KPBS' daily news podcast covering local politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings so you can listen on your morning commute.
First, the Otay Mesa Immigration Detention Center is at full capacity. What happens now? Then, we bring you part three of our housing series showing where new buildings are going up in San Diego and why. Plus, California Attorney General Rob Bonta Sues Trump Administration.
A new analysis finds housing construction is on the rise, but the construction of new homes is not being distributed equally across San Diego's cities. Plus, the latest on paid parking in Balboa Park. Then, financial scams targeting seniors in San Diego County.
San Diego has adopted a host of reforms over the past decade meant to increase the housing supply and they're starting to show results. Then, a new report is out that tracks the number of whales getting entangled in fishing lines. Plus, cleaning up after Comic-Con takes true teamwork.
San Diego Comic-Con brings huge crowds and exclusive content releases with it, we discuss some of our favorite announcements from Day 1! Plus, how teachers and librarians are using comics to teach. Then, a look into some federal funds that were just released benefiting San Diego County schools. Also, we introduce you to an alternative type of comic and arts convention also happening this weekend.
Nascar is coming to San Diego for Father's Day weekend in 2026. Plus, the days of free parking in Balboa are numbered. We have the proposed cost breakdown. Then, part 2 of our KPBS investigation that looks into an uptick in euthanasias at San Diego County shelters. Finally, a look at ComicCon Preview Day & Blood Drive.
If you're heading to Comic-Con transit could be a good option to get there. Plus, a KPBS investigation digs deeper into an uptick in the euthanasia rate at San Diego County-run animal shelters. We also look into a five-day forecast - for pollution. Then, some tips from our arts reporter on how you might be able to see George Lucas up close at Comic-Con.
We break down the impact of Comic-Con on San Diego's economy and discuss potential safety risks associated with major events. Plus, a new turf soccer field in City Heights will serve students as well as adults. Then, Beth Accomando walks us through the history and significance of the so-called, “Oscars of the comics industry.”
California will keep the Trevor Project's LGBTQ+ crisis line running after federal funding was cut. Then, a new inclusive program that's offering free legal services to LGBTQ+ Mexicans. Plus, we speak to KPBS General Manager Deanna Mackey about the impact federal cuts will have on KPBS.
Protests were held across the country Thursday honoring the late John Lewis's legacy and pushing back against the current administration. Then, imagine growing up in America, going to school and starting a career to find out unexpectedly that you aren't considered an American citizen. Plus, San Diego News Now has a new host and producer.
The settlement will save millions in legal fees and will pave the way for San Diego to sell some of the expensive water it has secured over the last 30 years. Then, patients with early onset Alzheimer's don't qualify for Medicare right away and that's causing an expensive dilemma. Plus, a local nonprofit is putting a focus on women veterans.
The San Diego Unified School District is seeing a big increase in demand for food in it's summer meal program. Then, National City officials are considering approval of a major new fuel depot on the city's west side. Plus, it's officially Pride month in the city of San Diego.
California and more than 20 other states sued the Trump administration Monday for withholding federal education funds. Then, there's a new effort to increase the number of homeless shelter beds in North and East San Diego County. Plus, the San Diego City Council votes to redevelop the City Operations Building.
State law bars local law enforcement agencies from participating in immigration enforcement, so what role does the SDPD play during raids? And, Health and Human Services says federal money can't be used to provide services to undocumented people. Then, a look at the latest in cannabis science, happening at UC San Diego. Finally, a local Navy veteran who played an important part in history, dies.
We continue our conversations this week on the health of American democracy. Also, more on how ongoing Tijuana River pollution is affecting residents. Then, hear from a local legal analyst on President Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship. And, SANDAG commissioners get an earful on their transportation plans. Finally, Escondido has a multi-million dollar budget surplus — so why are people concerned for the city's long-term fiscal health?
Hear from the 71-year-old San Diego immigration court watcher who says she was handcuffed and detained after an ICE agent accused her of assault. Then, will the county allow a neighborhood golf course to be converted into a sand mine? Also, in part two of our interview, hear what it is about the U.S. that keeps the author of “How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them,” up at night. And, Voice of San Diego's education reporter Jakob McWhinney is back to talk about the impact of declining public school enrollment. Finally, what are the long-term consequences of last year's South Bay battery fire?
