KPBS Midday Edition

We look at the history of renewable energy in the Imperial County and why lithium might be different. Plus, efforts to bring more electric vehicle chargers to the region.

May is labor history month. To wrap up the month, we discuss the rich legacy of labor organizing across California and locally in San Diego with Dolores Huerta.

A writer and documentarian shared James Hubbell's impact on the San Diego region. We also get a peek into a new KPBS podcast about local activism and some recommendations for arts events to check out over the weekend.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Local leaders and experts unpack the state of mental health resources and housing support in San Diego County, after the passage of Proposition 1.

The Biden administration is officially moving to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. We talk about how it will impact research and the industry. Plus, what the future holds for cannabis equity in San Diego.

Theologians discuss the political influence of Christian nationalism. Plus, the wave of "ex-vangelicals" who are disowning the evangelical movement.

Two local artists reflect on Đẹp, a recent exhibit in the Mingei, which challenges Vietnamese beauty standards.

A climate activist and local professor discuss climate policy and what it could take for elected officials to work across party lines.

Thursday, May 16 is Bike Anywhere Day. To celebrate, we hear about the state of bike infrastructure in the San Diego region, as well as provide safety tips for cyclists and drivers.

Author Christopher Marquis' latest book, "The Profiteers," investigates how many companies evade social responsibility and what other businesses are doing about it.

Foraging — the practice of gathering plants, fruit and fungi — is gaining more widespread interest. But it's an age-old practice.

San Diego County has one of the highest jail death rates in California. On Midday Edition Monday, impacted family members discuss their grief, frustration and activism.

The San Diego Lowrider Archival Project documents the historical and cultural significance of lowriders through photographs, memorabilia, art and more.

The documentary feature "Interpreters Wanted" follows brothers Saifullah and Ismail Haqmal, who served as interpreters alongside U.S. Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade.

KPBS listeners and guests open up about how they find community, entertainment and educational opportunities in San Diego's third spaces.

In a new book, a San Diego professor highlights the struggle for care, class inequality and the meaning of client choice in Los Angeles' mental health care system.

On Midday Edition Monday, we discussed the significance of Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and how they compare to major student movements throughout history.

A pioneer in the field of trauma therapy talks about his new memoir. Also, a new exhibit will highlight stories and feature artwork by incarcerated women. And finally, NPR launches a new podcast that is part-interview, part-game show.

Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias take a heavy toll on individuals and their caregivers. New medications offer hope, but raise accessibility concerns.

Library advocates speak on the potential impacts of proposed budget cuts to the city of San Diego's library system, and college librarians adapt to AI technology across campuses.

The seventh annual San Diego Book Crawl is back to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Also, an action-packed Midday Movies. And your weekend arts preview.

KPBS Midday Edition speaks with author Ieva Jusionyte about her book "Exit Wounds" that traces the impacts of cross-border gun smuggling.

Local surfers coast through the history, activism and artistry of surfing in San Diego.

Environmental advocates share local efforts to make the earth a healthier place on Earth Day and year round.

Local author Rachael Cohen will host a succulent art workshop in celebration of her book, "Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety." Also, we discuss two upcoming film festivals. And we have your weekend arts preview.

We hear from a cybersecurity expert on how we can best protect ourselves and our information online. Plus, we talk about ways to budget and save for the future when living costs are high.

Trade schools are sparking interest as an alternative career path for Generation Z students in the San Diego region and beyond. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we look into the growing trade workforce locally.

Don Winslow discusses plans to retire and his last novel, 'City in Ruins.'

A program at a San Diego hospital is tackling the youth mental health crisis by integrating mental health care services into physical care settings.

San Diego Wave FC's third season is underway. In their short history, the team has seen success on the field, as well as in the stands.

How do we manage eco-anxiety without ignoring the climate crisis?

We break down why San Diego's college campuses are a great way to experience art. Plus, the fifth annual San Diego Writers’ Festival is this Saturday. And finally, we hear from a San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame nominee.

A California lawmaker wants to legislate happiness. Meanwhile, the U.S. just dropped out of the top 20 happiest countries.

San Diego Pride will host its 'Transgender Day of Empowerment' celebration on Friday, April 5.

The fourth season of PBS show 'Poetry in America' explores how poems can help reveal a broader vision of our country. Also, a preview of this year's Without Walls Festival. And a look at your spring arts guide.

The San Diego Padres home opener is Thursday. To celebrate, KPBS Midday Edition is talking all about the Padres. We heard from the Spanish language broadcast voice for the team, and had a conversation with Tony Gwynn's widow nearly 10 years since his passing. And, we get a fan's perspective of the Padres chances in 2024.

We break down what these drugs are, and how doctors are adapting their practices, while navigating weight stigma.

A San Diego author's latest novel digs into racial and class divides in an affluent Southern California community. Plus, a preview of an all-women dance showcase. And finally, Midday Movies celebrates women filmmakers.

KPBS Midday Edition takes a look at how traumatic brain injuries are affecting our veterans and active military. Then, we turn to the lives of military families in San Diego and findings from Blue Star's Military Family Lifestyle Survey.

We hear from Sarah McCammon about her new book, "The Exvangelicals," and her life journey after leaving the evangelical church.

In 1939 Coronado, Gus and Emma Thompson rented to Lloyd Dong Sr. and Margaret Dong, when nobody else would. Decades later, the Dong's children are donating $5 million to serve Black college students at SDSU.

Reading to children has many benefits for their intellectual and emotional development. On Midday Edition Tuesday, KPBS hears about the challenges military families face during family reading time. Plus, a librarian explains the power of story time for kids and provides book recommendations.

The poetry community will come to San Diego for the Robert Frost Sesquicentennial, which celebrates the poet's 150th birthday. Plus, a preview of the San Diego Latino Film Festival and other arts events.

New research finds sitting for long hours increases the risk of death.

A running club by and for women of color has taken off in south San Diego. More than 500 people, many beginners, have run with Santa Mujeres since it began in 2020.

Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon asked the mayor listener-driven questions on the city's storm response, housing, homelessness, infrastructure and more.

Today marks the beginning of Civic Learning Week. We dive into the state of civics education and social studies across the country, as well as right here in San Diego County.

Far South/Border North is a new program that aims to support San Diego's thriving artist community. Plus, the Blue Water Film Festival returns with a focus on climate change. And finally, your weekend preview.

We discuss the California Legislative Black Caucus' 14-bill package and the broader conversation around reparations in California. Also, the link between reparations and solving the state’s homelessness crisis.

Mental health for men and boys will be the focus of an upcoming conference in San Diego later in March. We hear from several mental health experts about the mental health challenges men and boys face today, and how psychologists are working to expand definitions of masculinity.