San Diego

San Diego Police Call for Volunteers to Support Traumatized Residents

San Diego residents who have the compassion and time to assist people in their most vulnerable moments now have a unique opportunity. The San Diego Police Department is actively seeking volunteers for its crisis intervention program, a specialized initiative that provides support to individuals affected by life-altering traumatic events.

Story Highlights:

  • Volunteers assist victims of homicides, overdoses, suicides, and other traumatic events.

  • Program operates 24/7; volunteers respond directly to crime scenes.

  • Commitment: 20 hours per month for one year.

  • Comprehensive training provided; no prior experience needed.

  • Bilingual applicants welcomed.

  • Informational meetings scheduled for August 14, 16 and October 9, 11 at Police Plaza.

“This program is about being there for someone when they need it most,” a department spokesperson said. “Whether it’s a homicide, a fatal overdose, a suicide, or another event that shakes a person to their core, our volunteers provide crucial emotional and logistical support.”

The program is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteers are sometimes called to active crime scenes to assist victims and their families during moments that can be unimaginably difficult. “We rely on our volunteers to be the calming presence in situations that are often chaotic,” the spokesperson added.

Volunteers are expected to dedicate at least 20 hours per month and commit to the program for a full year. No prior experience is required, as the department provides a comprehensive training course to prepare individuals for the unique challenges they might face. However, bilingual applicants are especially encouraged, reflecting the diverse communities that the program serves.

For those interested, the department is hosting a series of informational meetings at Police Plaza, 4020 Murphy Canyon Road. Scheduled dates include: August 14 at 6 p.m., August 16 at 10 a.m., October 9 at 6 p.m., and October 11 at 10 a.m.

“Attending one of these meetings is the perfect way to learn more about what the program entails and how you can make a difference,” said the spokesperson. Residents with questions can also call 619-446-1017 for additional information.

By volunteering for the San Diego Police Department’s crisis intervention program, residents have the chance to provide comfort and guidance when it is needed most. The program not only supports victims during their darkest hours but also strengthens the community by fostering compassion, understanding, and readiness to help those facing life-changing events. For anyone looking to make a tangible difference, this program offers a meaningful way to serve.

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Seattle Author Blends Gothic Horror and Bodily Autonomy in New Novel

Seattle-based author Isabel Cañas is set to release her third novel, The Possession of Alba Díaz, on August 19 from Berkley. Known for blending Gothic suspense with historical intrigue, Cañas’ latest work dives into colonial Mexico, weaving together supernatural terror with deeply personal and politically charged questions about bodily autonomy.

A Story Rooted in Personal Experience

“This is the first novel I’ve written beginning to end since having children,” Cañas says.

She pauses before adding, “And since experiencing, honestly, what it’s like to have your body not completely be in your control.”

This intimate perspective informs the story of Alba Díaz, a young woman who begins to suspect she is possessed. While the novel contains all the trappings of Gothic horror, Cañas emphasizes that the terror is not purely supernatural. “Yes, it’s about demonic possession. But it’s also about who gets to own Alba’s body, her life, her future,” she explains.

Writing in a Post-Roe Era

Cañas admits that current events shaped her approach. “It’s also the first book I’ve written since we lost Roe v. Wade,” she says.

She continues, “I came at it with questions of bodily autonomy and what that means, not only from a societal perspective, but from personal experience as someone whose body has hosted other human beings.”

These reflections deepen the narrative, making the novel both a Gothic horror story and a meditation on personal and political agency.

From Catholic Roots to Gothic Inspirations

Raised in a conservative Catholic environment and influenced by the Opus Dei movement, Cañas’ early life exposed her to strict gender roles.

“From a really young age, the expectation was: You are a woman, you will take care of children. That is your purpose,” she recalls.

Her upbringing, she says, gave her a window into historical realities that continue to resonate in her fiction. “In a way, I grew up living a historical reality,” Cañas adds.

This background informs her fascination with women challenging societal expectations. Each of her heroines grapples with patriarchal systems and seeks independence.

Horror With Heart

“My siblings and I were drawn to speculative fiction because we lived in a speculative reality,” Cañas says.

