just miles apart.

Alysa Liu's journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold

Fans are calling for the Bay Area to host a parade for the 20-year-old skater after her gold medal win in Milan.

The Bay Area erupted in raucous cheers this week after hometown hero Alysa Liu ended a 24-year U.S. drought in women&#x27;s figure skating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milan Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="9538a457-a674-4ff7-b1fd-8882e4b52fde" data-vars-headline="Alysa Liu&#x27;s journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Milan Olympics</a>.Why it matters: Liu, a Richmond native who grew up skating in Oakland and San Francisco, is bringing home gold as the first American Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

The walking grass stole Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show

Hundreds of performers in grass suits transformed the Super Bowl field into a living Puerto Rican village.

While Bad Bunny was the center of attention for millions of people tuning into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl halftime show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6FuWd4wNd8" data-vars-content-id="60bf0a4d-728f-489b-8581-8a5d111c58ba" data-vars-headline="The walking grass stole Bad Bunny&#x27;s Super Bowl show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6FuWd4wNd8" target="_blank">Super Bowl halftime show</a> on Sunday, the walking bunches of grass arguably stole the show. Why it matters: Hundreds of humans in grass suits brought Benito&#x27;s set to life in a matter of minutes, uniting with the music icon to create a Puerto Rican village complete with sugarcane fields, farmers, food carts and a buzzing casita (featuring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pedro Pascal and other stars dancing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/celeb-cameos-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-performance-2026-1236500052/" data-vars-content-id="60bf0a4d-728f-489b-8581-8a5d111c58ba" data-vars-headline="The walking grass stole Bad Bunny&#x27;s Super Bowl show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/celeb-cameos-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-performance-2026-1236500052/" target="_blank">Pedro Pascal and other stars dancing</a>).

Our top Super Bowl week takeaways

From celebrity sightings to transit woes — Axios SF was your eyes and ears on the ground.

The Bay Area was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elevated to the national stage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/super-bowl" data-vars-content-id="3860f578-d591-4861-a62d-309120ed5539" data-vars-headline="Our top Super Bowl week takeaways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/super-bowl" target="_self">elevated to the national stage</a> this past week as festivities for America&#x27;s biggest sporting event overtook our streets.The big picture: As your eyes and ears <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the ground" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/02/05/super-bowl-lx-levis-stadium-menu-bay-area-food-sf" data-vars-content-id="3860f578-d591-4861-a62d-309120ed5539" data-vars-headline="Our top Super Bowl week takeaways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/02/05/super-bowl-lx-levis-stadium-menu-bay-area-food-sf" target="_self">on the ground</a>, here are some of our top non-football takeaways from Super Bowl LX.

How the NFL will watch for Super Bowl concussions

Axios got an inside look at the protocols for responding to injuries at the Super Bowl.

When the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/22/levis-stadium-super-bowl-field-behind-scenes" data-vars-content-id="f7231760-35c9-443b-a914-096851ccbe99" data-vars-headline="How the NFL will watch for Super Bowl concussions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/22/levis-stadium-super-bowl-field-behind-scenes" target="_self">Super Bowl</a> kicks off Sunday, a constant scanning for injury will unfold off the field.Why it matters: Amidst the NFL&#x27;s ongoing reckoning with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="head injuries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/16/nfl-more-steps-reduce-head-injuries" data-vars-content-id="f7231760-35c9-443b-a914-096851ccbe99" data-vars-headline="How the NFL will watch for Super Bowl concussions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/16/nfl-more-steps-reduce-head-injuries" target="_self">head injuries</a> and continued scrutiny of the long-term <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consequences of concussions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/28/cte-head-trauma-sports-new-study" data-vars-content-id="f7231760-35c9-443b-a914-096851ccbe99" data-vars-headline="How the NFL will watch for Super Bowl concussions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/28/cte-head-trauma-sports-new-study" target="_self">consequences of concussions</a>, watching out for player wellbeing has become a complex and multifaceted operation on game days.

⚾️ MLB All-Star Game returns in 2028

San Francisco to host 2028 MLB All-Star Game at Oracle Park

Axios Cleveland

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers

Cleveland

Axios Miami

Axios Atlanta

Axios Philadelphia

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Axios Dallas

A bar chart that compares American beer prices at U.S. World Cup stadiums for the smallest draft size, 16 to 20 ounces. Prices range from $5 in Atlanta to $24.50 in San Francisco. Most cities cluster between $14.05 in Houston and $18.58 in Philadelphia, with West Coast venues higher.

Sports 🏅

Valkyries' rise brings 2027 WNBA All-Star Game to San Francisco

San Francisco to host 2028 MLB All-Star Game at Oracle Park

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers

SF Bay Area tops U.S. host cities in World Cup prices

1 photo to go: 🇲🇽 Mexico fans celebrate win