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KPBS Midday Edition

KPBS Midday Edition

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Ziggy Marley celebrates family fun with new children's book

Bob Marley's 1977 song "Jamming" isn't just a catchy tune — it's a celebration of togetherness, community, peace and mutual respect.MarleyZiggy ap1 c.jpg (3912x4890, AR: 0.8)The iconic song is also the inspiration behind the latest children's book by Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy Marley.The book is called "Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family."Ziggy Marley is a nine-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian and author. He'll also headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday.He joined Midday Edition to discuss the process behind writing the book and his love for family tradition and playfulness.Guest: Ziggy Marley, award-winning musician and author of "Pajammin: A Reggage Pajama Party for the Whole Family"

Aug 20, 202512 min

El Cajon police and attorney general clash over sharing license plate data

California's attorney general says police agencies that share license plate reader data with out-of-state and federal law enforcement agencies may be violating a state sanctuary law.But in El Cajon, the police department continues to share data with out-of-state agencies.That's led to a disagreement between the police department and the state over how to define a "public agency."On Midday Edition, we sat down with KPBS investigative border reporter Gustavo Solis to hear about the clash over license plate data. And, why El Cajon has become a flashpoint in the fight over immigration.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Aug 20, 202514 min

Coming of age in the Imperial Valley

A new youth-led podcast called "Voices del Valle" features stories about growing up in the rural border region of Imperial Valley.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from some of the young people behind the series as they reflect on what makes "el Valle" so unique.“Voices del Valle” is part of the KPBS Explore Local Content Project.Guests:Evan Harper, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Grace Estelle Navarro, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Dominick Ramos Felix, co-host, "Voices del Valle"

Aug 19, 202523 min

Higher unemployment and inflation put San Diego economy in 'danger zone'

San Diego County's unemployment rate hit a four-year high, according to state labor data released last week, all while the region has the highest inflation rate in the United States.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from a local economist on what that means for the regional economy heading into the fall months.Guests:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

Aug 19, 202512 min

Newsom hits back with redistricting plan. What does that mean for California?

The fight for redistricting continues in California and Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he will move forward with his proposed ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, could temporarily redraw California's congressional maps.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local political scientist who breaks down what this measure means for the state and for the future of American politics.Guest:Phil Saenz, political science professor, Southwestern College

Aug 18, 202511 min

Stacey Abrams explores AI, ethics and more in her latest novel

Bestselling author, political strategist and former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams will headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Aug. 23.Abrams joined Midday Edition on Thursday to talk about her latest book, "Coded Justice," which dives into the ethical questions around the use of AI in the healthcare industry."What I want us to think about with AI is that it's an extraordinarily powerful technology that is controlled by people," Abrams said. "And that means people have to understand what's happening and that means other people have to question where it comes from, what it does and what impact it will have on us."Plus, KPBS' Beth Accomando looks at how a new all-women acting company is flipping the script on Shakespearean plays.Then, Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts events this weekend, including meteor showers, visual art about caregiving and a children's film festival.Guests:Stacey Abrams, author of "Coded Justice," former Georgia State Representative and two-time gubernatorial candidateAudrey Sweet, co-founder of the Queen's MenCharlotte B. Larson, co-founder of the Queen's MenJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Aug 14, 202545 min

What is it like to fight fire from the frontlines?

Wildfires are becoming bigger, deadlier and even more destructive across California. Firefighting efforts are also intensifying in response.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Jordan Thomas, anthropologist and author of the book “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World," about his experience fighting fires as a Los Padres Hotshot and his deep-dive into the cultural histories behind fire.Guest:Jordan Thomas, cultural anthropologist, author of “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World"Events:Aug. 21 - Book Catapult book talkAug. 23 - KPBS San Diego Book Festival

Aug 14, 202518 min

A career in comedy that's no joke

Writer and director Larry Charles has been an influential voice in American comedy for decades. From his groundbreaking work on TV series such as “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to films like “Borat” and “The Dictator,” you likely have laughed at his work over the years.But his lifelong dedication to laughter comes with a life-and-death seriousness, which he explores in his new memoir "Comedy Samurai: 40 Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter."Charles will be a featured author at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 23.Guest:Larry Charles — writer, director and author of "Comedy Samurai: 40 Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter"

