San Diego News Now

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 Lawrence K. Jackson and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.
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After months of failed contract negotiations, Scripps Health has been removed from the Anthem Blue Cross insurance networks of 125,000 San Diegans. Reporter Melissa Mae shares what could happen next. Then, a Catholic school in El Cerrito is fighting to keep its doors open after the diocese of San Diego said it could no longer cover its budget deficit. Plus, reporter Amita Sharma shares how people are navigating dating in a deeply divided time.
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The San Diego County Sheriff reported 9 in-custody deaths in 2024. Advocates say there were 10. And, with norovirus outbreaks increasing, health officials are urging extra precautions. Plus, a part of California history in North County is making its way into the digital age.
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California launched a new program offering vouchers for electric bikes. The vouchers were exhausted in a matter of minutes, but more could be made available in the new year. Then, car insurance minimum coverage limits are increasing. The new requirements take effect Jan. 1. Plus, law enforcement officials are reminding San Diegans not to drink and drive on New Year’s Eve. Free public transportation via bus and trolley will be available starting at 6 p.m.
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The FBI detained Alexander Paffendorf on Tuesday. He was allegedly plotting a mass shooting with the Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow. Then, a controversial provision in next year’s defense budget will strip coverage for gender-affirming care for military family members under the age of 18. Plus, Sweetwater Union High School District moves forward with new cuts to the schedule at Chula Vista High. Students, parents and teachers are worried those changes will hurt the school’s arts program.
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The San Diego City Council is forming a special committee focused on lowering housing, transportation and food costs. Then, city staff are recommending removing a footnote from San Diego code, after community pushback and KPBS coverage. Plus, portable classrooms at Ramona Elementary School have needed to be replaced for decades. Voters in Ramona had the chance to fund renovations in November, but they voted not to.
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San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez said she won’t comply with a new county policy limiting local agencies’ cooperation with Immigration Customs and Enforcement. A local immigration attorney said that violates state law. Then, the city of San Diego is considering upping parking meter prices as it faces a potential budget deficit next year of more than a quarter billion dollars. And holidays mean spending quality time with family, or arguing with them. Some San Diegans share how they approach — or avoid — polarizing topics with family and friends.
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The Escondido City Council voted last night to spend $4 million to put up a fence and restore habitat in an area near the Escondido Creek that was being used as a homeless encampment. Prior to the vote, dozens of people were cleared from the camp. Then, the leader of San Diego’s Commission on Police Practices announced his resignation, six months into the job. Plus, President-Elect Donald Trump has vowed to shut down a mobile app used by migrants seeking asylum. Reporter Gustavo Solis spoke to migrants who would be impacted by Trump’s action.
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The bill would put 172 acres owned by the Jamul Indian Village into trust, which makes the tribe eligible for certain federal programs and services. Then, Poway and Ramona are exploring how they can share water resources. Plus, the monarch butterfly could be added to the threatened species list. Reporter Andrew Dyer visited Camp Pendleton where the Marines say they have an important role to play in saving the species.
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Harborside Park in Chula Vista has been at the center of citywide debates on housing and environmental justice since 2022. The park is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 15. Then, a proposal for a 22-story apartment building in Pacific Beach is causing a stir among neighbors. Plus, reporter Tania Thorne gives us a preview of Vista’s annual Krampus procession.
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Key polls on the presidential race gave Vice President Kamala Harris a slight edge over President-elect Donald Trump in November, but modeling by political scientists predicted Trump’s win a month before the election. A local professor tells us how. Then, a recent study found social media use is affecting young men in unexpected ways. Plus, a local ride-share program helps seniors get to their medical appointments, but they are struggling to recruit volunteer drivers.