“The battle between good and evil wasn’t abstract. Angels and demons were real. So when I write horror, I’m drawing on something I know.”

But she is quick to note that her work is not about jump scares. “Good horror is all about heart, period,” she explains.

“The spooky parts are fun, but the emotional core, the character, that’s what matters. If readers aren’t emotionally invested, the horror doesn’t land.”

In Alba Díaz, the emotional stakes are high. The story explores grief, spiritual doubt, and the reclamation of agency. A tender romance adds another layer, creating tension that goes beyond the supernatural elements.

Historical Depth Through Research

Cañas’ academic background in medieval studies shapes the novel’s historical texture.

“Silver was a huge part of the economy, and I wanted to follow that, follow the money, follow the boom and bust,” she explains.

While The Hacienda and Vampires of El Norte were set in 19th-century Mexico, Alba Díaz ventures further back into the Spanish colonial era.

“My research training absolutely shapes how I build a story,” she says. “But the story always comes first.”

Seattle’s Gloom Inspires Creativity

Now based in Seattle, Cañas finds inspiration in the city’s overcast skies.

“This might be an unpopular opinion, but I love the gloom in Seattle,” she admits.

She credits her years abroad in Scotland, Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, and New York City with shaping her worldview and her creative sensibilities.

“As a creative person, I thrive when it’s gloomy out,” she says.

Author Event

Cañas will discuss The Possession of Alba Díaz at the Seattle Central Library on Tuesday, August 19, at 7 p.m., alongside Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartmann. Registration is free.

With The Possession of Alba Díaz, Isabel Cañas delivers more than a Gothic horror story. It is a meditation on personal agency, societal expectations, and the complex relationship between body and identity. By blending historical depth, emotional resonance, and supernatural suspense, Cañas creates a novel that challenges, haunts, and ultimately leaves readers reflecting on the forces that shape a woman’s life.

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The Beths Ignite NYC and LA with New Album Release

New Zealand indie rock sensations, The Beths, are preparing to unveil their highly anticipated new album, Straight Line Was a Lie, on August 29. To mark the occasion, the band has announced a pair of intimate release shows in the United States. “We’ve been looking forward to sharing this album live with our fans,” the band said in a statement. “These first shows in New York and Los Angeles will be very special for us.”

Fans will have the chance to see The Beths perform at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on August 25 and at the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre in Los Angeles on August 28. Tickets for both shows will go on sale Friday, August 15 at 10 AM local time, with presales starting August 13 at 10 AM.

Beyond these release shows, The Beths will return to the US in the fall for a full tour. A highlight of the tour will be their Brooklyn Paramount show on December 5, where Phoebe Rings and Illuminati Hotties will open. “Touring again in the US feels like coming home,” the band said. “We can’t wait to see everyone and perform these songs in person.”

Fans can also preorder Straight Line Was a Lie on blue vinyl through the band’s official shop, offering collectors a chance to own a unique edition of the album.

Story Highlights:

  • Album: Straight Line Was a Lie, release date August 29.

  • Intimate US shows: NYC Bowery Ballroom (Aug 25), LA Bob Baker Marionette Theatre (Aug 28).

  • Full US tour begins in October; Brooklyn Paramount show on December 5 with Phoebe Rings and Illuminati Hotties.

  • Blue vinyl preorder available via official band shop.

The Beths Tour Dates:

US Release Shows:

  • Mon, Aug 25 – NYC, Bowery Ballroom

  • Thu, Aug 28 – Los Angeles, Bob Baker Marionette Theatre

Europe Tour:

  • Sept 17–18 – Dublin, IE @ Button Factory

  • Sept 20 – Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall

  • Sept 21 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 TV Studio

  • Sept 22 – Leeds, UK @ Project House

  • Sept 24 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy

  • Sept 25 – Birmingham, UK @ XOYO

  • Sept 26 – London, UK @ Roundhouse

  • Sept 27 – Brighton, UK @ CHALK

  • Sept 29 – Tourcoing, FR @ Le Grand Mix

  • Sept 30 – Paris, FR @ Le Trabendo

  • Oct 1 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique

  • Oct 3 – Cologne, DE @ Kantine

  • Oct 4 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso

  • Oct 5 – Hamburg, DE @ Knust

  • Oct 7 – Stockholm, SE @ Slaktkyrkan

  • Oct 8 – Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene

  • Oct 9 – Copenhagen, DK @ Pumpehuset

  • Oct 11 – Berlin, DE @ Lido

  • Oct 12 – Munich, DE @ Strom

  • Oct 13 – Zurich, CH @ Plaza

  • Oct 15 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 2

  • Oct 16 – Madrid, ES @ Nazca

  • Oct 17 – Lisbon, PT @ LAV

US Fall Tour (w/ Phoebe Rings unless noted):