Devastating floods in Texas are raising questions about San Diego's preparedness for weather disasters. Then, the Department of Education is withholding millions in grants local schools are counting on for things like summer programs. And, just how bad are our political divisions? Hear from the author of the book “How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them.” Also, why is Carlsbad canceling traffic circles? And, San Diego isn't the only city getting out of the residential trash subsidy business. Find out who else can expect higher collection fees. Finally, our review of the new Superman movie.
After some sponsors pulled out over a headlining artist's comments about the war in Gaza, San Diego Pride's executive director discusses what effect the controversy is having. And, a local pediatrician says she's concerned about the impact federal cuts might have on children. Also, a look at how the fear of raids affects communities. Then, Voice of San Diego's Will Huntsberry joins us to talk about why El Cajon lags behind other cities in home construction. Finally, a UC San Diego researcher talks about what they found studying lung cancer among non-smokers.
President Trump's new tax bill will kick millions off Medicaid nationwide. Here locally, one congressman says in his district 25,000 people could lose their health insurance. And, more on the new proposal to convert 101 Ash Street into affordable housing. Then, UCSD health workers respond to layoffs. Also, why the flags honoring veterans at Miramar National Cemetery are threatened and what can be done about it. Finally, we explore nature and history in one Escondido park.
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre will break the current partisan tie at the county — hear from one political analyst about what that means. Then, Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis again joins us with his take on the District 1 election. Also, find out why area beaches are subject to closure. And, from reporting partner inewsource, hear about a new affordable housing project in the heart of Chula Vista. Finally, we've got a feature story on the 100th birthday of the oldest roller coaster in the county.
The tie-breaking vote on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is up for grabs by the winner of the District 1 race. And, hear from an Afghan man in San Diego who says his father, who worked with the U.S. during the war, has been left behind in Afghanistan. Then, how California's new environmental regulatory rollback will affect housing construction. Also, a San Diego political scientist says he has a roadmap for how you can affect change. Finally, carpool lanes on Interstate 805 in the South Bay will let you ride solo — for a price.
Hundreds of veterans are volunteering to attend immigration hearings with Afghan asylum-seekers. Then, we hear contributing New York Times opinion writer Jean Guerrero's analysis on the impact of President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts. Plus, Southwestern College is honoring the disabled community by flying the Disability Pride Flag.
The candidates for county supervisor in District 1 are slinging accusations back and forth — what's true and what isn't? And, UC San Diego Health laid off hundreds. Find out how many and why. Then, ICE detained the U.S. citizen-children during a raid in search of their father. Hear what one of them is saying about it. Also, a new federal report reveals possible causes of the Oceanside pier fire. Finally, an update on a funding fight for the water garden at Cuyamaca College.
New data shows rents rise slower in areas of San Diego where more homes are permitted. Then, the city of San Diego is considering increasing the minimum wage for hospitality workers. Also, we evaluate some of the claims made by candidates in the San Diego County District 1 election. Finally, local researchers say more baby boomers are consuming cannabis
A nationwide study shows how access to Medicaid saved lives. Then, business leaders are voicing their opposition to a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour in the city of San Diego. , Plus, federal funding cuts threaten a local school district's program that provides resources to families of children with behavioral challenges.
The San Diego City Council overruled several of Mayor Todd Gloria's line-item vetoes in next year's budget. Then, we have a conversation with renowned activist and organizer Dolores Huerta about the ongoing mass deportations. And the shake table at UCSD was rocking Monday, find out why. Also, hear about why transit advocates are concerned SANDAG could move to limit options on its proposed Del Mar train tunnels. Finally, a new development in San Diego County is the first-ever fire-resilient community in the country — hear about where and what it costs.
While San Diego County's COVID-19 case numbers remain low, hospitalizations increased slightly in the last month. Then, today the San Diego City Council will consider whether to override Mayor Todd Gloria's partial veto of the council's budget. Plus, a profile of a rock and roll legend who got her start in National City.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary came to San Diego to push for the passage of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. But, financial privacy advocates worry about a new tax buried in the bill. And, a local sailor is forced out of the military by Trump's new transgender service ban.
An opinion editor at the San Diego Union-Tribune speaks to KPBS about her abrupt firing this week. And UCSD researchers are using their shake lab to test a new type of steel. Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis is back to talk about the city's new budget. Then, organizers of last weekend's “No Kings” protest say even more people than the 60,000 that were initially estimated marched in San Diego. Finally, hear how the World Beat Cultural Center is honoring Juneteenth.
