Ben J. Costas is a journalist based in San Diego, California. He writes for Hoodline, focusing on local news and events in the San Diego area. With a keen interest in community issues and breaking news, Ben covers a wide range of topics including crime, weather, transportation, and local government.
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San Diego, California, United States (Local)
Ben J. Costas focuses on local news in San Diego, covering a range of topics including crime, weather, accidents, and local events. His coverage heavily emphasizes evolving stories and breaking news related to crime and tragedy.
When reaching out to Ben with potential story ideas or expert commentary, consider offering insights into ongoing developments within San Diego's local community regarding the highlighted themes like crime, tragedy or government announcements. Additionally, providing unique perspectives on unfolding events such as accidents or weather-related incidents would likely capture his attention due to the emphasis on evolving stories in his coverage.
Given his focus on local issues and breaking news in San Diego, pitches should be targeted towards experts or individuals directly involved with these localized events who can provide firsthand accounts or relevant analysis specific to the region.
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By: Ben J. Costas
UC San Diego police arrested 30+ during a clash with pro-Palestinian protesters, leading to campus disruption.
By: Ben J. Costas
San Diego's bravest rushed to the scene of a vehicle entrapment early Sunday morning as a call for help summoned firefighters to a portion of the southbound Interstate 5 near Camino De La Plaza in San Ysidro. Per the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's records, the incident, designated as FS24078356, was reported at 2:59 a.m., and units were quick on the scene by 3:03 a.m., their response a mere four minutes in the making.
An 18-year-old from Perris died in a car accident on SR 163 in Linda Vista; intoxication remains unconfirmed as a cause.
By: Ben J. Costas
San Diego police seek a Hispanic male suspect in connection with an armed robbery at a Chevron gas station in Kearny Mesa.
San Diego gas station sells a near-jackpot Mega Millions ticket, garnering a $419,367 prize for a lucky customer.
San Diego's weather is set to warm through the weekend with above-average temperatures expected in deserts and valleys.
By: Ben J. Costas
A routine Saturday morning took a violent turn in the community of Fallbrook when deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department opened fire on a 66-year-old man brandishing what appeared to be a handgun and a knife. According to official reports, the individual, identified as Patrick Wendell Lowell of Escondido, was encountered by law enforcement on Mission Road at the intersection with Via Montellano.
By: Ben J. Costas
A tragic crash in Vista claims the life of a motorcyclist after a mid-day collision with a Subaru hatchback. The accident occurred on the 2000 block of Hacienda Drive around 1:00 PM on Thursday, according to the Sheriff's Vista Station. Responding deputies found both vehicles with major damage and the rider in dire need of medical attention.
By: Ben J. Costas
Customs and Border Protection officers in San Diego struck a blow to drug traffickers this April, confiscating over $1.7 million in illegal narcotics. According to a report by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, smugglers, including teenagers, attempted to slip past security checkpoints wearing drug-laden clothing.
By: Ben J. Costas
A jailhouse drug dealer is set to spend three years in the clink after getting caught smuggling narcotics into the slammer through the U.S. Postal Service. Katherine Smothers, 34, was sentenced on May 6 for mailing meth and fentanyl-soaked letters to an inmate at a San Diego County jail, authorities said.
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