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San Diego News Now

News & Politics Podcasts

San Diego news; when you want it, where you want it. Get local stories on politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings. Hosted by Debbie Cruz and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial...

Location:

United States

Description:

San Diego news; when you want it, where you want it. Get local stories on politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings. Hosted by Debbie Cruz and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.

Language:

English


Episodes
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New affordable housing complex opens in Downtown San Diego

5/8/2026
First, a new 88-unit affordable housing community just landed in Downtown. Then, new information on ICE arrests was just released from members of San Diego’s congressional delegation. Also, we’ll tell you about some recent complications at the Escondido Public Library. And our feature story highlights the San Diego International Fringe Festival returning for its 14th year. Last but not least, some weekend event ideas for you and yours happening across the county.

Duration:00:11:58

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The dangers faced by Tijuana journalists

5/7/2026
First, join us as we spend the day with some of Tijuana’s most seasoned journalists. Then, SDSU is using artificial intelligence to keep track of those experiencing homelessness in the county. And, a disabled veteran managed to ride a bicycle again thanks to help from some local college students. Also, numerous organizations spoke out against budget cuts at a recent meeting. And, with Halloween nearly six months away, we share a way that you can still satisfy your need for fright!

Duration:00:14:06

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Immigration rights activists demand answers after arrest of cruise ship workers

5/6/2026
First, why were roughly ten local cruise workers detained last month? Then, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts would gut a key element of the city’s effort to improve traffic safety. Also, incumbent Carl DeMaio is facing a challenger in the race to represent the 75th District in the state legislature. Also, we tell you about a massive animal rescue that took place recently in Julian.

Duration:00:10:19

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The Immigrant Rights Consortium cites lack of communication and transparency from San Diego Mayor’s office

5/5/2026
First, would the city of San Diego be prepared if a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation took place? Also, as ballots have begun being sent out, Democratic Congress members warn of threats to voters rights. Then, come November, county voters could choose to raise the sales tax. And, your San Diego Padres announce new ownership.

Duration:00:11:54

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1 in 3 unsheltered San Diegans are 55 years or older

5/4/2026
First, we break down the numbers behind this year's homelessness census. Then, we’ll tell you why revenue coming from the City of San Diego’s trash collection fee is falling short. Also, a year-long effort is now underway to inquire about building a university in Chula Vista. And, more history you might not have been aware of from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Duration:00:10:55

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USD law clinic works to meet the need for more immigration lawyers

5/1/2026
First, the University of San Diego Law Immigration Clinic looks to give students real-life experience and fill the need for more immigration lawyers. Then, Chula Vista is changing its rule on police purchasing military equipment without approval from the city council. Also, Jacumba Hot Springs is asking the county to intervene in a solar project that is causing dust in the area. Meanwhile, there are concerns over a planned transmission line. Plus, some weekend event ideas.

Duration:00:11:12

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El Cajon sues California over sanctuary state law

4/30/2026
First, El Cajon is suing over a state law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration enforcement. Next, the La Mesa City Council is holding off on a vote on an e-bike ban. And, how a nonprofit is trying to preserve farm land in the county. Then, a documentary about the toll gang laws have taken on San Diegans. Plus, how county libraries are marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Duration:00:12:29

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Chula Vista’s new ordinance requires police to disclose contact with federal agents

4/29/2026
First, a new ordinance requires Chula Vista police to disclose any contact with federal immigration agents. Then, the California Highway Patrol just completed a 24-hour statewide crackdown on speeding. Also, we spoke with some locals about their American identity as the USA’s 250th anniversary swiftly approaches. And, April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, we’ll tell you some safety tips that could keep you safe.

Duration:00:11:13

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San Diegans consider EVs as gas prices continue to increase

4/28/2026
First, are rising gas prices pushing people to switch to electric? Then, construction has begun on cabins being built for those experiencing homelessness in Lemon Grove. Also, the city of Coachella is the latest to go to battle over an AI data center’s development. And, we’ll tell you some of the past lives that Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has had throughout its history.

Duration:00:10:35

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Local nonprofit found fewer people living in the San Diego Riverbed than year before

4/27/2026
First, we’ll tell you about the San Diego River Park Foundation’s Clean River Program and the impact it has had on those experiencing homelessness. Then, some elected officials and environmental groups have joined forces to fight against offshore drilling. Also, this November will decide whether significant changes need to be made to county governance. And, we’ll tell you how one local is making great use of his retirement by keeping his love of music alive in a unique and creative way.