ICE's deportation quotas and Trump's orders to target “Democrat-run cities” might put San Diego in the administration's crosshairs. And with the resulting social unrest, local artists are responding. Then, the city is changing its ADU bonus program — find out more about its new limits. Finally, Imperial County has a new CEO with a new higher salary — hear about why some local leaders are questioning the timing of the hire
Tuesday an appeals court will hear arguments on whether President Donald Trump must return authority over the California National Guard back to Governor Gavin Newsom. And, reports of immigrant detentions following court hearings are increasing, including one targeting a refugee from Afghanistan who helped U.S. troops. Then, in North County, a local station created to keep the Pala Reservation informed during emergencies, is also preserving indigenous culture.
Tens of thousands of people protested across San Diego County Saturday, hear what one organizer had to say about it. And a UCSD physician and former CDC adviser says some of the agency's new vaccine advisers — including one linked to an anti-vaccine group — could cost lives. Then, the city is now working with a nonprofit to provide life-saving drugs to people overdosing on opiods. Finally, Imperial County is considering a new plan on how to spend millions generated from the lithium-mining industry — written only in English. Hear how a new state law could force local governments to provide information in Spanish as well.
.A federal judge ruled in favor of California Thursday saying that President Trump lacks the authority to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles. And, San Diego physicians and health care workers are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect Medi-Cal benefits for immigrants without legal status. Then, hear about a new state program to help homeowners impacted by disasters. Also, Caltran's is planning to spend about $500 billion to update the Interstate 15 - State Route 78 interchange. Finally, for Friday the 13th we look at the 45-year-old slasher film franchise.
San Diegans are protesting immigration raids with nationwide rallies planned this weekend as Trump finally gets his military parade. Then, the San Diego City Council approved a new, trimmed-down budget — find out what was cut and what was saved. And Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis is back again, talking trash fees. Also hear the latest on Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting migrants who show up to their immigration court hearings. And KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando has a review of the new romantic comedy “Materialists.” Finally, it's the first day of the San Diego County Fair. We bring you there along with some adoptable new companions from the San Diego Humane Society.
The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and immigrant rights groups rallied in front of San Diego International Airport protesting President Trump's latest travel ban. Plus, advocates are renewing calls for San Diego police to end a controversial surveillance program. And, a UC San Diego researcher says migration to the U.S. is not a zero-sum game and the data reveals many benefits for all countries involved.
California is suing the Trump administration over its activation of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in response to immigration raid protests. And, a sitting Poway city council member is under investigation by the district attorney. Then, could new federal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations hurt disadvantaged communities? Also, there's a new partner in North County's Tri-City Healthcare District. Plus, a conversation with longtime San Diego National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Tardy, who left his job amid Trump administration cuts. Finally, an East County art gallery celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special exhibit.
The head of a nonprofit that helps resettle Afghans in the U.S. reacts to a new travel ban targeting the country. The San Diego City Council considers changes to library service as it approaches a final vote on budget cuts. And, a concert happening this weekend will benefit San Diego's Little Saigon district.
A San Diego police officer is accused of embezzling from the school safety patrol program he ran. And, we've got part three of our five-part series on the District 1 supervisor's race — today's topic: spending. Also, last week we told you about SDPD's move to fully-encrypted radios. Hear more about what the department says it's doing to get real-time information to the public. Then, the impact of withholding funding for high school ethnic studies courses. Sticking with high school news, Voice of San Diego's Jacob McWhinney joins us with more on San Diego Unified's roll-back of its graduation requirements. Finally, find out why people at the Ramona Wildlife Center are wearing bear costumes to interact with an actual bear.
Fallout from last week's ICE raid in South Park continued Tuesday with union leaders calling the action an “attack on workers.” Then, the price of parking is going to change — hear more about when and by how much. And, we have part two of our five-part series on the District 1 county supervisor's race. Also, hear a discussion about the latest data on news consumption trends. Finally, find out which Oceanside coffee shop is getting a jolt from local musician Jason Mraz.
Democratic lawmakers had harsh words about how a recent workplace raid was handled. Then, we look at the changes made in National City in response to in-custody deaths. Plus, voting has begun in the race for the South Bay seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. We tell you where the candidates stand on the crossborder sewage crisis.
