Privacy & Gig Economy: California’s privacy regulator (CalPrivacy) launched its first formal sectoral audit, targeting gig platforms and checking whether they’re honoring CCPA access and control rights for workers and consumers. Housing & Hiring Rules: San Francisco expanded its Fair Chance Ordinance to bar employers from using certain out-of-state convictions/arrests tied to California-lawful conduct, with higher penalties for violations. Energy Storage Milestone: California’s battery storage capacity topped 21,000 MW, a massive jump since 2019, as the state leans on batteries to stabilize a renewables-heavy grid. EV Rebates: Gov. Newsom announced $3,500 instant rebates for Californians buying their first zero-emission vehicle. Housing Costs Watch: Mortgage rates inched up to 6.69% on the 30-year fixed, while the housing market shows signs of adjustment. Labor & Benefits: A new report finds more gig workers are relying on SNAP amid low pay. Tech & Jobs: Salesforce cut 86 roles at its San Francisco HQ as it pushes deeper AI integration. Consumer/Legal: A federal appeals court signaled it may limit a lobster defamation suit against Monterey Bay Aquarium over its Seafood Watch “red list.” Business Litigation: New investor class-action filings and lead-plaintiff deadlines rolled in for Smartsheet, Erasca, ADMA Biologics, Via Transportation, Zillow, and others.