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How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast

San Diego-based Navy teams are conducting the recovery mission alongside NASA.

News

NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" target="_self">Artemis II</a> crew is set to splash down off the coast of San Diego on Friday after their 10-day mission around the Moon.Why it matters: The astronauts and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-setting spaceflight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">record-setting spaceflight</a> have captured our attention and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hearts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/08/nasa-astronaut-wife-moon-crater-carroll-artemis" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/08/nasa-astronaut-wife-moon-crater-carroll-artemis" target="_self">hearts</a> over the past week, and a local Navy team will play a key role in their recovery.

Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits

Many residents stopped after step one, risking tickets in lots reserved for permit holders.

It&#x27;s likely that many San Diegans who think they&#x27;ve secured Balboa Park <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resident permits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" target="_self">resident permits</a> have not completed the process correctly, according to city officials.Why it matters: If you didn&#x27;t finish signing up, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="you could get a ticket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" target="_self">you could get a ticket</a> for parking in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lots reserved for residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" target="_self">lots reserved for residents</a>.

AI is reshaping what and how college students study

SDSU researchers found mixed reviews of how students are using and thinking about the tech.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California college students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" target="_self">California college students</a> vary when it comes to how they&#x27;re using and thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> in their academics, personal lives and future careers, according to a massive new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego State University study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/technology/ai-empowered-csu/Pages/ai-survey.aspx" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/technology/ai-empowered-csu/Pages/ai-survey.aspx" target="_blank">San Diego State University study</a>.The big picture: College graduates are entering a job market that&#x27;s been rocked by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive tech evolution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/09/jobs-early-career-college-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/09/jobs-early-career-college-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">massive tech evolution</a>, reshaping how students are preparing for the workforce and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="career prospects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" target="_self">career prospects</a> for entry-level employees.

California has the country's worst tippers, according to Toast

California diners at restaurants using the Toast platform left 17.2% on average.

Business

California is home to America&#x27;s worst tippers at restaurants using the Toast platform, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/solo-dining-self-care-fast-food" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/solo-dining-self-care-fast-food" target="_self">diners</a> leaving 17.2% on average.The big picture: Nationwide, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" target="_self">tips</a> at full-service restaurants using the platform averaged 19.2% in Q4 2025, the same as the previous quarter, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.

Free after-school care coming for all San Diego students

Most students can get free care for up to 9 hours a day — here's how and when to sign up.

San Diego will have free after-school care for every student who wants it next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/17/san-diego-unified-free-summer-school-tk-6-primetime-2026" data-vars-content-id="838da5e7-740d-4395-8439-1b56f23b01fd" data-vars-headline="Free after-school care coming for all San Diego students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/17/san-diego-unified-free-summer-school-tk-6-primetime-2026" target="_self">school year</a>.Why it matters: That&#x27;s a big relief for parents who often pay <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca" data-vars-content-id="838da5e7-740d-4395-8439-1b56f23b01fd" data-vars-headline="Free after-school care coming for all San Diego students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca" target="_self">hundreds of dollars</a> for after-school care and struggle to secure spots for their children.

Top graduate schools in San Diego, per U.S. News

Multiple programs at UCSD and SDSU rose in this year's rankings.

San Diego universities rose in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 U.S. News best graduate schools rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="70f10ce6-b655-4a83-9a04-0f73c37cdfd1" data-vars-headline="Top graduate schools in San Diego, per U.S. News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">2026 U.S. News best graduate schools rankings</a> released Tuesday.Why it matters: Many students rely the annual list when evaluating their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="postgrad education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="70f10ce6-b655-4a83-9a04-0f73c37cdfd1" data-vars-headline="Top graduate schools in San Diego, per U.S. News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" target="_self">postgrad education</a> plans.

How San Diego is removing ties to César Chávez

Local leaders are considering new names for parks, streets and schools that honor Chávez.

Agencies across San Diego are working to ditch the name César Chávez.The big picture: After a New York Times investigation detailed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" data-vars-content-id="86ebabe1-7169-4b4b-a564-127a2f6be8c2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego is removing ties to César Chávez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" target="_self">multiple abuse allegations</a> against the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late labor leader" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" data-vars-content-id="86ebabe1-7169-4b4b-a564-127a2f6be8c2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego is removing ties to César Chávez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" target="_self">late labor leader</a> last month, elected officials and leaders have been changing the names of parks, schools and the California holiday honoring Chávez.

More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles

Local athletes could soon have a shot at going pro in an NFL-sponsored league.