Duration:00:12:18

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San Diego congressional candidate broke Pentagon rules in his campaign

4/24/2026
San Diego congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar violated Pentagon rules on political campaigns. Then, hear from a Logan Heights library assistant who is retiring after nearly 40 years at the branch. And, why concert ticket prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Plus, things to do this weekend.

Duration:00:13:45

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Campaign finance records show Rep. Vargas received money from AIPAC despite claiming otherwise

4/23/2026
First, Congressman Juan Vargas said “AIPAC has never given me a penny,” but a look into campaign finance records says otherwise. Also, Poway is being sued by both the state and a local tribe over a housing development project. Including, a new report by the American Lung Association says that San Diego County is among the most polluted counties in America. Then, another installation of the Pod Behind the Package centered around Giants, an art exhibit that recently landed at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Duration:00:15:16

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Prop. 4 sets aside $50 million towards border water quality projects

4/22/2026
First, Proposition 4 sets aside funding for border water quality projects, we’ll tell you how the funding will be split up and distributed. Then, pushback continues against Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget. Also, La Mesa is the latest city in the county to approve of new e-bike ordinances. And, as part of Earth Day coverage, we profile Dr. Plastic Picker.

Duration:00:10:55

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U.S. Navy continues to enforce blockade of Iranian ports

4/21/2026
First, we’ll tell you what happened when a San Diego-based destroyer ship fired on an Iranian Cargo ship. An arrest has been made as part of continued-tension around a local data center’s development. Then, hundreds gathered outside of city hall to protest the near-elimination of arts and culture from the city’s budget. Also, we bring you a preview of the third annual WOW festival.

Duration:00:13:23

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Four San Diego City Council seats will be on the upcoming ballot

4/20/2026
First, as part of our primary coverage, we tell you about the crowded field of candidates for San Diego City Council seats. Then, the Coronado Unified School District is doing away with cellphone usage during the school day. Also, the San Diego Padres may soon have new owners. And, some long-awaited trail improvements have finally come to Ruffin Canyon.

Duration:00:11:55

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San Diego City Councilmembers continue debate around special event parking

4/17/2026
First, at least one member of the San Diego City Council wants to lower the rates for special event parking. Then, new reporting indicates that forming a public utility company could save San Diegans hundreds per year. Also, we bring you a story about mirror movement development and the impact it had on one local man. And, we bring you a preview of the Art With Teeth film festival. Plus, as we do for you every weekend, we give you some events happening across the county.

Duration:00:13:22

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Thousands more will have access to San Diego Unified’s free afterschool program

4/16/2026
First, enrollment begins this upcoming Monday for the recently-expanded San Diego Unified free afterschool program. Then, we’ll tell you why the cost of buses, trolleys and trains could increase. Also, Mayor Todd Gloria is proposing cuts to the city’s budget. And, we bring you an early preview of “Giants” opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego this weekend.

Duration:00:09:09

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Measure A is going before San Diego voters this upcoming June

4/15/2026
First, voters will weigh in on a tax on empty second homes.Then, we’ll tell you why some former librarians are suing the Grossmont Union High School District. Also, a new report breaks down why California animals are struggling with migration and what can be done about it. And, the San Diego Book Crawl returns next week!

Duration:00:11:47

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Federal records show last year was the deadliest ever for ICE Detention Centers

4/14/2026
First, we’ll tell you some of the contributing factors around why 2025 was the deadliest year ever recorded for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Centers. Then, we’ll tell you why more and more flights coming from San Diego’s military airports are deportation flights. And, we’ll tell you about a new legislature that looks to build more affordable housing in our cities’ urban centers. Also, uncomfortable conversations around death are moving to more social settings like a bar. And, International Dark Sky Week is here! We’ll tell you about some of the stargazing events happening across San Diego County this week.

Duration:00:11:58

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New data confirms most San Diego college students are using AI

4/13/2026
First, new data has confirmed what many were already skeptical of: most San Diego college students are using AI. Then, a San Diego lawmaker wants chain restaurants to be more transparent about drinks that are packed with sugar. Also, we’ll tell you why San Diego County is selling water to Riverside County.

Duration:00:07:02