KPBS Public Media

San Diego News Now

News EN ↓ 1504 episodes

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 Anica Colbert and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.

Author

KPBS Public Media

Category

News

Podcast website

www.kpbs.org

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

State lawmaker says Imperial County failed to answer key questions around data center project 19.02.2026

First, State Senator Steve Padilla is calling for a pause to a data center project in Imperial County. Next, scientists say they’ve discovered a way to redesign Fentanyl and lessen the potential risk of an overdose. Also, we tell you about a new fundraising and awareness campaign recently launched in the county. Lastly, a curator at the San Diego Natural History Museum is calling it a career.

Late Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson had ties to San Diego 18.02.2026

First, the late Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson had ties to us back here in San Diego. Then, our reporter went on a ride along with volunteers who have been documenting the current administration's mass deportation campaign. Also, workers across the California State University system are now on strike. As part of our continuing Price of San Diego series, we look into the cost behind after-school a...

Hundreds of San Diego federal workers go without pay during partial shutdown 17.02.2026

First, a partial government shutdown began over the weekend. Then, in the first part of a 2-part series we bring you stories from advocates who volunteer to observe immigration courts in San Diego. Also, we look into why enrollment is going down at schools and why it was so hard to find out how many students are currently enrolled in San Diego’s largest district. Last but not least, we tell you wh...

Carlsbad-based company says it's ready to begin mass production of solar-powered cars 16.02.2026

First, a company based in Carlsbad is looking to mass produce solar-powered cars. Then, teachers in San Diego’s largest school district called off a strike. Also, an Imperial Beach city councilmember is raising privacy concerns as the city looks to crack down on e-bikes. Lastly, a once-considered lifelong Republican plans to run as a Democrat in his re-election.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visits Otay Mesa’s Port of Entry 13.02.2026

First, we bring you details around Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to San Diego. Then, senior military and the defense industry rubbed shoulders this week in San Diego at the annual West Conference. We also tell you the story of students from a local high school who are showcasing their future plans in a new exhibition. Plus, some V-Day weekend event ideas that are happening across...

Caltrans prepares to make changes to carpool lanes 12.02.2026

First, we tell you why Caltrans is preparing to make changes to carpool lanes. Then, Chula Vista’s Police Chief says city leaders are trying to force her out. Next, we tell you how scientists are using satellites and lasers to track climate change all the way from space. Plus, a celebration around Black creators taking place this upcoming weekend.

South Bay’s first community-owned grocery store now open 11.02.2026

First, Imperial Beach residents now have a new and local option for fresh groceries. Also, we tell you why San Diego County has now closed its Section 8 housing voucher waitlist. Then, a group of people living in their RV’s have formed a union of sorts. Plus, the story of a Chula Vista local whose comeback story made waves on a national stage. And finally, we catch up on the latest at the Old Glob...

San Diego is expanding free parking in Balboa Park for city residents 10.02.2026

First, debates around paid parking in Balboa Park seem to be far from over. Then, hundreds of pharmacy and lab workers have now joined the Kaiser Permanente health care worker strike. A top official at the Department of Animal Services has now stepped down, we’ll tell you why. Also, we bring you the story of a La Mesa family who is saving money in a creative way. Last but not least, our ‘Museum A...

San Diego Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas denied entry into Otay Mesa immigrant detention center 09.02.2026

Why was local representative Juan Vargas denied entry into the Otay Mesa detention center? Then, we tell you about a new plan that focuses on immediate investments over more ambitious transit goals. Also, San Diego Pride is planning its first-ever fashion show. And our local Cinema Junkie tells us you might be surprised by what inspired a new animated Japanese film. Last but not least, another ins...

How the ongoing Kaiser nurse’s strike will impact patients 06.02.2026

After two weeks there’s still no deal for the thousands of nurses on strike from Kaiser Permanente. And, can Lemon Grove protect residents from no-fault evictions? Also, in this week’’s Why it Matters, Voice of San Diego’s Scott Lewis explains how the county may reorganize to include a mayor. Finally, hear from the MTS worker and artist behind this year’s Black History Month Pronto card.

Supreme Court allows California to use new Democratic-friendly congressional map 05.02.2026

First, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that California is allowed to use its new congressional maps ahead of the 2026 Midterms. Then, we tell you why the City of San Diego is suing the department of justice. Also, with San Diego on track to end the current fiscal year in a deficit, what could that mean for city residents? Last but not least, we look at whether it's more cost effective to keep an...

How one local mom saves money at the grocery store 04.02.2026

EDITOR’S NOTE: San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan is disputing the story KPBS reported on racial disparities in special charges that can lead to life without parole. KPBS’s story relied on a data analysis from a researcher who attributed cases to DAs based on disposition date. The DA’s office provided an analysis that attributed cases to DAs based on filing date. It showed no racial dispar...

