Encinitas deputy mayor to take two-month leave to care for husband with cancer

Encinitas Councilmember Joy Lyndes, who serves as the city’s deputy mayor and represents the Cardiff region, will take a two-month, family medical leave starting March 17 to care for her husband, who has cancer. “My husband and family have been dealing with a significant struggle — My husband is fighting advanced cancer,” Lyndes said at the end of Wednesday’s City Council meeting as she began reading aloud from a prepared statement. She paused briefly, then with her voice breaking and her emotion evident, continued, “The medical treatment and his fight to survive are continuing to intensify, and difficult. …. “So that I can prioritize supporting him and my family through this hard time, I will be taking family medical leave from the city. This family medical leave will be no more than 60 days and will start on March 17.” Lyndes said she will not be able to attend council meetings or regional board meetings during her two-month leave, but has already begun putting together a communications system, “so that I will stay fully informed on salient city issues throughout the leave.” And, she stressed

‘Ghost Adventures’ star Aaron Goodwin’s wife arrested on suspicion of soliciting his murder

(CNN) — The wife of “Ghost Adventures” star Aaron Goodwin was arrested on suspicion of solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder after police uncovered she had been involved in a “murder for hire” plot with her husband as the intended target. Victoria Goodwin was arrested last Thursday in Nevada, where the couple resides, publicly available inmate records show. She is being held on $100,000 bail after an initial court hearing that took place Tuesday, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is set for March 25. According to a copy of the police report obtained by CNN, investigators determined that Victoria Goodwin “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously” plotted to “commit the murder of” her husband with an inmate in Florida who she had been communicating with. CNN has reached out to representatives for both Victoria and Aaron Goodwin. Police uncovered text messages between Victoria Goodwin and the inmate that allegedly indicated she was conspiring and soliciting to murder Aaron Goodwin through a third party who the inmate was corresponding with. Their communications included plans for Victoria Goodwin to make an initial payment in the

Tampa Bay Rays says team will not move forward with $1.3 billion stadium deal

The Tampa Bay Rays announced Thursday the team will not proceed with a new stadium and surrounding development project, marking the end of a years-long process that the team, city and county thought had been settled last year. “After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment,” the Rays said on their official X page. “A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision.” Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, who has been vocal about his concerns with the entire situation, said Sternberg should be ready to pay for the now-defunct deal. When Stu sells perhaps he can pay back the taxpayers of Pinellas/St. Pete for the all the money that was spent on this deal. https://t.co/e8LGRm4ylh — Chris Latvala (@ComChrisLatvala) March 13, 2025 The Rays’ move was not completely unexpected. The team repeatedly questioned how the$1.3 billion stadium deal would proceed after delays in stadium bond votes. Those bonds were eventually approved, but the Rays said it took too long. St. Pete City Council approves

Judge orders Trump to reinstate probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies

The agencies include the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury. A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate thousands — if not tens of thousands — of probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies last month, saying that the terminations were directed by a personnel office that had no authority to do so. U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ordered the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury to immediately offer reinstatement to employees terminated on or about Feb. 13 and 14 using guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director, Charles Ezell. Alsup directed the agencies to report back within seven days with a list of probationary employees and an explanation of how the departments complied with his order as to each person. RELATED STORY | Trump administration rescinds some CDC layoffs, urges workforce to return The temporary restraining order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and organizations as the Republican administration moves to dramatically downsize

National City police SUV crashes into BMW, electrical box and building

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A National City police officer was involved in a traffic collision Thursday morning, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. in the 300 block of National City Boulevard when a pedestrian reportedly ran in the officer’s path. After swerving to avoid the pedestrian, the patrol vehicle hit a parked BMW and an electrical box. The vehicle then collided with a building. Sgt. Paul Hernandez told FOX 5/KUSI that the officer suffered only minor injuries. No one else was reported injured from this incident. SDG&E was called to the scene due to some live wires from the impacted electrical box, Sgt. Hernandez confirmed. Due to this, traffic and pedestrian travel in the area will be temporarily impacted. Northbound National City Boulevard is closed at 4th Street. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Eucalyptus tree falls on roadway in Kearny Mesa

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A portion of Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa was temporarily closed Thursday morning after a eucalyptus tree fell onto the roadway, FOX 5/KUSI crews confirmed at the scene. The incident occurred near Balboa Avenue around 6 a.m. as heavy rained poured down. Two lanes were blocked as city crews responded to remove the tree and clear the scene. All lanes have since reopened and there are no reports of injuries or vehicle damage in connection to this incident. PHOTOS: San Diego commuters hit with heavy morning rain, flooding A eucalyptus tree being removed from Convoy Street on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (KSWB) This comes as morning commuters across the region were faced with a soggy start to their day. Additionally, a Flood Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service at 6:19 a.m., with rainfall rates of 0.3 to 0.6 inches per hour expected.