  • Oct 30 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

  • Oct 31 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

  • Nov 1 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

  • Nov 3 – Dallas, TX @ The Studio At The Bomb Factory

  • Nov 4 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s

  • Nov 6 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

  • Nov 7 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern (w/ Bret McKenzie)

  • Nov 8–9 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

  • Nov 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

  • Nov 14 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

  • Nov 15 – Seattle, WA @ The Moore Theatre

  • Nov 16 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

  • Nov 18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

  • Nov 19 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

  • Nov 21 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman

  • Nov 22 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre

  • Nov 23 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed (Indoor, w/ Squirrel Flower)

  • Nov 25 – Cleveland, OH @ Globe Iron

  • Nov 26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre

  • Nov 27–28 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

  • Nov 29 – Montreal, QC @ Beanfield Theatre

  • Dec 1–2 – Boston, MA @ Royale

  • Dec 3 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall

  • Dec 5 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount (w/ Illuminati Hotties)

  • Dec 6–7 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

  • Dec 9–10 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club

The tour will feature supporting artists including Phoebe Rings, Bret McKenzie, Squirrel Flower, and Illuminati Hotties, providing a diverse and vibrant set of performances across North America and Europe.

As anticipation builds for Straight Line Was a Lie, The Beths are set to deliver an unforgettable live experience for fans both in intimate release shows and across their fall tour. With a mix of new tracks, special vinyl editions, and a lineup of talented supporting acts, this album cycle promises to be a defining moment for the band’s journey. Fans eager to experience the energy of The Beths live won’t want to miss these performances.

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New York Faces Rising Inflation as Housing and Energy Costs Soar

Inflation in the New York metropolitan area is outpacing the national average, according to new economic data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures show that rising housing and energy costs are the main drivers behind the surge, reflecting continued pressure on residents’ wallets.

Story Highlights

  • CPI in New York rose 3.2%, above national 2.7%.

  • Rent climbed 4.7% in New York versus 3.9% nationally.

  • Energy costs increased 3.9%, driven by natural gas and electricity.

  • Tuition and child care fees rose 5.9% locally.

  • Grocery prices up 3.5% in New York, above 2.2% nationally.

  • Medical care inflation in New York remains below national levels.

  • Since pre-COVID, New York inflation is 22.5%, slightly below the national 24%.

  • Forecasts indicate New York will continue to outpace national inflation in 2025 and 2026.

Bruce Bergman, an economist at the bureau, said the CPI for New York City and surrounding areas increased by 3.2% over the past year, compared with a 2.7% rise nationwide. He emphasized that much of the local inflation is linked to rent increases. “Housing costs are a major contributor,” Bergman explained. “Rent in New York has gone up 4.7%, compared to 3.9% nationally. That difference alone has a significant impact on the overall cost of living in the region.”

While the cost of living remains higher than the national average, Bergman noted that the pace of growth has eased compared to the steep increases seen in recent years. “We saw rates as high as 6% in 2022, and over 4% through much of last year,” he said. “Recently we have seen those shelter numbers come down a bit, but we’re still at a point where costs are elevated compared to pre-COVID levels.”

The report also highlighted the mixed effects of federal trade policies, including tariffs from the Trump administration. Core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy prices, rose at its fastest pace in five months, indicating underlying inflation pressures remain significant.

Energy costs in the New York area increased by 3.9%, a stark contrast to the national average, which fell by 1.6%. Bergman pointed out that the jump in energy prices was not from gasoline alone, which actually dropped 11.4% at local pumps, but from rising natural gas and electricity costs. “Overall energy expenses have pushed upward, even as gas prices have softened,” he said.

