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 Debbie Cruz and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.
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The Pentagon is finishing a review of its policies regarding suicide, and although the number of military suicides declined slightly last year, it remains a major problem. In other news, a legal expert talked to KPBS about what may have led to the San Diego County District Attorney’s decision to not charge three former Aztec football players for an alleged gang rape off campus. Plus, we have some weekend arts events worth checking out.
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Hundreds of families signed up for a chance at a brand new affordable home in Escondido, but only 10 of the applicants will get a new set of house keys. In other news, flu and COVID-19 cases are being tracked through wastewater, as hospitals deal with surges in both viruses. Plus, longtime San Diego LGBTQ activist, Nicole Murray Ramirez is honored with a street sign.
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A North County family helps a Russian relative escape the war against Ukraine. In other news, Barrio Logan residents may be getting relief from pungent odors coming from a biofuels plant on Newton Avenue. Plus, property owners in North Park this year approved a new tax on themselves to fund extra cleanups, landscaping and other improvements on streets and storefronts.
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A local biologist's own experience gives him a deep understanding of the science and culture of deafness. In other news, the city of San Diego's ambulance provider, Falck, is offering sign-on bonuses as it faces staffing shortages ahead of an expected busy season for hospitals.
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Chula Vista officials claim a new policy bans the sale of data picked up by police surveillance tools, but privacy advocates warn most personal information could still lawfully be sold. In other news, Southwestern College and San Diego State University have just received grants to support more Hispanic students in healthcare careers. Plus, sea lions have made themselves quite at home at the Oceanside Harbor, and boat owners there don’t like it.
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Solar backers rallied here and across California as utility regulators consider new rules for the solar industry. In other news, December Nights returns to all of Balboa Park Friday, after three years. Plus, Diversionary Theatre debuts Charles Ludlum’s 1984 play, “The Mystery of Irma Vep.”
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The U.S. Department of Education is asking local school systems to better meet the needs of military children with disabilities. In other news, San Diego police are going to start enforcing the city’s street vending law in some areas this weekend. Plus, the city of San Diego’s electric street sweeper officially has a name.
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Mexico deployed hundreds of National Guard troops in Tijuana to combat violent crime, but data shows that crime hasn’t decreased. In other news, the first Regional Task Force on Homelessness Conference is Wednesday and Thursday. Plus, a new study finds Americans would rather hurt the political cause they believe in than support the one they don’t.
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San Diego hospitals are preparing for more patients after the Thanksgiving holiday. Experts have warned of a “tripledemic” as COVID-19, RSV and flu cases increase. Plus, California officials have long hesitated to list the beloved Joshua trees as endangered. Why? Climate change has never been used as a reason for a species’ possible extinction. And, a place where being a “class clown” is a good thing — Diversionary Theater in San Diego is teaching the art of clowning to students of all ages.
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Some say prefabricated housing may be part of the solution in decreasing housing prices and increasing supply. And, San Diego’s Sanford Stem Cell Institute has rocketed stem cells into space a third time -- hoping to learn more about how human cells age. Then, John Waters returns to San Diego for his new Christmas show.
Debbie Cruz is the local anchor for All Things Considered and the host of the San Diego News Now podcast. Debbie has over 20 years of experience in the news industry. She joined KPBS in 2020.