Amita Sharma
Investigative ReporterAs the public matters investigative reporter, Amita leads KPBS’ coverage on efforts to undermine democracy, including threats to public officials, bolstering the Big Lie, chipping away at voter’s rights, attempts to overturn election results, eroding institutions and weakening the government's capacity to do its job, as well as civic efforts to engage people with opposing views without rancor.
The goal of the position is to report on the stakes, from a San Diego County perspective, on the United States’ current political moment.
She has spent the last two years reporting on local threats to democracy, including regional extremism, the shrinking of local news coverage while the number of hyper partisan “news” websites grow, censorship at libraries and incivility at public meetings.
Her previous coverage includes: exposing abuses in local nursing homes at the height of the pandemic, including a serial rapist who had worked in several El Cajon facilities and was arrested following her reporting; unearthing a contract between the city of Chula Vista and Motorola that allowed the company to sell data collected by the Chula Vista Police Department; and reporting on discrimination and retaliation in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office that led to court settlements and the retirement of the Public Defender.
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Fear gripped many in San Diego’s Muslim community following the September 11th attacks. They endured taunts and suspicion from neighbors and heightened scrutiny by law enforcement.
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Former Senator who headed 9/11 Congressional inquiry said efforts to learn more about hijackers' links to the Saudi government were quashed. -
Officials say the death of the man's son the same week was from an accidental fall; sheriff says science best witness in the case.
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A Muslim group in San Diego is organizing a blood drive, as part of a national effort to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
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Wrenching images of the famine in Somalia, haunting memories of their own and a hope their efforts might lead to a more stable future keep the bright-eyed youth determined to help their motherland. -
One bill before the state legislature would recognize the role mental manipulation plays in the crime.
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County requiring employees of grocery stores and many other retail outlets to wear masks as of midnight Friday. That’s a tall order, says the California Grocers Association.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new 'pledge' for reporters at the Pentagon
- Cal State San Marcos sorority charter revoked for hazing
- Flushable wipes and Iran: Water treatment facility adds cyberattacks to worry list
- Social media is shattering America's understanding of Charlie Kirk's death
- Young surfers mentored by pros at Super Girl Surf Festival in Oceanside