The Trump Administration's hardline immigration policies continue to affect San Diego. Today we look at what the new federal sanctuary designation list means for our region, as well as the State Department's threat to revoke visas for all international students from China. Then, National City has paid to settle three separate civil rights lawsuits in recent years, again raising questions about how police respond to people experiencing mental health distress. Finally, here about KPBS' recent Reddit AMA about the city budget deficit.
Why is the city of San Diego dipping into its reserve funds? Plus, a new safe parking lot is opening near the airport. Then, one person's story going from incarceration to graduation at San Diego State University. Finally, a “look” at the county's new state-of-the-art public health lab.
A new UC San Diego study finds harmful chemicals in the air. And insurance claims after last week's plane crash could get complicated. Then, a conversation about the impacts of broad government austerity on communities. Also, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis says the city's budget fight could be setting up a serious show-down between the city council and mayor. Finally, San Diego Unified is looking for student and family feedback on a proposed policy that would further limit students' access to their cell phones at school.
The FAA failed to notify pilots that the weather instruments at Montgomery Field weren't working. Then, the city of San Diego is countersuing property owners hit by last year's floods. And, you may soon be able to buy and sell backyard ADUs in San Diego. Also, we have a follow-up to a story about a low-income high-rise without a working elevator. Finally, Pope Leo's first bishop appointment is one right here in San Diego —but that's not the only reason it's historic.
A small jet crashed into military housing in a Tierrasanta neighborhood Thursday morning, killing multiple people on the plane and injuring others. We hear from the people displaced, and those working to rehouse them. Plus, KPBS confirmed the airport's weather instrumentation was not working at the time of the crash. Then, a check-in with one of more than 1,500 Jan. 22 flood plaintiffs in what has ballooned into a mass tort lawsuit against the city of San Diego.
A KPBS analysis finds the new proposed ADU rules in San Diego would make it significantly more difficult to build in the city's whitest and wealthiest neighborhoods. Then, find out which issue UC San Diego researchers say has broad support among Republican and Democrat voters. Voice of San Diego's Lisa Halverstadt joins us to talk about how a fight between the city and county is endangering one successful homeless shelter. And a white actress is suing the county library for discrimination after it wouldn't allow her to portray Black civil rights icons. Finally, health violations at an El Cajon skilled nursing facility temporarily shut down its kitchen — a rare, but serious action.
The number of people experiencing homelessness is down throughout the county — we zoom in on North County, where coastal cities saw some of the biggest drops. Then, we stay in North County to look at how cuts to the National Institutes of Health are hitting CSU San Marcos. Also, hear part two of reporter Amita Sharma's conversation with the leaders of San Diego's Democratic and Republican parties. And, find out how a John Waters classic is still shocking audiences more than 50 years after its release.
UC San Diego researchers are trying to find out why women are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease. Plus, a KPBS investigation found out that San Diego's highest paid city employees are cops that work lots of overtime. San Diego's police chief said they plan to rein in overtime hours and spending. And a new TikTok trend is influencing San Diego Unified students to damage their school-issued Chromebooks.
The Department of Homeland Security is terminating protections for thousands of Afghan refugees. Many in San Diego are now at risk of being sent back to a country still under Taliban rule. Plus, the police budget has ballooned with overtime pay. Then, San Diegans are suing over a food poisoning outbreak at a popular restaurant.
Advocates say a proposal to limit Medi-Cal access for immigrants without legal status will have harmful consequences. Government agencies scale back testing on animals. And, a preview of the 2025 San Diego International Fringe Festival.
Fewer cuts to the police department, but those to library hours remain in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's final budget proposal. And, speaking of budget cuts, Gov. Gavin Newsom's also proposing some belt-tightening — this time, ending Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented people. Advocates say asylum-seekers are not being given due process at the border, including a disabled Mongolian man who's been in custody more than two months. Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis is back on the podcast breaking down the latest legal fight in the La Jolla succession effort. Then, hear about what's new at this year's Fringe Festival. Finally, children in the foster care system and their families can visit one Balboa Park museum for free for the next three weeks.
City Heights residents are pushing back against budget cuts to rec centers and libraries. Then, a new report says Medi-Cal patients are hospitalized for preventable conditions twice as much as Californians with private insurance. And hear the latest on the Marine Corps' controversial contract with an Oceanside-based credit union. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom released $3 billion for behavioral health and housing — we'll tell you what San Diego organizations will benefit. Finally, we look at how automated bots are scooping up the best tee times at city golf courses.