PHOTOS: San Diego commuters hit with heavy morning rain, flooding

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Morning commuters were met with a soggy start to their day Thursday as heavy rain poured down across the region, requiring some drivers to navigate flooded roads and dodge water pockets. A Flood Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) at 6:19 a.m. from the Riverside/San Diego County line south to the Mexican border, particularly the coastal areas and valleys. This came as radar indicated heavy onset precipitation, between 0.25 and 0.5 inches. An additional 0.5 to 1 inch area expected, with NWS noting that rainfall rates of 0.3 to 0.6 inches per hour are expected. Swift water rescue teams prepare for Thursday’s storm Commuters face heavy rain on I-5 Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Credit: OnScene.TV) Meteorologists warned of flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some locations that are expected to flood, according to NWS, include El Cajon, Poway, Ramona, Alpine, Valley Center, Fallbrook, Escondido, San Diego Country Estates, Highway 78 between Ramona and Santa Ysabel, as well as Lakeside. NWS encouraged motorists to turn around if they encounter flooded roadways, also pointing out that most flood

2 people suspected of stealing mail at Coronado Post Office arrested after chase

CORONADO, Calif. (KGTV) – Two people suspected of stealing mail from a USPS drop box at the Coronado Post Office were arrested following a high-speed chase, police said. According to Coronado Police Department officials, the incident unfolded at around 2 p.m. Wednesday when some Coronado Post Office staff members spotted a man and woman in a black SUV taking mail contents out of a large blue mail drop box in front of the building on Ynez Place. Workers notified police and provided a description of the vehicle and license plate number, the police department said. An officer responding to the report saw the black SUV leaving the area and tried to pull the vehicle over. However, police said the SUV’s female driver refused to stop and proceeded towards the Coronado Bridge and then onto northbound Interstate 5 “reaching speeds of over 90 mph.” Officers that were initially in pursuit stood down for safety reasons as San Diego Police’s ABLE helicopter tracked the SUV. The SUV eventually stopped near a park off Tecolote Road in the Morena area, and the driver and a male passenger fled

Oklahoma grand jury indicts former Texas mega church pastor on child abuse charges

Alex Brandon/AP Pastor Robert Morris applauds during a roundtable discussion at Gateway Church Dallas Campus, Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Dallas. An Oklahoma grand jury has indicted a former pastor at a Texas mega church on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child for alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s. Prosecutors said they have filed charges against Robert Preston Morris, who resigned as a pastor at Southlake, Texas’ Gateway Church in 2024. The church is considered to have one of the largest congregations in the U.S. The indictment indicates that Morris engaged in sexual acts with a then 12-year-old, starting in 1982. The indictment gave descriptions of how Morris allegedly fondled the girl. RELATED STORY | Utah middle school teacher charged with rape of teenager, sending nude video The alleged incidents continued for four years, the indictment claimed. Prosecutors say the statute of limitations does not apply in this case as Morris was not a resident of Oklahoma at the time of the incidents. “There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner

Man trapped underneath truck in Colina Del Sol rescued by emergency responders

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Emergency crews rescued a man who was pinned under a pickup truck in San Diego’s Colina Del Sol neighborhood early Thursday morning. At around 4 a.m., San Diego Police officers and San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to 911 calls reporting a man trapped underneath a truck parked in the 5000 block of Orange Avenue. The emergency responders were able to pull the man from under the vehicle as water rose from a nearby gutter. The man was transported to an area hospital via ambulance; his condition was unknown. Police and fire officials were unsure how the man ended up underneath the truck. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Senate Democrats refuse to go along with GOP spending plan, as shutdown deadline nears

