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.
-
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.
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.