Aug 13, 202520 min

What latest court ruling means for future of rooftop solar in California

Environmental groups are celebrating a ruling from the California Supreme Court related to rooftop solar panels.The California Public Utilities Commission reduced financial incentives for homeowners to install solar power in 2022.The court's ruling does not change those incentives, but will allow for the appeals court to revisit the commission's authority to make changes to credits for rooftop solar customers.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear what the ruling could mean for the future of rooftop solar in California.Guests:Malena Carollo, business reporter, CalMattersMalinda Dickenson, legal and executive director, The Protect Our Communities Foundation

Aug 12, 202514 min

As San Diego County treasurer retires, history of sexual harassment claims emerge

San Diego County’s longtime treasurer Dan McAllister suddenly retired this month after more than two decades in office.While the county has praised McAllister’s service over that time, court records reveal that two sexual harassment lawsuits were filed against him during his tenure.One of those cases had gone unreported until recently, and resulted in the county paying out a six-figure settlement in 2022, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from reporter Lucas Robinson about the details in each case and the checkered legacy McAllister left.Guest:Lucas Robinson, government and politics reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Aug 12, 202510 min

Why can't California build more public transit?

Building better public transit is difficult and expensive in California. Even with the right funding and voter approval, some transit projects can't seem to get off the ground.A new report from Circulate San Diego, "The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can't Build Transit" looks at one factor behind these delays — permitting challenges — and what it might take for California to get better at building transit.Guest:Colin Parent, CEO and General Counsel, Circulate San Diego

Aug 11, 202524 min

How San Diego Black Pride celebrates Black joy and queer life

Friday marks the beginning of the San Diego Black Pride festival, a three-day event that celebrates Black queerness and joy in San Diego.On Midday Edition, we hear about how San Diego Black Pride is continuing to build safe and affirming spaces for Black LGBTQ+ people across the region.Then, in San Diego, summer is a season of Shakespeare. In this month's edition of Midday Movies, our critics share their favorite film adaptations of the beloved bard's work.Guests:Jordan Daniels, president, San Diego Black PrideBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, host, Moviewallas

Aug 7, 202533 min

Belmont Park's Giant Dipper coaster turns 100

One of San Diego's most beloved attractions turned 100 this year. The Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park carried its first riders on July 4, 1925.The amusement park is still bustling a century later, holding a lot of history within it.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the park's general manager to hear how they're celebrating 100 years.Guest:Steve Thomas, Belmont Park general manager

Aug 6, 202510 min

'A Way with Words' co-host Martha Barnette shares her love for language with new book

Public radio fans know a thing or two about language. Especially those who listen to the weekly talk show, "A Way with Words."Co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett take calls about slang, dialects and family expressions — celebrating the nuance of words and speech.Now, Barnette is out with a new book about her career, built on a love of linguistics.It's called "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland."Barnette will be signing copies at Warwick's in La Jolla on Thursday, Aug. 7. And, she'll be a featured author at the inaugural San Diego Book Festival on Aug. 23.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Barnette to hear all about the book and two decades of hosting "A Way with Words."Guest:Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words;" author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland"

Aug 6, 202517 min

'Menudo Sunday' celebrates family and cultural food traditions

Across cultures, food traditions play a central role in family gatherings.For some Mexican American families, that gathering — along with laughter and love — may include the flavorful beef soup: menudo.For San Diego writer María Dolores Águila, this tradition became the subject of her new children’s book.Today on Midday Edition, a local author joins us to explore her new bilingual picture book, "Menudo Sunday", that celebrates food, family and culture.Guest:María Dolores Águila, bilingual author

Aug 6, 202510 min

Politics on the therapy couch? How local providers are meeting the moment

Around 3 in 4 U.S. adults say the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives.Many are troubled by the onslaught of federal policies tackling immigration and anti-civil rights legislation.A panel of local therapists join us to discuss how this political moment is affecting their work with clients.Guests: David Peters, marriage and family therapist with a private practice in Mission ValleyMitzy Ruelas, associate marriage and family therapist, Che Ajal Counseling CenterAlexis Smith, licensed professional clinical counselor, Queer Corner Counseling

