The shocking murder of young conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was felt in San Diego, where he appeared at UCSD as recently as May. Lawmakers from both sides expressed dismay, with Gov. Gavin Newsom calling the shooting on a Utah campus “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”

The darkness in our politics continued on the House floor in Washington, with Republic Rep. Nancy Mace shouting an insult at San Diego’s Rep. Sara Jacobs during debate over defense spending. The issue wasn’t shipbuilding or military pay, but what constitutes gender-affirming surgery.

A bright spot, however, is news that Eliza Woodman, lead bartender at Communion in Mission Hills, was crowned the winner of the prestigious World’s Best Mai Tai Competition. Maybe it’s time for a drink

And as we near the end of another tumultuous week, there’s some good news for local journalism. We’ve just launched our fall fundraising campaign. We’re now a nonprofit newsroom, and as such, we’re hoping to raise $14,000 by Sept. 19 to continue to expand our coverage throughout San Diego County — and beyond.

Every amount, no matter how small, will be used to advance our cause: journalism. We are eternally grateful to you, our readers and contributors, for your interest in our work. So please help us expand coverage. And note that membership unlocks special benefits.