KQED's The California Report

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Two Recent In Custody Deaths Increase Scrutiny Over San Diego Jails Aug 21, 2025

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San Diego County’s jail system is facing new scrutiny in a class action lawsuit that challenges nearly every aspect of daily operations. The case centers on years of reported neglect inside the jails, where at least 250 people have died since 2006. A hearing had been set for Thursday, on whether evidence from two recent jailhouse deaths can be used in the case, but the judge canceled it, saying he already has enough information to make a ruling.

Guest: Kelly Davis, Reporter, San Diego Union Tribune

The California Supreme Court has ruled against state Republicans, who were attempting to slow down Governor Newsom's redistricting efforts. The state legislature is expected to approve the proposal on Thursday, after which Newsom will call for a special election on November 4. That gives local election offices less than three months to prepare.

Reporter: Maya Miller, CalMatters

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Heat Wave Brings Dangerously Hot Conditions, Increased Fire Risk Aug 20, 2025

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It's heating up here in California! From the deserts of Southern California to the foothills of the Sierra and parts of the Bay Area, we’re looking at triple-digit temperatures and dangerous fire weather through the weekend.

Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California Report

It's the first few weeks of school and for some families, the usual back-to-school stress, like packing lunches and making the morning bus is now mixed with more serious concern: immigration enforcement near campuses. A group of volunteers in San Diego are trying to ease some of the stress.

Reporter: Gustavo Solis, KPBS

In the Inland Empire, two nurses accused of trying to stop immigration agents from arresting a man at a surgery center have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault.

Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR

A new report is highlighting how often fast food workers are subjected to dangerously high temperatures in the workplace.

Reporter: Brian Krans, KQED

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Sonoma County Wineries Have Mixed Feelings On Wine Improvement District Plan Aug 19, 2025

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In Sonoma County, leaders in the wine industry are floating the idea of a Wine Improvement District. Under the proposed plan, consumers would pay 1 to 2 percent more for tasting room visits, wine club memberships within California, and every bottle purchased at a local winery. Supporters say the plan would provide much-needed collective marketing dollars to boost the industry, but many Sonoma County winery owners are not thrilled with the idea.

Reporter: Tina Caputo

In Sacramento, Democrats are moving quickly on a sweeping redistricting plan. And Republicans are pushing back. California Democrats formally introduced legislation on Monday to establish a new congressional map and bypass the state’s independent redistricting rules.

Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio

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Imperial County Tries To Save Sugar Beet Industry Aug 18, 2025

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The Imperial Valley has been growing sugar beets for more than a century. But this summer's harvest could be the region's last. The valley's only sugar beet factory is shutting down, threatening hundreds of jobs and one of its staple crops.

Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS

San Diego Unified School District officials are condemning the recent arrest of a parent near an elementary school by immigration agents.

Valley Fever is on the rise in California. State health officials say there were more than 5,500 provisional cases from January through June, continuing an upward trend after last year's record high.

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Radio Stations Serving Indigenous Communities Face Challenges From Federal Cuts Aug 15, 2025

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When Congress passed a budget bill that clawed back more than a billion dollars in federal funding for public media, radio stations across the country were put on notice. With the lack of funding, many have already laid off staff, and many smaller stations in rural areas are at risk of closing for good. That includes stations in the western United States that serve indigenous communities.

Guest: Peggy Berryhill, General Manager, KGUA

School is back in session for thousands of students across the state. In Los Angeles County, the start of the school year looks a bit different after a summer colored by aggressive, federal immigration enforcement. Teachers and staff are on high alert, patrolling neighborhoods around their campuses looking for ICE agents and preparing for what to do if there’s a raid. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb

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Heat-Related Deaths For Farmworkers Persist And Employers Often Avoid Consequences Aug 14, 2025

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This month marks 20 years since California implemented rules meant to protect workers from the heat amid a series of farm worker deaths. But two decades later, many employers still don't provide workers with the protections they're owed, enforcement is generally lax, climate change has brought more severe heat waves, and workers continue to die.

Guest: Jessica Garrison, LA Times

A federal judge in San Francisco heard final arguments Wednesday on whether President Donald Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles this summer violated the law.

Reporter: Julie Small, KQED

Ventura County supervisors are considering a package of proposals aimed at helping undocumented residents.

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Residents In California's Most Polluted Communities Call For Local Climate Change Focus Aug 13, 2025

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When California lawmakers return from summer recess on Monday, the legislature is expected to debate the future of the state's program to fight climate change. And some residents in heavily polluted communities want state leaders to focus on local air quality too. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED

One of the candidates running to be California’s next governor faces potential conflicts of interest related to her spouse’s business dealings.

Reporter: Alexei Koseff, CalMatters

If you call the Redding Fire Department for help with anything but a life-threatening medical emergency, you may now get a bill.

Reporter: Justin Higginbottom, Jefferson Public Radio

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North State Congressman Faces Jeers At Packed Town Hall Aug 12, 2025

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For the first time in eight years, Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa held an in-person town hall for his constituents in Chico on Monday.

Reporter: Erik Adams, North State Public Radio

The second day of testimony begins Tuesday morning in California's challenge to President Donald Trump’s deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines to Los Angeles earlier this summer.

Reporter: Brian Krans, KQED

A former Orange County supervisor has been ordered to pay the county back, for his role in illegally redirecting millions of dollars in contracts for bribes.

Reporter: Nick Gerda, LAist

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Local Health Providers Prepare For Medi-Cal Cuts Aug 11, 2025

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Local healthcare providers are bracing for Medicaid cuts under a new federal spending law. They say the cuts will impact their ability to care for low-income patients. Reporter: Ngozi Cole, KAZU

The Trump administration is holding children in facilities along the U.S. -Mexico border– for longer than ever before. That’s according to a federal judge in LA, who suggested that could threaten the government’s push to end a decades-long agreement protecting children in immigration custody.

Reporter: Julie Small, KQED

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Trump Administration Turns To US Supreme Court To Lift Ban On SoCal Immigration Enforcement Aug 08, 2025

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The Trump administration is asking the US Supreme Court to lift a temporary restraining order that restricts indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests across much of Southern California.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego has launched a new interfaith ministry, to accompany refugees and asylum seekers at immigration court.

Reporter: Alexander Nguyen, KPBS

San Luis Obispo County Supervisors voted this week to accept more than $300,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. That's despite criticism of the agency’s immigration enforcement policies. Reporter: Gabriela Fernandez, KCBX

At Google’s San Francisco offices Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new joint effort with four top tech giants to better prepare California’s students for the future of work.

Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED

The 29th annual Tahoe Summit brought together lawmakers, tribal leaders, and environmentalist to discuss the future of the basin.

Reporter: Maria Palma, KUNR

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