Aug 5, 202546 min

Federal judge considers future of lawsuit over health care, safety in San Diego County jails

San Diego County jails have long been under scrutiny for alleged civil rights violations.In 2022, the jail system had 19 deaths — a record high for San Diego County jails.A complaint filed that year has since expanded to a class action lawsuit challenging nearly every aspect of jail operations — including medical and mental health practices.We discuss the latest insights into the legal proceedings and what the lawsuit has exposed about jail operations.Guest: Kelly Davis, watchdog reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune

Jul 31, 202519 min

Overcrowding plagues Otay Mesa Detention Center, reflecting national trends

Immigration detention facilities are a key part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign, which pushes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to meet arrest quotas of 3,000 people a day. A new KPBS investigation looks into overcrowding within San Diego County's Otay Mesa Detention Center.Immigration lawyers report that detainees are sleeping on the floor and receiving deferred medical care resulting hospitalizations.On Midday Edition, we discuss the details and how they reflect a national trend of overcrowding in detention facilities.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Jul 31, 202514 min

Why are dog euthanasias on the rise in SD County shelters?

A new KPBS investigation uncovers problems within San Diego County's animal shelters, leading to a spike in dog euthanasias.Last fiscal year, the shelters made the decision to euthanize 426 dogs. That meant canines entering the shelter system had a more than 1-in-10 chance of being put down.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the journalists behind the investigation to unpack the full story.Guests:Scott Rodd, investigative reporter, KPBSElaine Alfaro, journalist, KPBS

Jul 28, 202516 min

Midday Edition live from San Diego Comic-Con!

Each year, celebrities, creators and fans from all across the world converge in San Diego for Comic-Con to celebrate all things related to fandom, pop culture, art, and so much more.Thursday on Midday Edition, we take you live inside the convention center to discuss what makes America's Finest City a special place to host the pop culture juggernaut.Plus, hear from different creators across art, books and film about their personal journeys into their fields, and how they are continuing to represent their culture and stories.Guests:Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSPatrick Ballesteros, illustrator and educatorJohn Wells III, author of "The Last Angel Warrior" and "The Heir of Ambrose," organizer of "Diversity in Fantasy" panelErnie Bustamante, director, "Street Smart: Lessons From a TV Icon"

Jul 24, 202544 min

How Indigi-Con and Afrofuturism Lounge honor comics, culture and creativity

Comic-Con season is well underway. Two local events are coinciding with the main convention and are spotlighting comics creators and stories underrepresented in the mainstream.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the inaugural Indigi-Con, which celebrates and amplifies indigenous stories through art and comics, as well as Afrofuturism Lounge, which connects Black creators across disciplines.Guests:Chag Lowry, executive director of the Indigenous Futures Institute, comic book author and publisherKatie Walkiewicz, faculty director at the Indigenous Futures Institute, literature professor at UC San Diego, enrolled member of the Cherokee NationLaWana Richmond, CEO of Grio'Neers

Jul 23, 202531 min

How healthy is San Diego's economy?

On the eve of San Diego Comic-Con, we take a closer look at the local economy — and how the convention impacts it.A local economist shares insights on what a jump in unemployment means for the region, and how tourism remains a bright spot.Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center

Jul 23, 202515 min

‘A space for independence’: The World’s Marco Werman on the value of public media

Amid funding cuts for public media, stations all across the country — including KPBS — are bracing for impact of the Trump administration’s rescissions package.This includes $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — which effectively cuts all federal support for NPR and PBS programs.Marco Werman, host of Public Radio Exchange’s The World and journalist-in-residence at UC San Diego, discusses the impact of the defunding on public media and the value of local journalism.Guest:Marco Werman, co-host, “The World”, journalist-in-residence at UC San Diego