Education and child care expenses have also contributed to local inflation. Tuition and child care fees rose 5.9% in New York, outpacing the 3.5% national increase. Grocery prices climbed 3.5% locally, above the 2.2% rise nationwide. “Families are seeing higher costs across multiple fronts, from school fees to everyday groceries,” Bergman noted.

In contrast, some categories saw slower growth in New York than nationally. Medical care costs, for example, increased by less than 2% locally, while rising 3.5% across the country.

The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) reported that New York City has experienced 22.5% inflation since pre-COVID times, slightly below the national rate of 24%. According to the agency, this positions the city “in the middle of the pack” among U.S. metropolitan areas. Local inflation has been higher than Boston, San Francisco, and Houston, but lower than Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Looking ahead, forecasts from the city’s Office of Management and Budget suggest that New York will continue to see inflation outpace national levels. Inflation in the city is projected at 3.9% in 2025, compared to 3.2% nationally, and 2.8% in 2026, slightly above the national rate of 2.6%.

As New Yorkers continue to navigate rising rents, energy bills, and education costs, the city’s inflation trend underscores the ongoing challenges of urban living. While some expenses like medical care have moderated, overall costs remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Experts warn that the city is likely to continue outpacing national inflation in the coming years, keeping financial pressures firmly on residents’ minds.

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D.C. Curfew Confusion: What You Need to Know About Youth and Adult Rules

Following President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the D.C. Police and deploy the National Guard, many residents and social media users have expressed confusion about curfew rules in the District. At present, there is no citywide curfew for all residents. However, a youth curfew does exist, and it predates both Trump’s administration and Monday’s troop deployment.

Story Highlights:

  • D.C. enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18.

  • Expanded teen curfew law passed in July 2025, effective until Oct. 5.

  • Emergency juvenile curfew zones can begin as early as 8 p.m.

  • Adult curfews in D.C. are historically rare and tied to civil unrest.

The Juvenile Curfew Act was first enacted in 1995. Its purpose, officials explained at the time, was to “reduce violent crime among minors under 17” and protect both young people and the public. Weeknight curfews ran from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., while weekend curfews were set from midnight to 6 a.m. during the school year. During the summer months of July and August, the law kept the midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew in place.

In July 2025, the D.C. Council passed an expanded teen curfew law. The new legislation sets a nightly curfew starting at 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 18. Council members described the measure as “emergency legislation” intended to address ongoing safety concerns in the city and emphasized that it is temporary, expiring on Oct. 5.

The law also grants authority to the mayor to impose emergency juvenile curfews in specific areas, and to the D.C. Police Chief to designate extended curfew zones—essentially hot spots where the curfew can start as early as 8 p.m. These zones last for four days and have already been implemented multiple times this summer. Most recently, the Navy Yard area experienced such a curfew from Sunday through Wednesday.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith have stressed that the expanded curfews are responses to public safety concerns, not political demonstrations. “We are seeing increased incidents where minors gather in large numbers, disrupt businesses, and commit assaults,” Bowser said. In one recent incident, a group of 20 to 30 teenagers ransacked a business in Northeast D.C. Earlier this year, local news footage captured teenagers attacking pedestrians in public spaces.

In late May, a particularly chaotic weekend prompted city officials to implement a curfew at the Wharf. Police reports indicated that six children under 17 were arrested, while 13 curfew citations were issued primarily along the U Street corridor. “Our goal is to keep residents safe and ensure that young people are not put in dangerous situations,” Chief Smith explained.

Adult curfews in Washington, D.C., have historically been rare and only imposed in times of significant civil unrest. There are three notable occasions:

  • Jan. 6, 2021: During the Capitol insurrection, D.C. authorities issued a 6 p.m. curfew for all residents. The National Guard was deployed to help disperse rioters, though the curfew lasted only one night.

  • June 2020: Following the death of George Floyd, Mayor Bowser declared a state of emergency and implemented an 11 p.m. citywide curfew, affecting both adults and minors. The National Guard assisted in enforcement, and the curfew continued for several nights as protests persisted.

