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How San Diego is using AI — and what's next

From drafting emails to analyzing meetings, AI is already part of city operations.

Politics

City Hall is using AI for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="basic tasks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/sponsored/the-push-to-modernize-government-with-ai" data-vars-content-id="a3060e9b-c119-4657-be98-bf959b2daeb4" data-vars-headline="How San Diego is using AI — and what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/sponsored/the-push-to-modernize-government-with-ai" target="_self">basic tasks</a> like summarizing emails and meetings and generating slides, but also has bigger ideas for the future, according to officials and records reviewed by Axios.The big picture: While many businesses grapple with how to use <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI safely" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/ai-race-safety-guardrail" data-vars-content-id="a3060e9b-c119-4657-be98-bf959b2daeb4" data-vars-headline="How San Diego is using AI — and what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/ai-race-safety-guardrail" target="_self">AI safely</a>, government agencies are also factoring in the need to protect public information and maintain human oversight.

San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal

It's a homecoming for the international women's soccer star who grew up playing in Del Mar.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego Wave FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/12/san-diego-wave-game-houston-dash-2026-nwsl-home-opener" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/12/san-diego-wave-game-houston-dash-2026-nwsl-home-opener" target="_self">San Diego Wave FC</a> signed U.S. Women&#x27;s National Team forward Catarina Macario in a record-breaking deal that makes her one of the highest paid players in the National Women&#x27;s Soccer League.Why it matters: The soccer star coming home to San Diego helps elevate the team into an NWSL Championship contender as it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuilds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/14/wave-angel-city-game-2025-nwsl-season-womens-sports-bar" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/14/wave-angel-city-game-2025-nwsl-season-womens-sports-bar" target="_self">rebuilds</a> with international and young talent.<ul><li>Her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lucrative contract" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224025/cat-macario-record-nwsl-deal-san-diego-wave" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224025/cat-macario-record-nwsl-deal-san-diego-wave" target="_blank">lucrative contract</a> has been reported as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest-value deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/#:~:text=Cat%20Macario%20Signs%20Record%20NWSL,to%20join%20the%20club%20imminently." data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/#:~:text=Cat%20Macario%20Signs%20Record%20NWSL,to%20join%20the%20club%20imminently." target="_blank">highest-value deal</a> in the history of women&#x27;s professional soccer.</li></ul>

San Diego's population decline driven by immigration slowdown

The area's recent population growth was supported by immigrants moving in — until last year.

News

San Diego County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/17/san-diego-population-growth-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="32abc3d2-6a19-4161-bfc8-ab3f17bb18d1" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s population decline driven by immigration slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/17/san-diego-population-growth-pandemic" target="_self">population</a> shrank last year amid a massive drop in immigration, following a nationwide trend, new U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: The data offers the best look yet at how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tighter immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/18/ice-arrests-noncriminals-san-diego-2025" data-vars-content-id="32abc3d2-6a19-4161-bfc8-ab3f17bb18d1" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s population decline driven by immigration slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/18/ice-arrests-noncriminals-san-diego-2025" target="_self">tighter immigration enforcement</a> is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

San Diego plan targets housing gap as families leave

Officials say more "middle housing" could help residents afford to stay in San Diego.

Neighborhoods

Plans are in the works to alleviate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/22/median-earners-priced-out-san-diego-real-estate-market-homes" data-vars-content-id="1506b5d4-7e53-4d23-9c26-171cab6cc373" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan targets housing gap as families leave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/22/median-earners-priced-out-san-diego-real-estate-market-homes" target="_self">high housing costs</a> that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driving home sales to a record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/20/san-diego-home-sales-fell-to-their-lowest-level-in-recorded-history-to-start-2026/" data-vars-content-id="1506b5d4-7e53-4d23-9c26-171cab6cc373" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan targets housing gap as families leave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/20/san-diego-home-sales-fell-to-their-lowest-level-in-recorded-history-to-start-2026/" target="_blank">driving home sales to a record low</a>.Why it matters: While the city is building more apartment buildings in the urban core, there still aren&#x27;t enough neighborhood &quot;middle housing&quot; options for families, officials and experts told Axios.

San Diego scientists build brain atlas to help disease research

Salk researchers say mouse brain atlas could lead to earlier, more targeted treatments for aging brains.

Health

Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla have created a new tool to better understand how aging affects our brains.Why it matters: Aging is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major risk factor" data-vars-click-url="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31501588/" data-vars-content-id="426e72b4-ef43-4bb7-8f3f-f2a8e37179ce" data-vars-headline="San Diego scientists build brain atlas to help disease research" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31501588/" target="_blank">major risk factor</a> for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#x27;s and Parkinson&#x27;s that affect millions of Americans.

Nonprofits partner to help seniors stay active and independent

Challenge Center's new adaptive fitness facility also connects seniors to social services.

Local nonprofits have teamed up to offer accessible exercise, in-home care and food programs all in one place for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego&#x27;s growing senior population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/07/16/san-diego-age-old-65" data-vars-content-id="608a2c14-9923-4c53-86fd-a0a3e6b7407a" data-vars-headline="Nonprofits partner to help seniors stay active and independent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/07/16/san-diego-age-old-65" target="_self">San Diego&#x27;s growing senior population</a>.Why it matters: These programs aim to help the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="730,000 residents over age 60" data-vars-click-url="https://sdscf.org/longevity-fund/" data-vars-content-id="608a2c14-9923-4c53-86fd-a0a3e6b7407a" data-vars-headline="Nonprofits partner to help seniors stay active and independent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sdscf.org/longevity-fund/" target="_blank">730,000 residents over age 60</a> stay active, social and independent, potentially helping reduce the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burden of rising health care costs and food insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://sdvoice.info/state-of-seniors-report-is-now-live/" data-vars-content-id="608a2c14-9923-4c53-86fd-a0a3e6b7407a" data-vars-headline="Nonprofits partner to help seniors stay active and independent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sdvoice.info/state-of-seniors-report-is-now-live/" target="_blank">burden of rising health care costs and food insecurity</a>.

More California mothers are skipping prenatal care

The national percentage of pregnant patients getting late or no prenatal care is rising.

Fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pregnant Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/07/birth-rate-states" data-vars-content-id="94dc0e70-6368-4cc1-9792-4569497427b3" data-vars-headline="More California mothers are skipping prenatal care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/07/birth-rate-states" target="_self">pregnant Americans</a> are getting prenatal care in the first weeks of pregnancy — or at all — reversing years of progress, new CDC data shows.Why it matters: Skipping first-trimester care raises the risk of preventable complications for mothers and babies.

Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled, per California data

A recent study using California data links a sharp rise in opioid use to poor outcomes for mothers and babies.

The rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/20/oregon-overdose-deaths-fentanyl" data-vars-content-id="77ba5d0b-c434-4335-8853-7e8ed1477dd3" data-vars-headline="Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled, per California data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/20/oregon-overdose-deaths-fentanyl" target="_self">opioid use</a> in pregnancy more than doubled in 12 years, a new Oregon Health &amp; Science University <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/maternal_opioid_related_diagnosis_in_pregnancy_and.632.aspx" data-vars-content-id="77ba5d0b-c434-4335-8853-7e8ed1477dd3" data-vars-headline="Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled, per California data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/maternal_opioid_related_diagnosis_in_pregnancy_and.632.aspx" target="_blank">study</a> using California hospital data found.Why it matters: Researchers warn the sharp rise puts both mothers and babies at risk — increasing the chance for negative complications such as hypertension, respiratory distress, preterm birth, infant withdrawal syndrome and death.

San Diego County measles vaccination rate falls short of herd immunity

The rising rate still doesn't hit the level experts say is needed to stop the disease's spread.

San Diego County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles vaccination rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/31/measles-flu-vaccine-mmr-rates-2026" data-vars-content-id="3b1b5b58-eaec-4c00-af00-7f18dfd55118" data-vars-headline="San Diego County measles vaccination rate falls short of herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/31/measles-flu-vaccine-mmr-rates-2026" target="_self">measles vaccination rate</a> has slightly increased since the pandemic, but it&#x27;s one of 18 counties in California that doesn&#x27;t hit the 95% threshold experts say is needed to stop the disease from spreading.Why it matters: The battle against infectious diseases like the flu and measles has taken a hit with sinking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccination rates for children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/16/kids-health-vaccination-rates-world-drop" data-vars-content-id="3b1b5b58-eaec-4c00-af00-7f18dfd55118" data-vars-headline="San Diego County measles vaccination rate falls short of herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/16/kids-health-vaccination-rates-world-drop" target="_self">vaccination rates for children</a> in many parts of the U.S., per new data collected and analyzed by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" data-vars-content-id="3b1b5b58-eaec-4c00-af00-7f18dfd55118" data-vars-headline="San Diego County measles vaccination rate falls short of herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>.

Pilates is San Diego's top workout class

Try hot Pilates or strength training on a reformer at new studios popping up around the city.

San Diego is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all about Pilates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/03/14/pilates-low-impact-classpass-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="f388f113-e546-44b5-8d02-2922235afe05" data-vars-headline="Pilates is San Diego&#x27;s top workout class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/03/14/pilates-low-impact-classpass-san-diego" target="_self">all about Pilates</a> — the city&#x27;s top workout, according to 2025 data ClassPass shared with Axios.The big picture: This low-impact exercise was also the most popular fitness format nationwide in 2025 — just like in 2024 and 2023 — with class bookings increasing 66% from 2024 to 2025, per workout reservation app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ClassPass" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" data-vars-content-id="f388f113-e546-44b5-8d02-2922235afe05" data-vars-headline="Pilates is San Diego&#x27;s top workout class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a>.

Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge

Health officials have warned this could be one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory.

Unlike much of the U.S., San Diego isn&#x27;t yet seeing the massive surge in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/07/san-diego-flu-cases-surge-vaccine-respiratory-illness" data-vars-content-id="4e8f72d4-44d4-427f-bc6d-c4113fdefbed" data-vars-headline="Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/07/san-diego-flu-cases-surge-vaccine-respiratory-illness" target="_self">flu cases</a> this winter largely attributed to the so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="super flu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" data-vars-content-id="4e8f72d4-44d4-427f-bc6d-c4113fdefbed" data-vars-headline="Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" target="_self">super flu</a>.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other illnesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="4e8f72d4-44d4-427f-bc6d-c4113fdefbed" data-vars-headline="Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="4e8f72d4-44d4-427f-bc6d-c4113fdefbed" data-vars-headline="Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="4e8f72d4-44d4-427f-bc6d-c4113fdefbed" data-vars-headline="Flu cases rising in San Diego amid super flu surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the United States.

Lawmakers seek expanded IVF coverage for military families

About 1 in 4 service members and their spouses report infertility.

U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs is pursuing a new way to expand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fertility coverage for military families" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/12/jacobs-military-fertility-coverage" data-vars-content-id="ab0d427a-3f08-49f6-872b-64b004ab1c1b" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers seek expanded IVF coverage for military families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/12/jacobs-military-fertility-coverage" target="_self">fertility coverage for military families</a> after it was stripped from the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national defense policy bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/house-defense-bill-pentagon-boat-strike-video" data-vars-content-id="ab0d427a-3f08-49f6-872b-64b004ab1c1b" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers seek expanded IVF coverage for military families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/house-defense-bill-pentagon-boat-strike-video" target="_self">national defense policy bill</a>.Why it matters: San Diego has one of the largest concentrations of military personnel, and about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one in four service members" data-vars-click-url="https://bluestarfam.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BSF_MFLS_Results2021_ComprehensiveReport_03_14.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ab0d427a-3f08-49f6-872b-64b004ab1c1b" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers seek expanded IVF coverage for military families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bluestarfam.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BSF_MFLS_Results2021_ComprehensiveReport_03_14.pdf" target="_blank">one in four service members</a> and their spouses report infertility.

Local fitness program empowers people with disabilities

Kids and seniors with physical or cognitive challenges can get free personal training at local gyms.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adaptive fitness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/10/surf-therapy-is-helping-ease-veteran-ptsd" data-vars-content-id="be657816-d013-47e1-a76d-544dbb0177b7" data-vars-headline="Local fitness program empowers people with disabilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/10/surf-therapy-is-helping-ease-veteran-ptsd" target="_self">adaptive fitness</a> program in San Diego is helping kids and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disabilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/disability-services-staffing-struggles" data-vars-content-id="be657816-d013-47e1-a76d-544dbb0177b7" data-vars-headline="Local fitness program empowers people with disabilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/disability-services-staffing-struggles" target="_self">disabilities</a> build muscle, confidence and social skills.State of play: Three friends, two of them moms whose sons are on the autism spectrum, brought the Special Strong national franchise here after struggling to find a suitable exercise program locally.

Surf therapy is helping ease veteran PTSD

Hitting the waves has benefits for those who served, recent research shows

Military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turning to surfing" data-vars-click-url="https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/index.cfm/media/news/article/2018/surfing_studied_as_therapy" data-vars-content-id="1dd12739-4a59-4588-a1e0-4c63685e71b8" data-vars-headline="Surf therapy is helping ease veteran PTSD" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/index.cfm/media/news/article/2018/surfing_studied_as_therapy" target="_blank">turning to surfing</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health therapy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/11/veterans-psychedelic-mental-health-therapies" data-vars-content-id="1dd12739-4a59-4588-a1e0-4c63685e71b8" data-vars-headline="Surf therapy is helping ease veteran PTSD" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/11/veterans-psychedelic-mental-health-therapies" target="_self">mental health therapy</a> and finding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peace in the water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/blue-mind-water-data-peaceful" data-vars-content-id="1dd12739-4a59-4588-a1e0-4c63685e71b8" data-vars-headline="Surf therapy is helping ease veteran PTSD" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/blue-mind-water-data-peaceful" target="_self">peace in the water</a>.Why it matters: About 29% of veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq will have PTSD at some point, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A cartogram of the United States showing the change in the share of births receiving late or no prenatal care from 2021 to 2024. Late care is defined as care beginning in the third trimester. Overall, the share increased 1.0 percentage points. Increases were seen in 40 states and in D.C. Georgia had the largest increase at +3.5pp, and Arkansas had the largest decrease at -1.7pp.

Change in the share of births receiving late or no prenatal care from 2021 to 2024

Data: CDC; Note: Late care is defined as beginning in the third trimester; Map: Axios Visuals

Axios San Francisco

How much Californian families spend on health care

San Francisco

A choropleth map of U.S. states showing the cost of family health insurance coverage as a share of median income in 2024. Nationally, health insurance cost about 10% of a family's income. The share was highest in Louisiana, with 15.6%, and lowest in D.C., with 5.7%.

Health 🩺

San Diego scientists build brain atlas to help disease research

Nonprofits partner to help seniors stay active and independent

More California mothers are skipping prenatal care

How much Californian families spend on health care

Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled, per California data