By LISA MASCARO, AP Congressional Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) — A day before a shutdown deadline, Senate Democrats are mounting a last-ditch protest over a Republican-led government funding bill that already passed the House but failed to slap any limits on President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to gut federal operations. Related Articles National Politics | Pete Buttigieg will announce he won’t seek US Senate seat in Michigan, source says National Politics | Trump threatens retaliatory 200% tariff on European wine after EU proposes American whiskey tariff National Politics | Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director National Politics | Top diplomats from G7 countries meet in Canada as Trump threatens more tariffs on US allies National Politics | A government program made tax filing free and more efficient. Musk and DOGE may get rid of it anyway Senate Democrats are under intense pressure to do whatever they can to stop the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is taking a wrecking ball to long-established government agencies by purging thousands of federal workers from jobs. Democrats are pushing a stopgap 30-day funding bill

Democratic-led states sue to block Trump administration layoffs at the Education Department

By COLLIN BINKLEY, AP Education Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — A coalition of Democratic-led states is challenging the Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs across the Education Department, saying it amounts to an illegal dismantling of an agency created by Congress. Related Articles Education | Education Department layoffs gut its civil rights office, leaving discrimination cases in limbo Education | ‘Alarming’ national data: Teens use cellphones for quarter of school day Education | Schools use AI to monitor kids, hoping to prevent violence. Our investigation found security risks Education | The Education Department was created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence? Education | Grossmont Union schools superintendent will step down to fight brain tumor In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in Massachusetts, 20 states and Washington, D.C., say the layoffs are so severe that the department “can no longer function, and cannot comply with its statutory requirements.” It alleges the cuts will result in a loss or delay of federal money for public schools, and will leave the agency unable to administer college financial aid or enforce civil rights laws at schools, among

Pete Buttigieg won’t seek US Senate seat in Michigan, leaving door wide open for 2028 run

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI, Associated Press SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) — Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that he will not seek an open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, a move that leaves the door wide open for him to seek a much bigger role as his party’s next presidential nominee. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threatens retaliatory 200% tariff on European wine after EU proposes American whiskey tariff National Politics | Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director National Politics | Top diplomats from G7 countries meet in Canada as Trump threatens more tariffs on US allies National Politics | A government program made tax filing free and more efficient. Musk and DOGE may get rid of it anyway National Politics | What to know about tensions between Iran and the US as Trump sends a letter to its supreme leader Since his role in the Biden administration ended in late January, Buttigieg has spent months considering his next move, including a serious look at the unexpectedly open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, where he relocated in recent years. But many prominent allies he

Bicyclist hit by SUV in Egger Highlands, sustains life-threatening injuries

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A 45-year-old bicyclist suffered life-threatening injuries when he was struck by a 2014 Ford Explorer in south San Diego’s Egger Highlands neighborhood Wednesday evening. San Diego Police Department officers responded to the 1600 block of Palm Avenue at 7:39 p.m. Wednesday where they learned a 51-year-old-woman was driving the Explorer west on Palm Avenue when the bicyclist rode in front of the Explorer and was struck, said Officer Jose Perales. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision, police said. The department’s Traffic Division will be handling the investigation of the collision. Anyone with information related to it was asked to call 858- 495-7800 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. City News Service contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director

The Trump administration withdrew the nomination of David Weldon for CDC director. Weldon has faced pushback for his stance as a critic of vaccines. (Scripps News Group) By: Scripps News Group , AP via Scripps News The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. David Weldon, a former Florida congressman, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Senate health committee announced Thursday morning that it was canceling a planned hearing on Weldon’s nomination because of the withdrawal. A person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the White House pulled the nomination because it became clear Weldon did not have the votes for confirmation. Weldon was considered to be closely aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary who for years has been one of the nation’s leading anti-vaccine activists. A former Florida congressman, Weldon, has also been a prominent critic of vaccines and the CDC, which promotes vaccines and monitors their safety. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or

National City Police SUV crashes into parked car, electrical box during rainy conditions

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (KGTV) – A National City Police sergeant escaped serious injury after crashing his SUV during Thursday’s rainy conditions. Police said the sergeant was heading northbound in the 300 block of National City Boulevard at around 5 a.m. when he lost control of his SUV and hit a parked car and an electrical box. The sergeant, who was the lone occupant in the SUV, was checked out by paramedics and was determined to be OK. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Q&A with Vivian Moreno, candidate for District 1 county supervisor

