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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Navy Special Warfare Command is deliberating whether to expel Chief Eddie Gallagher and three other men from the Navy SEALs. The move creates a potential standoff with the White House. Plus, military health officials say several sexually transmitted infections are becoming more common among service members. They say troops are engaging in more high-risk sexual behavior and part of the reason might be the popularity of dating apps. And, San Diego is considering a late-night curfew for rented electric scooters. It’s part of Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s proposed update to scooter regulations.
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A team of researchers is helping San Diego County students get hands on experience in marine biology. Many of the students, who’ve never seen the ocean, only live 15 miles away from the beach. Plus, a border agent who specialized in asylum cases is speaking out about what he saw under the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" program. And, the first rain storm of the season is here and flash flood warnings are in effect. The worst of the storm is expected today, hear what you can do to prepare.
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San Diego State University is one step closer to purchasing the city-owned stadium property in Mission Valley. The San Diego City Council has unanimously voted to direct the city's negotiating team to proceed with SDSU’s $86.2 million offer. So what’s next? Plus, hear part two of KPBS’ investigation into the Humane Society’s practice of releasing stray cats back to the streets. The controversy continues as environmentalists say outdoor cats are bad for the environment, as cat lovers say the alternative — euthanasia — is not acceptable. And, giving money to people to keep them from becoming homeless. That's the idea behind a new program being floated by county Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who says the program could cover more than just rent.
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The San Diego Humane Society is using a controversial program that involves putting stray cats back on the streets. A KPBS Investigation found that includes not just feral cats, but friendly, adoptable ones too. Plus, there’s a connection between mental illness and methamphetamine use among people arrested in San Diego County. New research found a higher rate of mental illness reported by arrestees who have used meth. And, groundwater pumping and heavy diversion has caused many western rivers to dry up. But at least one in Arizona is getting a new lease on life, hear how.
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California has received the nation’s highest marks for coastal protection policies. A report out this week from California-based Heal The Bay looked at how the country’s 31 coastal states are dealing with climate change. Plus, protecting kids from harm is the goal of a new online tool unveiled by San Diego county prosecutors Wednesday. It allows people to report suspected abuse of students in school. Also ahead, an increase in home prices in City Heights is keeping the dream of owning a home out of reach for many residents.
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It's wildfire season in California, and though risk will eventually die down, the trauma these fires inflict on families can linger for a lifetime. Hear why some psychologists say mental health ought to be part of residents' emergency plans. Plus, San Diego may have to cut spending by nearly $84 million next year — that's the prognosis in a new report on the city's financial outlook. And, more cannabis dispensaries are coming to North County. In the last month two have opened in Vista with more on the way. Find out how the new shops are doing.
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An ambitious effort to boost the number and size of trees in the city of San Diego faces a difficult timetable. The city’s climate action plan hopes to soften the impact of climate change by tripling the city’s tree canopy. Plus, the San Diego County Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for a San Diego State student who died after attending a fraternity party. The university has now formed a task force on student activities and safety and another on alcohol and substance misuse. Also ahead, the Supreme Court justices heard arguments Tuesday from the Trump administration on why it should be allowed to cancel DACA. Hear what's at stake locally for young immigrants.
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Going from active duty military to veteran can feel like a loss of identity. Hear San Diego veterans talk about transitioning to civilian life. Plus, Veterans Day is a day to honor those who proudly served our nation. KPBS talks to one veteran about why the celebration means so much to him. And, after sitting vacant for more than a decade, a site nicknamed the "Sally Wong" building in City Heights is set to become affordable housing. Community advocates describe the project as a new chapter.
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On Veterans Day, we look at how not everyone in uniform will be considered a veteran. Plus, culture plays a big part in the way communities deal with death.The experience of local Vietnamese immigrants is the focus of a documentary playing at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. And, Seaworld has hired a new CEO. This is the fourth one in 5 years and he is stepping in Monday to help the embattled theme park get back on the right footing.
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A new audit found schools across the state have misused hundreds of millions of dollars.That money was supposed to help disadvantaged students. Plus, 25 years ago Friday, California voters passed the anti-immigrant Proposition 187. The reaction to that vote ushered in a generation of immigrant activists that has transformed the state. And, San Diego veterans are getting some help finding a job after their military service at the "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" job fair in Oceanside.