  • April 5, 1968: In response to riots after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former D.C. Mayor-Commissioner Walter E. Washington imposed a citywide curfew beginning at 5:30 p.m. alongside a ban on liquor sales. Federal troops and the National Guard were deployed, and these measures lasted through three days of unrest.

Trump’s deployment of federal troops this week differs from these situations. Officials clarified that the purpose is to reduce general crime in the District, not to respond to protests or civil unrest. “At this time, there are no plans to implement a citywide curfew for all ages,” a White House spokesperson said. Experts note that imposing an extended adult curfew under these circumstances would be unprecedented in modern D.C. history.

In summary, while D.C. enforces a curfew for minors and has the authority to impose emergency zones, there is currently no citywide curfew for adults. Historical adult curfews were limited to periods of civil unrest, making any extended adult curfew unprecedented. The recent deployment of federal troops focuses on general crime prevention rather than protest management, highlighting the city’s ongoing efforts to balance public safety with normal daily life.

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Las Vegas Gears Up for Epic Weekend of Music and Pop-Up Shows

Las Vegas is preparing once again for a wave of nostalgia-driven music as the When We Were Young Festival comes back to the valley this October. From October 17 through 19, the Strip will transform into a playground for pop-punk and alternative rock, drawing fans not only to the Festival Grounds but also to an array of pop-up shows scattered across the city’s most popular venues.

Story Highlights

  • Festival Grounds: October 18–19 at Las Vegas Festival Grounds

  • Side Shows: October 17–19 across Brooklyn Bowl, Fontainebleau, Palms, AREA15

  • Notable Acts: Taking Back Sunday, Ice Nine Kills, The Story So Far, Story of the Year, Emo Night performances

  • Tickets: Public sale begins August 15 at 10 a.m. PT, presales start August 13 via Ticketmaster

The main festival, set for October 18 and 19, anchors the weekend. But the celebration begins a day earlier, when well-known bands take over local venues in what organizers describe as a “pop-playground” across the Strip.

“On Friday, October 17, Taking Back Sunday will headline Fontainebleau Las Vegas, performing inside the BleauLive Theater,” organizers confirmed. The band will be joined by letlive and Straylight Run, both long-time favorites among fans of the scene.

That same night, fans will have more than one option.

“Ice Nine Kills and The Plot in You will be featured at the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort,” according to festival announcements. Their performance will cater to fans leaning toward the heavier edge of the lineup.

AREA15, the immersive entertainment venue just off the Strip, will also get in on the weekend.

“The Story So Far takes the stage on October 17, supported by Sunami and Set Your Goals,” event schedules indicate.

For those seeking a longer stretch of shows, Brooklyn Bowl will be among the busiest venues.

“The venue will be fully taken over for the weekend,” planners stated. “On October 17, fans can catch Story of the Year, The Cab, The Rocket Summer, and Her Leather Jacket.”

Brooklyn Bowl will also host Emo Night on October 18 and 19, featuring collaborations and appearances from familiar names across the genre.

“Performances will include Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens, Derek Sanders from Mayday Parade, Kevin Otten of Knocked Loose, Allen Steinberg from Arms Length, and The Paradox,” the lineup announcement read.

Tickets for all of the side shows will be staggered in their release.

“Public sales open on Friday, August 15, at 10 a.m. PT,” Ticketmaster confirmed. “Artist presale access begins Wednesday, August 13, at 10 a.m., while festival attendees will have their own presale window starting at noon the same day.”

With the When We Were Young Festival anchoring the Strip and a variety of side shows filling venues across Las Vegas, the weekend is expected to bring both large-scale crowds and intimate performances — a combination that has made the festival one of the city’s most anticipated fall events.

As the When We Were Young Festival returns, Las Vegas positions itself once more as a stage where nostalgia and modern music collide. With the Strip hosting not just the main event but a constellation of side shows across its most recognized venues, the city reaffirms its role as a cultural hub where every corner can become a concert hall. For fans, October’s lineup offers more than a festival — it delivers a weekend-long reminder of why Las Vegas remains synonymous with live entertainment.

