KCSB News

Ethan Hawke received the American Riviera award at the Santa Barbara International Film festival. KCSB's Emerson Good spoke with him and renowned actor Jeff Bridges on the red carpet.

More than a thousand lawsuits accuse social media companies like Meta, Google, Tiktok, and Snapchat of deliberately designing addictive features aimed at children and teenagers. One of the first cases to reach trial is unfolding in LA, centered on a California woman whose lawsuits could help determine how the rest of the cases within social media move forward. KCSB's Ruby Rai has the story.

California lawmakers are attempting to speed up billions of dollars in climate project funding more than a year after voters approved a 10 billion dollar climate bond in order to better prepare for a variety of environmental hazards. KCSB's Juliana Chandler gives the update.

Netflix’s plan to buy Warner Bros. Discovery could mark one of the most significant media mergers in recent years, giving the streaming giant unprecedented control over both production and distribution. As a lawsuit from Paramount challenges how the deal was handled, workers and media critics warn that further consolidation could lead to fewer jobs, reduced creative freedom, and less leverage for...

Cases of Yellow Fever are on the rise near the Amazon Rain Forest. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara are looking into the reason for the uptick, since the disease has been largely eradicated in the US for decades. KCSB’s Jose Vidaurri has the story.

UCSB’s student-led organization, El Congreso, hosted a vigil Thursday, January 28th, honoring communities and individuals impacted by increased ICE operations since the beginning of the Trump administration. Attendees took part in a silent march and speakers shared their experiences with ICE, emphasizing the importance of community during times of crisis. Spaces where community members can come to...

The Isla Vista Recreation and Park District has reopened the newly renovated “Peaceful” Pardall Gardens in downtown Isla Vista. The 720-square-foot park’s renovations include seating, lighting, and a stage for music shows. KCSB’s Mavis Holley has the story.

KCSB's Annabelle Hurst brings you the latest in social justice and activism news.

Guinea-Bissau made headlines after the military stepped in during a contested election and claimed control of the entire country. Since then, questions have raised about who’s in charge and where the country will go next. KCSB’s Juliana has the update.

A former UCSB student has been convinced on multiple felony sex charges after a three-month trial. KCSB's Ruby Rai interviews Rebecca Caraway, a reporter with Noozhawk who covered the proceedings.

ICE agents in Santa Barbara push and pepper spray residents on the city’s eastside, and the community responds with protest. KCSB's Ray Briare brings us this report:

UCSB is currently searching for a new Chief of Police following Chief Alex Yao’s departure from the UCSB Police Department in June of 2025. Who is on the committee to search for the new Chief of Police, and what criteria are they prioritizing to hire this individual? KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez, sat down with Associated Students External Vice President for Local Affairs, EJ Raad, to learn more about th...

As of December, Netflix has officially acquired Warner Brothers. Industry members have flagged this decision and spoken out about their fears of anti-competitive practices and major cuts to box office numbers. KCSB’s Ginger Thomas has more.

State attorneys general are taking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to court, arguing the USDA’s latest guidance on SNAP goes beyond what the law allows. The USDA’s suspension of millions in federal funds to Minnesota has injected a fresh front into the fight. KCSB’s Juliana Chandler has the update.

Recent antisemitic incidents occurring at UCSB’s AEPi have demonstrated a rise in antisemitism surrounding campus. KCSB New's Ella Sadock interviewed the Tri-County Anti-Defamation League Director, Josh Burt, to learn more.

In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the Santa Barbara City Council is considering temporary rent freezes that would pause rent increases while the city develops a permanent stabilization ordinance. KCSB's Kimberly Lucia has the story.

Google has been using news content without compensating the news organizations that produce it. An agreement in 2024 with the State of California would have addressed this, but now Google and Governor Newsom may subvert it altogether. KCSB's Ray Briare brings us the report.

The Associated Students EVPLA Office spearheaded extensive efforts to “Save Deltopia”, including hosting Townhalls and info sessions. Now, almost halfway through the academic school year, KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez sat down with Associated Student External Vice President for Local Affairs, EJ Raad, to see what’s to come for Isla Vista residents.

Community members gathered at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation 135 years after one of the deadliest attacks on Indigenous people by the U.S government. Here is KCSB’s Omar Opeyany with the story.

From education to healthcare to federal funding, California’s 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration bring a deeper conversation over limits of presidential power in the United States. KCSB’s Ruby Rai goes over California’s lawsuits against the Trump administration, and highlights a few major ongoing cases.

Isla Vista is facing a spring season without Deltopia. Following the new noise ordinance, the Isla Vista Community Services District held a town hall Tuesday, January 20th, to unveil a community-led festival aimed at keeping the music and party alive while meeting strict county requirements and deadlines. KCSB’s Hunter Maher attended the IVCSD meeting to learn more.

The union representing the folks who produce newscasts for local TV are asking for support from the community in their effort to raise pay, improve working conditions, and protect local journalism. KCSB’s Ray Briare brings us the story.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors met in mid-January to consider a proposed Outdoor Festivals Noise Ordinance to further restrictions on amplified music, specifically during UCSB’s Deltopia weekend. In a unanimous vote, the Supervisors approved the new noise ordinance as amended by the Sheriff’s Department. What led to this decision? KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez attended the Santa Barbara Co...

Gavin Newsom has always branded California as a global leader in the fight against climate change, but a series of recent oil spills and new legislation are raising questions about the state's environmental priorities. KCSB’s Hunter Maher brings us this report.

As of January 1st, 2026, landlords are required to provide their tenants with habitable living conditions, which now includes kitchen appliances. KCSB’s Kimberly Lucia has the story.