Hi reader,

Despite significant drops in crime last year, we've been off to a busy start in 2026, breaking consequential stories and adding two new members to our team. These new hires — an operations manager and an editorial intern — were only possible because of our first big end-of-year fundraising campaign.

During the initiative, more than 250 readers gave $90,000 through direct contributions and major gifts. As a 100% reader-supported newsroom, we depend on readers like you to keep our coverage timely, thorough and ad-free.

Even though our year-end fundraiser is over, it's not too late to give. Your contribution helps us:

Expand our coverage from City Hall to your Berkeley neighborhood
Increase our capacity for in-depth reporting
Spark the conversation in the comments section

As a small thank you, we hope you enjoy this new subscribers-only recap featuring highlights from the past month. Below: Don't miss our first reader poll (about the comments section!). We can't wait to hear from you.

Emilie Raguso

Founder, The Berkeley Scanner

P.S. Let us know how we can improve this email — just hit reply to reach our team.

Photo of the month: Hazmat team detonates chemicals at the marina

Share your photos for a chance to be featured in TBS.

Berkeley police at work during a Jan. 26 hazmat operation. Emilie Raguso/TBS

Reader comments: Deadly bacteria outbreak at Berkeley homeless camp

This Jan. 13 story got the most comments last month. Here are just a few.

TBS

"I promise you that a targeted social media drop will blow this issue into national proportions and force action from the governor."

Facebook

"Living in a very nearby spot on this circle of concern. We have heard absolutely nothing from the City of Berkeley!"

"My dog died from this last winter. I think it might be common in the rats in west Berkeley of which there are way too many."

TBS

"Why isn't the city testing rats from all over Berkeley for leptospirosis and other diseases?"

Facebook

"It's not that big a deal. The resident dogs are vaccinated and up on boosters."

Instagram

"The homeless epidemic is a humanitarian crisis! Dogs are dying while people are starving and gravely ill!"

Become a member to join the conversation.

Yes! I want to chip in!

Most-read stories in January

1. Deadly bacteria outbreak at Berkeley homeless camp

2. Body found in Claremont Canyon park near UC Berkeley

3. Berkeley hazmat: Shelter-in-place issued for Colusa Ave.

4. Man dies 1 month after scooter crash on UC Berkeley campus

5. Robbery reported in Elmwood city parking lot

Take our first reader poll

TBS currently offers comments as a perk for paying members. Should we try opening comments to all newsletter subscribers for 30 days?

Take the comments poll

Have a story idea for The Berkeley Scanner? Here are 3 ways to connect:

1. Our dedicated tips form

2. Email: tips@berkeleyscanner.com

3. Text, call or Signal: 510-459-8325

🎧 TBS, DA discuss criminal justice on new 'Love Thy Lawyer' podcast episode

In the latest Love Thy Lawyer podcast, TBS founder Emilie Raguso and DA Ursula Jones Dickson talk about criminal justice and the DA's office after Pamela Price.

🔽 ICYMI: Interactive gunfire maps

A new year means a new interactive map tracking all confirmed shootings in Berkeley. Our 2025 map (above) is fully updated. Bookmark the 2026 map for updates throughout the year.