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Las Vegas Tourism Hit as Canadian Visitors Pull Back Over Tariff Tensions

The glittering lights of Las Vegas continue to draw millions of visitors each year, but recent data suggests the city is now facing a downturn in one of its most reliable international markets — Canadian tourists. The decline is being linked to trade tensions and tariff disputes between the United States and Canada, creating ripples in an industry that has long depended on cross-border travel.

Story Highlights

  • Canadian tourist numbers fall as U.S.-Canada tariff tensions rise

  • Flights from Canada to Las Vegas cut by more than 18% year-over-year

  • LVCVA CEO Steve Hill pledges trade mission and Toronto event sponsorship

  • Online travel agents projected to add 1 million hotel room nights this summer

  • Overall Las Vegas visitor numbers slump 7% compared to last year

Before the pandemic, international visitors made up around 20% of all Las Vegas arrivals, with Canada consistently leading that group. However, new figures from Harry Reid International Airport show that inbound seats on flights from Canada have dropped by more than 18% compared with last year, signaling a sharp decline in Canadian travelers.

For some, the allure of Las Vegas remains strong despite the trade friction. Julia Chasson, a Canadian tourist who traveled to the city in March, explained her perspective.

“I love coming to the states,” she said. “Obviously there’s a lot of fun stuff to do that we don’t get to do in Canada.”

Chasson noted that, despite the tariff dispute, she and her companion chose to keep their plans to see the Grateful Dead. Their decision reflects both the pull of Las Vegas’s unique entertainment scene and the challenges of discouraging loyal visitors.

City leaders, however, are well aware of the broader impact. Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), acknowledged the difficulties created by what he called “national overtones.”

“That’s a long-term relationship,” Hill said, referring to Canadian tourists. “And we’re going to figure that out.”

In an effort to maintain that relationship, Hill announced plans for a trade mission to Canada. The LVCVA will also sponsor an event in Toronto as part of a strategy to reconnect with Canadian travelers and travel agencies.

At the same time, Las Vegas is leaning more heavily on digital promotion. Partnerships with online travel agents are expected to generate about one million room nights through the summer, providing a boost at a time of reduced international travel.

Hill has also pointed to Las Vegas’s enduring appeal, highlighting its value and expansive entertainment calendar.

“We’ve got a great entertainment lineup through the summer and into the fall,” he said, stressing that visitors continue to have reasons to return to the city.

Despite a 7% year-to-year slump in total visitor numbers, Hill remains cautiously optimistic.

“We’ve had crises, and we have recovered from crises, and this is just not that,” he explained. “It is a downturn.”

City officials are betting on a rebound as conventions, major sporting events, and high-profile entertainment draw near in the months ahead. For Hill, the expectation is that as cooler weather arrives, so too will Canadian visitors — a reminder of the long-standing relationship between Las Vegas and its northern neighbors.

While the tariff dispute has clearly impacted Canadian travel patterns, Las Vegas officials are confident that the city’s blend of entertainment, hospitality, and value will help restore momentum. The decline marks a temporary setback rather than a long-term shift, industry leaders argue. As trade talks evolve and the city prepares for a packed calendar of conventions and events, Las Vegas is betting that its strong appeal will once again draw Canadian visitors back to the Strip.

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Nordstrom Rack Brings Big Discounts to Encinitas in Major California Expansion

San Diego County’s retail landscape is set to expand, with Nordstrom Rack announcing plans to bring its signature off-price shopping experience to Encinitas. The new store is scheduled to open in spring 2026, offering shoppers the brand’s well-known combination of designer labels and significant discounts. Customers can expect savings of up to 70% on apparel, accessories, beauty products, home décor, and shoes.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Opening Date: Spring 2026

  • Location: El Camino Promenade, Encinitas

  • Store Size: 24,000 square feet

  • Retail Offer: Up to 70% off on fashion, beauty, home décor, and shoes

  • Existing Presence: 5 Nordstrom Rack stores in San Diego County

  • Newest Location: Clairemont Town Square, opened fall 2024

Company executives say the move reflects both the growth of the Nordstrom Rack brand and the appeal of the Encinitas market.

“We look forward to being a part of the Encinitas community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” said Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack.

