Best KPBS Public Media Podcasts (2025)

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Experts share concerns over ICE’s recruitment strategy 15:55

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2h ago15:55

15:55

First, as ICE has a goal of hiring 10,000 agents by the end of year, we speak with experts who find serious issues with their recruitment strategy and imagery. Then, local pediatricians are raising concerns over new guidelines for the measles vaccine. Next, scientists at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute report their latest cancer research findings. …

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New CA law requires health insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccines 14:27

2h ago14:27

14:27

First, a new California law is now requiring health insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccinations. Then, dozens rallied downtown outside of the federal courthouse. Next, we tell you what goes into a wildfire prevention inspection. Finally, Fil-Am Creator Con sees huge growth in year two.By KPBS PUBLIC MEDIA

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Profane audio from top animal services official raises alarm 11:51

1d ago11:51

11:51

First, our investigations team has obtained crude audio from a top official at the San Diego County Department of Animal Services. Former employees say it shows the official’s attitude towards euthanizing dogs. Then, the contract for roughly 5,700 nurses at Sharp hospitals is up at the end of the month, we bring you the latest on negotiation effort…

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Rivalry brews over money meant to clean up cross-border rivers 12:32

4d ago12:32

12:32

Fifty million dollars in funding to clean cross-border rivers is facing road blocks.. Then, the National City planning commission votes to block a new biofuel depot. We tell you why. Next, the county has a plan for the nearly 100,000 people at risk of losing their federal food benefits. Finally, we bring you a story about Ramona’s Nuevo Memory Gard…

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Community reacts after school board member comes out as transgender 15:03

3h ago15:03

15:03

First, a Republican school board member in North County has come out as transgender, we share how the community reacted. Then, the city of Oceanside is being sued over a controversial warehouse project. Finally, we get a behind-the-scenes preview of Huzzah!, a musical on the stage at The Old Globe.By KPBS PUBLIC MEDIA

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Protecting local residents from immigration enforcement 11:24

1h ago11:24

11:24

First, elected officials are now considering new policies aimed to protect local residents from immigration enforcement. Next, a San Diego Navy doctor finds herself under investigation after details from her LinkedIn account were shared. Finally, pun definitely intended, we take a deeper dive into what goes into being a volunteer diver at Birch Aqu…

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Fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk could be another in a trend of political violence 12:41

3h ago12:41

12:41

We hear from Public Matters reporter Amita Sharma about the local connections to Charlie Kirk and the impact of his killing. Then, some San Diegans trying to get a COVID vaccine are running into obstacles. Plus, we have some weekend events to check out.

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New plan aims to protect coastline from sea rise 13:17

3h ago13:17

13:17

First, we look at the city of San Diego’s new action plan to address rising sea levels. Then, we bring you the story of a different type of neighborhood supermarket. Next, we discuss why San Diego’s avocado production numbers are down. Finally, we breakdown tiered parking at the SD Zoo in our next Why It Matters segment.…

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San Diego-based law firm sues ICE 11:30

35m ago11:30

11:30

First, we tell you about a San Diego-based law firm that just filed a class-action suit against ICE over arrests in immigration court. Then, county supervisors just gave the green light to public health and economic impact studies in areas around the Tijuana River Valley. Next, the Veterans Affairs Secretary was in San Diego to tour the VA Medical …

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Paid parking coming to a Zoo near you 14:24

4d ago14:24

14:24

The San Diego City Council voted to clear the way for paid parking at the San Diego Zoo. Then, a recent study found that over half of young adults look to online community groups for their local news –we breakdown why. Next, a state program that offers college kids scholarship money. Finally, we share what to expect at Politifest 2026.…

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Two thirds of permits for housing are in walkable areas 7:56

11d ago7:56

7:56

A majority of new housing across the San Diego County is being planned within the city’s urban core, which is walkable. Also, we have advice from an infectious disease doctor on COVID vaccinations. Then, a gap between girls and boys in math test scores. Finally, we take you to the ribbon cutting of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center.…

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Pentagon considers plan to lease parts of Camp Pendleton 13:02

14d ago13:02

13:02

The Pentagon is considering a plan that would lease parts of Camp Pendleton, we tell you why. Then, we hear from Will Rodriguez-Kennedy who is back as the head of the San Diego Democratic Party. And, a psychiatric hospital set for North County just lost a chunk of funding. Plus, just weeks before the new Terminal 1 opens at San Diego International,…

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Studying viruses passed down by our ancestors 15:41

13d ago15:41

15:41

First, the La Jolla Institute for Immunology is studying ghost viruses, which are passed down by our ancestors. Then, clean energy projects are getting a boost in funding and new election mailers are headed to your mailbox. Next, how the Carlsbad Theater owners are trying to save its legacy. Finally, we take a look at La Ópera de Tijuana which cele…

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New federal funding restrictions could increase overdose deaths 12:59

6d ago12:59

12:59

A new executive order limits how federal funding can be spent by programs that assist people who use drugs. Outreach workers believe the change could increase preventable overdoses. Then, an update on a project to turn a vacant lot in Chula Vista into dozens of affordable homes. Plus, we check in on how the Escondido library is doing at its new loc…

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A new congressional map is going before voters this fall 13:28

18d ago13:28

13:28

A new congressional map is going before voters this fall, we discuss what change that could bring to San Diego County. Then, a new program is teaching college students about AI and robotics in the construction industry. Next, reports show that veterans struggle financially as they transition out of service, we speak with one veteran about her exper…

