Economy

A sign for Santee appears on a pole for the Copper Line trolley extension, Sept. 25, 2026.

KPBS

Politics

Santee voters to weigh in on 1% general sales tax increase this November

Jacob Aere

The measure is projected to generate approximately $14 million annually to support local city services and infrastructure.

MORE STORIES

Economy

American farmers are hurting -- and worried about their futures

Scott Horsley

Farmers who grow soybeans, corn, cotton and other crops are facing another year of losses as soaring fuel and fertilizer costs offset higher revenues.
Economy

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is low. Here's why you should care

Willa Rubin

Julia Simon

The U.S. has tapped into its strategic oil reserve to help drive down rising gasoline prices in the wake of the war with Iran. Can oil from Venezuela help fill it back up?
Education

AI tooling replaces entry-level coders as smaller businesses pick up the hiring slack

Heather Hollingsworth and Nicky Forster

It's a difficult job market for new graduates, especially in fields like software development where artificial intelligence is shouldering more of the work.
Economy

Mortgage rates have just surpassed 7% for the first time in well over a year

Stephan Bisaha

Rates have climbed more than a full percentage point since the U.S. war against Iran started.
Economy

The economic squeeze is pushing up poverty rates for older adults

Jennifer Ludden

Despite lower poverty overall, the rate for seniors has been steadily rising in recent years. A new AARP survey sheds light on how those over 50 are struggling in the crucial time before retirement.
Economy

eBay bans airbag sales as concerns about faulty or counterfeit parts rise

Willa Rubin

eBay became the latest online retailer to ban the sale of airbags and many of their components. Aftermarket parts can be risky if they turn out to be fake or defective.
Economy

Journalists for CNN, MS NOW and Politico return to the White House upon judge's orders

David Folkenflik

Juliana Kim

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to temporarily restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, after they were banned from covering White House events by President Trump.
Politics

San Diego incorrectly charges tens of thousands of residents for city trash fees

Jacob Aere

The billing error led to some strong emotions at a San Diego committee meeting Wednesday over an item related to waste management collection.
Economy

Judge considers restoring journalists' access to White House after Trump's ban

Juliana Kim

Lawyers representing the White House and the three media outlets banned from the property sparred over the constitutional rights of journalists at a hearing in federal court Wednesday.
Economy

Insurance Commissioner candidate Jane Kim says the current system is 'a disaster'

Vicki Gonzalez, Andrew Garcia, Sarit Laschinsky

California is home to the largest insurance market in the country—one that’s become increasingly strained amid an affordability crisis, increasing wildfire risks, and insurance companies pulling back from writing policies in the state.