Lionello added that the location would help the company extend its reach in the region. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in the San Diego market and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience,” she said.

The store will cover 24,000 square feet within El Camino Promenade, a shopping center that already houses a mix of national and value-oriented retailers, including Bevo, Dollar Tree, Five Below, and TJ Maxx.

The property’s owner, an affiliate of Kimco Realty, sees the addition as a strategic fit for the center’s tenant lineup.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nordstrom Rack to El Camino Promenade and the vibrant Encinitas community,” said Genevieve Anderson, property manager at Kimco Realty.

She emphasized the synergy between the new arrival and existing stores. “As one of the most recognized names in fashion retail, Nordstrom Rack is a perfect complement to our diverse tenant mix and reflects our continued commitment to bringing quality, convenience, and style to North County shoppers.”

The expansion adds to Nordstrom’s already significant presence in California, where the company operates 68 Nordstrom Rack stores and 26 Nordstrom department stores.

San Diego County is already home to five Nordstrom Rack locations, including those in La Jolla, National City, Oceanside, and San Marcos. The most recent addition came in fall 2024, when the company opened a store at Clairemont Town Square.

With its Encinitas debut in 2026, Nordstrom Rack is set to strengthen its foothold in San Diego County’s competitive retail market. By pairing well-known brands with steep discounts, the company aims to attract both loyal customers and first-time visitors, while adding another draw to the already busy El Camino Promenade. For North County shoppers, it marks the arrival of another major name in fashion retail—one that promises variety, value, and a familiar shopping experience.

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Katie Holmes Brings Hedda Gabler to Life at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre

Katie Holmes is stepping back onto the stage in a major way, taking on the title role in a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. The production will open the Old Globe Theatre’s 2026 season in San Diego, reuniting the actress with the Globe’s artistic director Barry Edelstein. The two previously collaborated in 2023 on the Off-Broadway play The Wanderers.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Play: Hedda Gabler

  • Venue: Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, San Diego

  • Season: 2026

  • Run Dates: Feb. 7 – March 8, 2026

  • Opening Night: Feb. 12, 2026

  • Director: Barry Edelstein

  • Adaptation by: Erin Cressida Wilson

  • Lead Role: Katie Holmes as Hedda Gabler

The upcoming staging will take place on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park. Performances begin February 7 and will run through March 8, with the official opening night scheduled for February 12.

The fresh adaptation is penned by Erin Cressida Wilson, the veteran playwright and screenwriter behind films such as Secretary, The Girl on the Train, Chloe, and Snow White. Wilson’s stage credits include Hands, Wilder, Stop All the Clocks, The Erotica Project, Hurricane, and My Girl is in Front.

In this interpretation of Ibsen’s classic, Holmes will portray Hedda, a newlywed who returns from her honeymoon already restless and dissatisfied with her marriage to George Tesman. Bored and craving control, she begins to manipulate those around her — a web of schemes that ultimately threatens her own stability.

“Hedda Gabler is one of the landmark works of world drama,” Edelstein said. “I’m truly thrilled to bring a bracing new take on it to the Globe.” He added that, like all of Ibsen’s plays, the story is “obsessed by how the choices we make in our pasts come back around to shape our present.”

For Edelstein, the project is also a personal reunion. “It’s so fun that it reunites me with two artists I’ve had significant collaborations with over the years,” he noted. “One is playwright and screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson, who renews this classic through her frank and dynamic voice, with incendiary results. The other is a major figure in American film, TV, and theatre — the wonderful Katie Holmes.”

The director also emphasized the demands of the role: “Hedda, like Hamlet, rises or falls with the actor in the title role. She’s everything: victim, tyrant, femme fatale, funny, scathing, tragic. Only an actor with immense imagination and charisma can take on Hedda Gabler, and in Katie’s radiant and powerful performance, Globe audiences are going to witness something rare and special. She’s an artist at the height of her powers and we’re lucky to have her in San Diego.”

First staged in 1891, Hedda Gabler has been adapted and performed globally, with numerous renowned actors stepping into the role — including Ingrid Bergman, Diana Rigg, Glenda Jackson, Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike, and Annette Bening.