Vivian Moreno, a second-term San Diego City Council member representing the city’s southernmost neighborhoods, is running for county supervisor representing District 1. The San Diego Union-Tribune asked her and all the candidates running a series of the same questions about the big issues facing South County, and their priorities and plans if elected. Here’s what she told us. 1.) Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate? I am running for county supervisor to ensure that District 1 communities receive the resources and leadership they deserve. As a lifelong resident of the South Bay, I understand the challenges facing working families. The county has failed to equitably invest in South County communities, and I intend to change that. I have a proven track record as a San Diego City Council member, securing millions in funding for infrastructure projects that directly improve people’s lives, like parks, fire stations, and libraries. I have successfully advocated for preserving and increasing affordable housing and fought for transportation improvements while holding government agencies accountable. My leadership on issues like homelessness solutions, the SR-125 toll removal, public safety

For decades, homes couldn’t be built in this area of Chula Vista. The solution? Cede it to San Diego.

San Diego and Chula Vista are working together to help solve the region’s housing crisis by agreeing to a land swap that will allow construction of a 215-home neighborhood on undeveloped land zoned for agriculture. The 24-acre property just east of Interstate 805 is one of three large pieces of underused land that the region’s two most populous cities have agreed to swap when the right opportunity arises. The property, which many say is ideal for housing, has been vacant for decades because although it’s located within Chula Vista’s city boundaries, its only road access is from the city of San Diego. Many layers of bureaucracy must be navigated for a developer to get approval for 215 homes from two different cities, get both cities to agree to a land swap and then get county annexation officials to approve that land swap. When open land was plentiful in San Diego, no developer would seriously pursue such a thing. But more recently, with land scarce and easy-to-develop parcels mostly gone, Tri Pointe Homes did and is nearing the finish line. The Chula Vista City Council approved

Voting begins in South Bay’s crowded special election for county supervisor

South County voters have been mailed their ballots and can start returning them in the special election for District 1 county supervisor. Ballots were mailed over the weekend, and drop boxes throughout the district opened this week. In-person voting has also begun at county election offices in Kearny Mesa, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven more vote centers will open March 29, and another 13 will be open April 8, the last day of the election. Voters can also drop their completed ballot in the mail any day until then, including on Election Day itself. The district has been without a supervisor since early January, when Supervisor Nora Vargas unexpectedly stepped down rather than serve out the second term to which she had just been elected. Her departure set in motion a new effort to fill the seat and a flurry of filings by seven candidates to run for it. Seven people qualified for the special ballot — three Democrats, three Republicans and one candidate who is neither. The Democrats include Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, Chula Vista Councilmember Carolina

Dangerous storm brings flood warnings, possible tornado to Southern California

The strongest wave of a powerful winter storm reached Southern California overnight, bringing flash flood warnings, dropping snow levels and a possible tornado. “Storms will likely produce bursts of very heavy rain, along with small hail, gusty winds, and possibly even a waterspout or small tornado are all possible through the day,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said in its forecast Thursday. In Pico Rivera, a viewer sent images of what was described as a tornado that hit around 3:15 a.m. “There are big pine trees that have been uprooted and landed on cars. There is downed power lines and a water main break and flooding the street,” the viewer on the 9500 block of Glencannon Drive said. PHOTOS: San Diego commuters hit with heavy morning rain, flooding The NWS has not confirmed the tornado but is investigating. “We are hearing reports of a possible tornado around 3:15 am this morning near Pico Rivera. @NWSLosAngeles will be sending a storm survey team later this morning to survey the damage that took place.” A viewer image shows damage from a possible tornado in Pico Rivera on

San Diego State women’s basketball beats Wyoming in 3OT for Mountain West Conference Tournament title

Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. FILE LAS VEGAS (AP) — Veronica Sheffey scored 24 points and Cali Clark recorded a double-double and fourth-seeded San Diego State clinched the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament beating No. 2 seed Wyoming 72-68 in triple overtime of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Wednesday night. It was the first-ever triple overtime championship game in MWC history. Naomi Panganiban scored 17 points, Clark scored 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds and Kim Villalobos scored 11 for the Aztecs (25-9) who are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. Malene Pedersen scored 19 points, Allyson Fertig scored 17 and grabbed 18 rebounds and reserve McKinley Dickerson 10 for the Cowgirls (22-11). Villalobos’ layup to start the third overtime broke a 64-all tie and the Aztecs led for the remainder. Wyoming never led in three sessions of overtime. Sheffey’s 3-pointer with 2:02 left in the second overtime gave San Diego State a 61-56 lead — its largest — before Wyoming closed with an 8-3