Jul 22, 202517 min

'Rezballers and Skate Elders' explores sports culture within tribal communities

Basketball and skateboarding are powerful tools for building community across cultures. For tribal communities, these sports provide a unique avenue for cultural expression and mentorship. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of the new book "Rezballers and Skate Elders: Joyful Futures in Indian Country" about his research into sports culture among tribal communities. We also discuss his work with San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guest:David Kamper, professor of American Indian Studies at SDSU, associate director of the Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change

Jul 22, 202519 min

NPR science podcast dives deep to explore mysteries of the sea

A new limited podcast series "Short Wave: Sea Camp" explores the science of the sea, and how it plays a central role in sustaining life on Earth.Monday on Midday Edition, podcast hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong explain their approach to create stories of science that are both accessible and enriching.Guests:Regina Barber, cohost, Short Wave’s "Sea Camp" seriesEmily Kwong, cohost, Short Wave’s "Sea Camp" series

Jul 21, 20259 min

Performance artists to explore ancestral identity in San Diego festival

What does it mean to honor lineage and connect to ancestral identity, homeland and cultural memory?Four artists will explore those themes and more at a one-day performance art festival called "The Land We Carry," as part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Emerging Artist Fellowship.KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans spoke with the curator and two artist fellows about what it means to "carry the land," and how they use art to heal.Guests:hamsa fae, artist, curator and director, AAPI Emerging Artist FellowshipC. Ryu, artist, AAPI Emerging Artist Fellowshiphaven luya, artist, AAPI Emerging Artist Fellowship

Jul 21, 202522 min

What does losing federal funding mean for KPBS?

Congress last week passed a rescission package put forth by the Trump administration to eliminate about $9 billion in previously allocated funds for public media and foreign aid.That includes $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which essentially cuts all federal support for NPR, PBS, and member stations like KPBS.KPBS General Manager Deanna Mackey joined Midday Edition to discuss how the funding loss may affect this station.Guest:Deanna Martin Mackey, general manager, KPBS

Jul 21, 202514 min

"Whose World, Whose Home:" Local historian dives into San Diego queer Black history

San Diego's Pride Week is well underway. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community in our border region — a history that is well-documented by the Lambda Archives, a local archive space in University Heights.20240819_145708.jpg (3000x4000, AR: 0.75)Local historian T.J. Tallie has spent the past year as the Lambda Archives' first ever community historian-in-residence. He wanted to find out: what was life like for San Diego's Black queer community in the 80's and 90's?On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear from Tallie about what he found, the intersection of Blackness and queerness, and the legacies of Black LGBTQ+ San Diegans today.Then, KPBS' Beth Accomando sits down with filmmaker Ron Najor to talk about his debut narrative feature, "Adjunct" ahead of its premiere in San Diego.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans chats with local author Chris Baron about his latest middle grade book, "Spark" and dives into her arts and culture event picks for the weekend.Guests:T.J. Tallie, community historian-in-residence, Lambda Archives, associate professor of African history, University of San DiegoRon Najor, filmmaker, director of "Adjunct"Chris Baron, author of "Spark"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

Jul 17, 202545 min

What losing health care and mental health services means for LGBTQ+ youth

From nationwide bans on gender-affirming care for minors to the shutdown of a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation is increasingly impacting queer and transgender youth.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about how anti-LGBTQ+ policies are continuing to impact young people and their families in San Diego, including access to health care and mental health services.Also, for Pride week, one program at a local LGBTQ+ theater is giving teenagers a creative means of processing the political moment and channeling it into art.Guests:Kathie Moehlig, executive director and founder, TransFamily Support ServicesLou Felipe, clinical psychologist, associate professor, University of DenverWilfred Paloma, director of education and community engagement, Diversionary TheatreGray Cohen, participant, Teen-Versionary program

Jul 16, 202546 min

How to help your kids build literacy skills this summer

Research shows that during the summer, the average student loses between 17% to 34% of what they learned the previous school year.That trend is even more pronounced for economically disadvantaged students.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we speak with members of two local literacy programs working to combat summer learning loss and promote a love for reading.Guests:Jose Cruz, CEO, San Diego Council on LiteracyDr. Marsha Spitzer, medical director, Reach Out and Read San Diego