Additional casting and creative team details for the Globe production will be announced in the coming months. The show is supported by the Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Fund, along with contributions from the City of San Diego and the Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund.

Away from the stage, Holmes is directing her own feature film Happy Hours, from a script she wrote. She also stars in the project, alongside Joshua Jackson, Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu, and Jack Martin. Holmes is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Vision PR.

With Hedda Gabler, the Old Globe Theatre is set to open its 2026 season with a bold artistic statement — blending a classic of world drama with a fresh adaptation and a star-led performance. For Katie Holmes, it marks not only a return to the stage but also an opportunity to tackle one of theatre’s most challenging and layered roles. For San Diego audiences, it promises an interpretation that bridges Ibsen’s timeless themes with a contemporary creative vision, making this production one of the most anticipated events in the city’s upcoming cultural calendar.

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San Diego Inflation Surges Past All Other U.S. Cities

San Diego has once again taken the lead in a ranking no city wants — the highest inflation rate in the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday that the metro area, which includes all of San Diego County, saw prices rise 4% in July compared to last year. That marks an increase from 3.8% in both March and May, when it also held the top spot.

Story Highlights

  • San Diego inflation (July): 4%, highest in U.S.

  • National rate: 2.7%

  • Nearby metro rates: Riverside 3.5%, Los Angeles 3.2%, Dallas 0.9%

  • Top annual increases in San Diego:

    • Tuition & childcare: +9.4%

    • Meats, poultry, fish, eggs: +7.3%

    • Medical care: +6.8%

    • Shelter: +5%

  • Gasoline prices: Down 3.5–4% depending on grade

  • Core inflation: 4.2%

The rise stands well above the national inflation rate of 2.7%, which remained steady in July. Neighboring Riverside posted the second-highest rate at 3.5%, while Dallas came in at the bottom with only a 0.9% increase.

For years, San Diego has battled higher-than-average inflation due to its expensive housing market and elevated gasoline prices. But this year’s data shows something different — cost increases are spread across multiple sectors, making it harder to pinpoint a single culprit.

Economists are watching closely.
“It’s not clear how much of this is linked to tariffs,” said San Diego economist Ray Major. “It could take up to a year before we see the full impact of those on the economy.”

Instead, Major pointed to labor costs. He believes California’s $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast food workers has a ripple effect.
“Why would someone work for $15 an hour in child care?” he asked, noting that higher-paying opportunities in one sector may pull workers from others.

Labor supply may also be affected by federal immigration enforcement. “The crackdown on undocumented workers could be disrupting the labor market,” Major said. This impact is harder to measure because many of these workers are paid off the books.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce estimates up to 60,000 Tijuana residents legally cross into San Diego County every day for work. According to Alan Gin, economist at the University of San Diego, any reduction in that flow would have consequences.
“That would disrupt the labor market and raise costs,” Gin said. “Because we’re a border city, we likely have a disproportionate share of legal and illegal migrant workers.”

From May to July, San Diegans likely felt the pinch most at grocery stores, medical offices, and car dealerships. Medical care prices rose 3.1% in just two months, used car and truck prices climbed 1.9%, and food costs increased 1.1%.

Year-over-year, shelter costs were up 5%, transportation costs rose 5.1%, and medical care climbed 6.8%. Food prices rose across the board — cereals and bakery products (+3.2%), dairy (+3.2%), fruits and vegetables (+3.1%), and meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (+7.3%).

One area with a clear tariff link was nonalcoholic beverages, which increased 8.2% over the year, likely tied to aluminum tariffs.

Core inflation — which excludes volatile food and energy prices — reached 4.2%, slightly down from 4.3% in May.

Across the nation, the Northeast recorded the highest regional inflation at 3.2%, followed by the West at 3%, the Midwest at 2.6%, and the South at 2.3%.

San Diego’s position at the top of the nation’s inflation rankings underscores the unique economic pressures facing the region — from wage shifts and housing costs to cross-border labor dynamics. While the exact role of tariffs remains uncertain, the broad rise in prices across essential goods and services paints a clear picture: residents are feeling the squeeze in nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether driven by local labor market changes or national economic trends, the city’s elevated inflation signals ongoing challenges for households and policymakers alike.

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