In the galaxy NGC 2146, 31 million light-years away, a stellar explosion has been identified as an electron-capture supernova – marking the first convincing evidence for this new type of explosion. The groundbreaking study is led by Daichi Hiramatsu, a graduate student at UCSB and Las Cumbres Observatory. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch speaks with Andy Howell, a staff scientist at Las Cumbres Observatory and adjunct faculty at UCSB to learn more about the importance of the discovery and implications for the astrophysics community.

Headed by Dr. Kari Nadeau of Stanford, a recent study on the evolution of pollen spreading throughout Northern California is shedding light on why our allergies seem to be getting worse and worse every year. These findings in conjunction with other research done in this field provide the public with a grim answer as to why we’re feeling so bad. KCSB’s Ben Kersh has the story.

California law requires two gas-fired power plants in Oxnard be shut down because they use ocean water for cooling. The citizens of Oxnard refused to have another natural gas power plant built to replace them. Instead, a new battery storage facility has now come on line. KCSB’s Ray Briare has the details.

Food Not Bombs operates under the philosophy that mutual aid and meal sharing serve as powerful tools for resistance within a capitalistic, exploitative system. With autonomous chapters spread out across the globe, they each share three central tenants: meals are free to anyone stoned or sober, each chapter is independent and relies on consensus decision-making, and people involved are dedicated to solidarity, not charity. To learn more about the movement, KCSB’s Ashley Rusch sat down with co-founder and activist/author/artist Keith McHenry.

KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi takes a look at the local Isla Vista music scene in this interview with the band The Framers.

Early this June, a sea lion pup was born on the Santa Barbara Harbor and staff and volunteers from the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute stepped in to relocate the mother and pup. The nonprofit organization rescues, rehabilitates, and educates the public on marine life and conservation. We had the opportunity to visit their site and learn more about their organization. KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi has more on the story.

Wednesday, June 23rd marked the 6-month anniversary of 30-year old Angelo Quinto being killed after police knelt on his neck. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch speaks with Diana Collins Puente, Angelo’s aunt, about the conditions of his tragic death and the family’s push for police reform.

Photo Credit: Gloria Galang Freemonde / Justice for Angelo Quinto Facebook Page

A study conducted by Santa Barbara County’s Probation Department revealed racial disparities in the county’s criminal justice system. KCSB's Daniel Huecias has the story.

Isla Vista community leaders are expanding their staff to be able to coordinate more events of interest to the greater community. And, the County Supervisors plan to purchase a former sorority house on El Colegio Road for an emergency shelter project. Isla Vista Community Services District General Manager Jonathan Abboud tells KCSB's Dick Flacks on Inside Isla Vista the new property, called the "Hedges House of Hope," in honor of the late longtime IV resident and houseless supporter Father Jon-Stephen Hedges, will be similar to the Pescadero Lofts building which many former houseless individuals now call home.

A large patch of Santa Barbara open space will remain undeveloped thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and community organizers. Save the San Marcos Foothills has reached its $18.6 million goal to purchase the 101-acre site west of Highway 154. To learn more about efforts to buy back the West Mesa, KCSB’s Ashley Rusch sat down with Ken Owen, Executive Director of conservation nonprofit Channel Island Restoration and Dani Lynch, one of the four founders of Save the San Marcos Foothills.