Let's catch up...

As an Era Closes, Barbara Boxer Defends Politics as a 'Noble' Profession, LA Times

The winds of change that have stormed across Washington in recent weeks swept through the Capitol anew on Wednesday. In the ritual farewells offered to departing senators, Barbara Boxer was praised for her service by friends and by longtime foes delivering gracious words. The moment felt like the end of an era much larger than just the career of Boxer or her colleagues who were similarly honored.Read more.

Bay Area Acts Score Grammy Noms, NBC News

A diverse selection of Bay Area acts are being recognized by music industry insiders for their talents in making albums. The Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 59th Grammy Awards Tuesday, a list of 83 categories that included independent local contenders as well as veterans. The Grammys airs on February 12, 2017. Read more.

Fremont: City Council Approves Major Tesla Facility Expansion Plan, East Bay Times

The Fremont City Council on Tuesday night approved Tesla Motors' plan for expansion that could potentially double the company's manufacturing site in the city's south end. According to city reports, the plan lays out "a development pattern for the site in order to facilitate future growth" for the company. Read more.

'They Look Amazing.' Conjoined Twins Erika and Eva Survive Separation Surgery, The Sacramento Bee

On Wednesday morning, the long-sought dream of having two separate little girls became a reality for Aida and Arturo Sandoval. Exhausted but happy, the Antelope couple exited the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford for the first time in 30 hours, leaving their two now-separated daughters under sedation in the pediatric intensive care unit. Read more.

Palo Alto Bans Smoking in Apartments, Condos, Mercury News

Mike Amidi bought a Valero gas station store in Palo Alto expecting to profit from tobacco sales, including flavored tobacco products. His prospects soon will diminish, however The Palo Alto City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that establishes a permit process for tobacco retailers and also bans smoking in multi-dwelling units. Read more.