Stories from Mustang News on KCPR

Between federal budget cuts and an overworked system, getting aid for food and paying for groceries has never been more difficult. Reporter Makena Locsin met with social workers and students alike to hear some of the challenges they’re facing.

The SLO Pickle Festival returned for its second year to Laguna Lake Park on Oct. 4, bringing pickle enthusiasts together to support Meals That Connect , San Luis Obispo’s Senior Nutrition Program. Reporter Randi Ingoglia has the details on the event. 

A vigil was hosted by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter and Active Church on behalf of the late political activist Charlie Kirk at Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center on Sep. 29, 2025. Reporter Diego Puga Escobar has all the details on the event. 

Cal Poly had become the seventh NCAA program to install revolutionary KinaTrax technology. With the help of the team's donors, this technology will give the Mustangs advanced player analytics. Reporter Mark Robinson has the details.

SLO Rooted is a new trailer selling coffee in San Luis Obispo. Reporter Delaney Ridder talked to the owners and found that they're hoping to build more than just their business.

Kaffein coffee in downtown San Luis Obispo is a study space for students, and they're always looking to change up their menu. Reporter Cayden Tan has the inside scoop.

Cindy Burnside teaches a variety of classes at the Cal Poly Recreation Center as a student instructor. Reporter Cayden Tan took a deep dive into her journey.

Lokum is bringing Turkish treats to San Luis Obispo residents and visitors. With the story here's Reporter Riley Sullivan.

In a survey from Mustang News of nine campus buildings, we found that men at Cal Poly have more than 1.5 times the amount of restroom facilities than their female classmates. Reporters Jessica Carp and Jeremy Garza have the story.

Best Buddies is a global nonprofit focused on creating friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reporter Delaney Ridder learned more about the active and growing chapter here at Cal Poly.

Thrifty Beaches Headquarters, the vintage and second-hand store in downtown San Luis Obispo, has run into problems with theft. Reporters Evelyn Santa Rosa and Cayden Tan sat down with the owner to hear what actions he's taken.

The San Luis Obispo Whale Rock Commission held its annual meeting on May 8, approving the 2025-2026 budget and discussing infrastructure plans for the county's aging water pipeline system. Reporter Jazmyn Chavez attended the meeting to learn more.

Cal Poly's dance program hosts a weekly 'Tappy Hour.' Free of charge, this class is open to anyone who wants to learn more about dancing. Reporter Lia Griffiths has the full story.

Each week, the Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) Department every thursday on campus. Reporter Lia Griffiths found out more about the people behind this long-running tradition.

This year for the fiftieth time, architecture students from Cal Poly and other schools competed in Design Village. Reporter Dylan White attended the overnight event in Poly Canyon Village to learn more.

A new Pope has been chosen, and for the first time he's American. Reporter Fiona Hastings talked to students and a Deacon about Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.

Wallows closed out the second day of the Shabang music festival with a bang. Reporter Lauren Quijano guides us through the festival, from the stages to the vendors. She learned what keeps vendors and attendees coming back every year.

Large and small artists took over the stages of Cuesta Ridge, Funk Safari and Laguna Lake from 3-11 p.m. on the first day of Shabang, from Acolyte to the Jungle DJ set. Reporter Layla Shuman took a look at the culture of the festival and talked to attendees about their favorite artists and stages of the day.

The annual Morro Bay Kite Festival wrapped up late last month after a weekend of colorful kites filled the sky. Reporter Giselle Espinoza attended the festival and talked to the fliers behind the kites.

Nearly two months after the first ever 'Morning on the Green' music festival for Saint Patrick's Day, Cal Poly's Interfraternity Council (IFC) is reflecting on the event. Reporter Mark Robinson has the story.

On May 7, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong has been called to testify before the Committee of Education and the Workforce for alleged antisemitism and mishandling of pro-Palestinian activism. Reporters Emmy Burrus, Layla Shuman and Jessica Carp talked to students to find out how they're feeling.

After 70 C-S-U student visas were revoked this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced a policy change. Reporter Jessica Carp has more on how this is affecting Cal Poly students and alumni. 

One SLO community member has started a monthly meetup for their four-legged friends. Reporter Giselle Espinoza has the story on local Frenchie meet-ups.

Women's volleyball player Lindsey Sparks was sidelined for two years following a severe knee injury. But now she's back to the sport, and now playing it at Cal Poly. Reporter Ty Soria has the story.

SLO County Arts welcomes Art After Dark to downtown San Luis Obispo every first Friday of the month. Reporter Lia Griffiths attended the latest to bring you an inside look.