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Researchers confirm pollution in the Tijuana river is also in the air 12:40

21d ago12:40

12:40

First, for the first time researchers say they’ve confirmed pollution in the Tijuana River is also in the air being breathed in. Then, a lawsuit filed by conservative activists targets federal support for colleges supporting Latino students. Then we profile a man pursuing asylum in the U.S. Next, a device that could make nuclear fusion possible. Fi…

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How San Diego County is responding to federal budget cuts 11:31

13d ago11:31

11:31

First, Voice of San Diego breaks down how Democrats on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors are trying to fill the budget gap caused by federal cuts. Then, calls are being made to Congress to pass a new law that would re-start Afghan refugee relocation. Then, city crews are cleaning up homeless encampments and offering relocation, but are they…

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People living at San Diego’s camping sites for the homeless are suing 9:20

23d ago9:20

9:20

Some people living in the city of San Diego’s designated camping sites for the homeless are suing, we break down why. Then, we hear from the Secretary of the Navy who is in San Diego this week. Plus, amid economic and political turmoil, do San Diegans still have hope?By KPBS PUBLIC MEDIA

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Complaint filed against SDPD Chief 11:39

25d ago11:39

11:39

A complaint against SDPD Chief Scott Wahl has been filed with the State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST. Then, a county supervisor is calling for major changes to be made regarding detention facilities in the county. Next, a draft update to the Clairemont Community Plan will now see the neighborhood rezoned, we will brin…

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Communities respond to ICE arrests near San Diego schools 15:59

26d ago15:59

15:59

The Metropolitan Transit System is asking the public for help in prioritizing spending as it faces a looming budget deficit. Then, border and immigration reporter Gustavo Solis checks in to talk about the impact of ICE arrests near schools. And, part two of our story on the challenges faced by Afghans four years after the fall of Kabul. Plus, why s…

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Aggressive immigration enforcement is impacting youth mental health 16:02

1M ago16:02

16:02

First, a new report from UC Riverside warns that aggressive immigration enforcement is taking a serious toll on children’s mental health. Then, we hear from San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre about new signs in the Tijuana River Valley that warn the public to avoid areas where toxic gases have been detected. Plus, a preview of Filmout, San …

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Another immigration arrest near a San Diego County school 12:59

29d ago12:59

12:59

First, we bring you details on the latest ICE arrest near a San Diego County school. Next, San Diego is building numerous new homes, but our reports found many are popping up near freeways. Then, we hear from the parents of an Encinitas teen who was killed while crossing the street and the change they’d like to see happen. Finally, we catch up with…

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Teachers trained on protecting students from immigration enforcement 14:18

30d ago14:18

14:18

First, with multiple ICE arrests taking place near San Diego schools, Union del Barrio is training teachers on how to protect students from potential immigration enforcement. Then, we spoke with a California lawmaker looking to crack down on microplastics. Next, we discuss price increases with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce president. F…

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El Cajon police chief disagrees with attorney general over sanctuary law 7:49

1M ago7:49

7:49

First, the El Cajon police chief and the state Attorney General disagree on the state’s immigrant sanctuary law. Next, over 4,000 San Diego teens made calls to the teen mental health line. We hear more about the resource. Finally, a transitional housing facility for foster youths marks a first for North County.…

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New housing development on horizon for South Bay 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

First, another San Diego parent has been detained by ICE near a school. Then, a new housing development being built near a South Bay trolley station gets approval, while planning is underway for new homes near San Diego State University. Finally, adult sports leagues in San Diego get hit with a price spike…

KPBS Public Media Podcasts

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San Diego News Now

KPBS Public Media

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Freeway Exit

KPBS Public Media

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Device

KPBS Explore / Emily T. Griffiths

1
Experts share concerns over ICE’s recruitment strategy 15:55

1
New CA law requires health insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccines 14:27

1
Profane audio from top animal services official raises alarm 11:51

1
Rivalry brews over money meant to clean up cross-border rivers 12:32

1
Community reacts after school board member comes out as transgender 15:03

1
Protecting local residents from immigration enforcement 11:24

1
Fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk could be another in a trend of political violence 12:41

1
New plan aims to protect coastline from sea rise 13:17

1
San Diego-based law firm sues ICE 11:30

1
Paid parking coming to a Zoo near you 14:24

1
Two thirds of permits for housing are in walkable areas 7:56

1
Pentagon considers plan to lease parts of Camp Pendleton 13:02

1
Studying viruses passed down by our ancestors 15:41

1
New federal funding restrictions could increase overdose deaths 12:59

1
A new congressional map is going before voters this fall 13:28

1
Researchers confirm pollution in the Tijuana river is also in the air 12:40

1
How San Diego County is responding to federal budget cuts 11:31

1
People living at San Diego’s camping sites for the homeless are suing 9:20

1
Complaint filed against SDPD Chief 11:39

1
Communities respond to ICE arrests near San Diego schools 15:59

1
Aggressive immigration enforcement is impacting youth mental health 16:02

1
Another immigration arrest near a San Diego County school 12:59

1
Teachers trained on protecting students from immigration enforcement 14:18

1
El Cajon police chief disagrees with attorney general over sanctuary law 7:49

1
New housing development on horizon for South Bay 8:51