Sports

The number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high school girls&#x27; flag football teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/10/13/high-school-girls-flag-football" data-vars-content-id="5c92dcf4-9618-472a-8c81-332872d7a737" data-vars-headline="More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/10/13/high-school-girls-flag-football" target="_self">high school girls&#x27; flag football teams</a> playing in San Diego has nearly doubled since 2023, when the varsity sport became official in California.<ul><li>And local girls could soon have a shot at going pro in an NFL-sponsored league.</li></ul>The big picture: Women are increasingly joining the typically male-dominated sport as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leagues are expanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" data-vars-content-id="5c92dcf4-9618-472a-8c81-332872d7a737" data-vars-headline="More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" target="_self">leagues are expanding</a> at the high school, collegiate and professional levels across the country.

How San Diego parents navigate soaring child care costs

From tax-free spending to help finding care, here's some guidance from parents and experts.

San Diego parents are spending thousands of dollars a month to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pay for child care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-map-zip-code-infant-preschool-rates-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f558f57d-bbeb-47cb-b628-8854d7725740" data-vars-headline="How San Diego parents navigate soaring child care costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-map-zip-code-infant-preschool-rates-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" target="_self">pay for child care</a> — if they can even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="find it" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-deserts-two-thirds-families-ymca-map?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f558f57d-bbeb-47cb-b628-8854d7725740" data-vars-headline="How San Diego parents navigate soaring child care costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-deserts-two-thirds-families-ymca-map?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" target="_self">find it</a>.We asked readers and experts for tips on how to manage the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f558f57d-bbeb-47cb-b628-8854d7725740" data-vars-headline="How San Diego parents navigate soaring child care costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" target="_self">rising costs</a>, and they offered some helpful guidance beyond applying for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-subsidy-waitlist-7000-families-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f558f57d-bbeb-47cb-b628-8854d7725740" data-vars-headline="How San Diego parents navigate soaring child care costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-subsidy-waitlist-7000-families-ymca?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&amp;stream=top" target="_self">financial support</a>.

Recess may help boost school attendance

Schools with structured recess saw lower absenteeism, especially among Latino students.

Schools that dedicate trained staff to support <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recess" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/12/california-recess-law-ban-movies-unstructured-play" data-vars-content-id="fe59c036-4079-46b4-bbe3-30504b406843" data-vars-headline="Recess may help boost school attendance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/12/california-recess-law-ban-movies-unstructured-play" target="_self">recess</a> time see their students show up to school more regularly, according to new research.Why it matters: Recess has shrunk in importance as schools devote more time to classroom learning, but this research suggests well-planned outside time is also important.

San Diego's free summer school signup now open

All San Diego Unified students through sixth grade can sign up for full-day summer school.

Free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer school" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/17/san-diego-unified-free-summer-school-tk-6-primetime-2026" data-vars-content-id="c7073dcd-dcb0-4fc3-b5f9-3159ebd3ee90" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s free summer school signup now open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/17/san-diego-unified-free-summer-school-tk-6-primetime-2026" target="_self">summer school</a> enrollment is now open for all San Diego Unified students.The big picture: This year, for the first time, every San Diego student up through sixth grade can get a month of full-day summer school, but they have to sign up.

Thousands wait for child care help in San Diego

Only about 22% of eligible families get subsidies as waitlists stretch for years.

Some low-income families can get on a waitlist for state-funded subsidies that cover the majority of the cost of child care — when money is available.Zoom in: About 7,000 San Diego families were on a waiting list for state-subsidized child care as of September, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBS8 reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/families-across-san-diego-county-struggle-with-childcare-costs/509-909e278d-54cc-40fe-8a46-01bad4b5decb" data-vars-content-id="e769e656-cfc5-4721-9bce-f323f44dcec4" data-vars-headline="Thousands wait for child care help in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/families-across-san-diego-county-struggle-with-childcare-costs/509-909e278d-54cc-40fe-8a46-01bad4b5decb" target="_blank">CBS8 reported</a>.

San Diego child care prices, mapped

Average weekly rates for infants and preschoolers range from $180 to $640 per week.

Curious about where your ZIP code lands for child care costs? Explore these San Diego County maps to find current prices.Zoom in: Rates for infants and preschoolers range from $180 to $640 per week depending on where you live, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="YMCA data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ymcasd.org/community-support/childcare-resource-service/family-resources/choosing-child-care/cost-child-care/" data-vars-content-id="632d2062-3c26-433f-ab91-22edd0933bf6" data-vars-headline="San Diego child care prices, mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ymcasd.org/community-support/childcare-resource-service/family-resources/choosing-child-care/cost-child-care/" target="_blank">YMCA data</a> shows.

Education 📚

Free after-school care coming for all San Diego students

Top graduate schools in San Diego, per U.S. News

AI is reshaping what and how college students study

How San Diego is removing ties to César Chávez

More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles