Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego public affairs team offers expert voices to speak on stories impacting our community. If you're interested in the stories below, or need experts for any other topic you might be working on, don't hesitate to reach out to us at press@sandiego.edu.*

El Niño is Here. What Will it Mean Over the Next Few Months?

El Niño weather conditions bring warmer ocean waters and with it, typically wetter winters. NOAA predicts that El Niño will strengthen by the end of the year, with a strong chance of lasting into the spring. Zhi-Yong Yin, professor of environmental and ocean sciences, can discuss El Niño weather patterns and what it could mean for local weather.

USD's Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate Housing Affordability Index Releases Latest Quarterly Report

The Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at USD recently launched a quarterly Housing Affordability Index that reflects the true cost of homeownership, not just mortgage payments. In this past quarter, the index found that affordability declined in the second half of 2026 due to higher inflation and mortgage rates, relative to income. They also found that relative to renting, housing requires a much greater share of household income. The index was developed by Norm Miller, Professor Emeritus at USD, along with Ian Kennedy and it covers 385 U.S. metro markets. Miller is available to discuss the latest housing findings in the past quarter.

KPBS San Diego Book Festival Returns on August 22 

With more than 145 local and national authors participating as speakers and exhibitors, the KPBS San Diego Book Festival will take place again on the University of San Diego campus on August 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The free community event for readers of all ages will feature panel discussions with award-winning authors, activities, live entertainment, exhibitors including independent booksellers, local authors, food trucks and more. New this year, mystery, self-help and parenting genres have been added to the list of growing books available at the festival. There is also an expanded footprint across the campus which includes a larger space for kids reading activities. Interviews in English and Spanish available to discuss the event.  

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.