AG Rob Bonta sues over Rady Children’s Hospital ending gender-affirming care 03.02.2026

EDITOR’S NOTE: San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan is disputing the story KPBS reported on racial disparities in special charges that can lead to life without parole. KPBS’s story relied on a data analysis from a researcher who attributed cases to DAs based on disposition date. The DA’s office provided an analysis that attributed cases to DAs based on filing date. It showed no racial dispar...

Return of Border Patrol commander worries community members 02.02.2026

First, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino is reportedly on his way back to the Imperial Valley, following two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. And, how San Diego residents participated in Friday’s nationwide protests against federal immigration operations. Then, the bike lanes on 30th Street in North Park are seeing an increase in ridership. Plus, Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando w...

New scholarship program trains frontline healthcare workers 29.01.2026

First, a new scholarship program is helping to train new frontline healthcare workers. Then, a proposal to tax vacant second homes and vacation homes has fallen short. Also, the latest in a series of protests took place in Oceanside, we tell you why. Plus, how a local database could be helping federal immigration agencies avoid state sanctuary laws.

San Diego’s Democratic congressional delegates call on congress to rein in ICE 28.01.2026

First, some local delegates are calling on Congress to help rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Then, drier and warmer conditions are on the way, following some record-breaking rainfall. We tell you if there’s a risk of wildfires. Also, there’s a renewed effort to suspend paid parking at Balboa Park. We also bring you an update regarding an immigrant surfer who was detained by ICE af...

Kaiser Permanente health care workers go on strike 27.01.2026

First, thousands of Kaiser health workers across California and Hawaii walked off the job this week . Then, we bring you details around affordable housing for staff at the San Diego Unified School District. Also, we bring you to Camp Pendleton where Marines are learning to be drone pilots. Plus, a solar farm project currently under construction in Jacumba has brought some health concerns along wit...

Rady Children’s Hospital to end medical gender-affirming care 26.01.2026

First, advocates voice their disapproval following Rady Children’s Hospital’s decision to end medical gender-affirming care. Then, we bring you a story from Camp Pendleton where a small unit is coming through for animals in a very big way. Also, Oceanside is considering a new rule that would strengthen their e-bike laws after a surge of complaints from residents. Plus, we bring you the latest inst...

County supervisor wants to inspect Otay Mesa Detention Center 23.01.2026

First, San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is requesting inspections of the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Then, flood survivors mark the anniversary of the January 2024 floods. And, where the city is at with storm drain repair in Southcrest. Next, how county leaders and students are trying to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Plus, we wrap up our series on the proposed data center...

Museum leaders say ask city to reconsider paid parking at Balboa Park 22.01.2026

First, museum leaders are asking that paid parking at Balboa Park be reconsidered. Then, after the death of a child, Pacific Beach community members are calling for improved road safety. Also, we hear from Jessica Calix who was impacted and displaced in the January 2024 floods. Plus, part 2 of our series on the controversy around a massive data center project. Lastly a story about the world’s olde...

Anniversary of Trump’s second inauguration was met with protest 21.01.2026

First, some locals gathered to protest the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Then, we tell you how students at one school in San Diego are keeping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy alive. Also, a $10-billion data center is looking to move forward without an environmental review process. Finally, a popular San Marcos building is getting some upgrades.

Cost of food, shelter and medical care among highest in the nation 20.01.2026

First, we discuss the economic outlook for San Diego County in this new year. Then, new enrollments for Covered California are down. And, we bring you details from the All Peoples Celebration that recognized local leaders in the community. Also, we tell you about a new book that explores a late musician’s visual art. Finally, we bring you a preview of the Jewish Film Festival.

Family raises questions about ICE detention center conditions after father dies in custody 19.01.2026

First, a Honduran man held at a Calexico Detention Center died after a medical emergency. Then, the Grossmont Union High School District board has updated its guidelines on immigration enforcement. Also, our resident Cinema Junkie says you should check out a supernatural form of horror content this week. Plus, this week’s installment of The Pod Behind the Package features another KPBS podcast.

Mayor Todd Gloria discusses budget deficit in State of the City address 16.01.2026

First, we give you a peek into San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s State of the City address. Then, Rady Children’s Hospital is challenging a vote by its frontline workers to unionize. Next, the controversy surrounding the San Diego Rodeo happening this weekend. Also, we tell you what ban might come after the latest ban on plastic bags. As well as, an opera designed for kids and other weekend event idea...

Advocate reacts to White House announcing an end to temporary protected status for Somalis living in U.S. 15.01.2026

First, we spoke with some local advocates about the White House announcing the end of Temporary Protected Status for Somalis living in the United States. Next, the Carlsbad City Council approved an emergency proclamation over erosion on an ocean bluff. Then, Nathan Fletcher is registering to become a statehouse lobbyist. Plus, the latest controversy surrounding the construction of a roughly 600-ac...

Listen to the San Diego News Now podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.