Jul 15, 202532 min

"From hardship to spotlight:" Local journalist shares journey in new memoir

Elsa Sevilla wears many different hats — journalist, filmmaker, speaker, business owner. She also hosts the award-winning documentary series, "Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla" that airs on KPBS.Now she's an author. On Midday Edition Thursday, Sevilla talks about her journey to the spotlight in her new memoir, "Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight — A Story of Determination and Rise."Then, theater company Riot Productions is putting on "Gretel: The Musical," which reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm tale. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando gets a preview.And finally, home cook, food content creator and "The Great American Recipe" contestant Waigal Safi talks about the process of competing in a cooking show and highlighting Afghan cuisine.Guests:Elsa Sevilla, journalist, author of "Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight — A Story of Determination and Rise"Waigal Safi, food content creator and contestant on "The Greta American Recipe"Sarah Le Clair, artistic director, Riot ProductionsWilliam BJ Robinson, director and performer, Riot ProductionsJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

Jul 11, 202545 min

Using improv to teach people their rights

As immigration raids continue, it’s become more important than ever to know your rights.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two local theater groups about using improv to help educate the community and the intersection between art, law, activism and community.Guests:Annie Rios, executive director, Uprise Theater and human rights attorney/legal advocateGuillermo Mendez, organizer, Voces Unidas

Jul 9, 202521 min

What Trump's bill means for people going hungry in San Diego

Food support programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are facing cuts as a result of the passage of President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local food support organization on the state of hunger in San Diego County today.Guest:Bob Kamensky, CEO, Feeding San Diego

Jul 9, 202517 min

Can San Diego handle extreme flooding?

Former National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Alex Tardy joined Midday Edition to discuss extreme weather preparedness in San Diego County following the deadly floods that hit Texas.Tardy previously worked as a warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS. He explained how weather forecasts become warnings, and how recent cuts to the National Weather Service could impact the accuracy of forecasts and the response to them.Guest:Alex Tardy, meteorologist and founder of Weather Echo, and retired warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego County

Jul 8, 202520 min

What do CEQA changes mean for housing in San Diego County?

In an effort to spur housing production, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law major changes to the state's environmental protection rules last week.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the reforms made to the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, and how it will likely impact housing production in San Diego County.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

Jul 8, 202515 min

How Trump's megabill could hurt San Diego County's social safety net

Last Friday, President Trump signed into law his new tax and spending bill, which creates new eligibility requirements and drastically reduces funding for social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer on what this consequential bill could mean for the region's most vulnerable residents and how the Board of Supervisors is preparing for the cuts.Guest:Terra Lawson-Remer, District 3 county supervisor, acting chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors

Jul 7, 202514 min

'It was breathtaking:' San Diego student reflects on Jimmy Awards experience

Each year, about 150,000 students from high schools across the country compete in regional competitions for musical theatre. Only 110 of those make it to the prestigious National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards.On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear from one nominee about his Jimmy Awards experience and his musical theatre journey thus far.Snapseed.jpg (6000x4000, AR: 1.5)Then, at the Old Globe, summer means Shakespeare. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews two Shakespeare comedies taking place under the stars.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top event picks in arts and culture this weekend, from an upcoming textile art exhibition to a Fourth of July concert at Rady Shell.Guests:Bruno Dominguez, Jimmy Award nominee, graduate of Coronado School of the ArtsJames Vasquez, director of "The Comedy of Errors"Peter Francis James (PFJ), director of "All's Well That Ends Well"Denja Harris, textile artistJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Jul 3, 202545 min

The challenges of parenting in today's digital age

A new multimedia project from KPBS looks into the challenges that come from parenting in the digital age.ScreenTime looks at evolving research on social media, cyberbullying and video games, to detail its impact on children and provide resources for parents.Guest:Andrew Bracken, producer/host, KPBS

Jul 2, 202516 min

How to prepare for a wildfire

San Diego's wildfire season is growing longer and more dangerous.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we have a conversation with a wildfire researcher on what we can do to better protect our homes, how to be prepared to evacuate with our pets and what should go into a "go bag."Guest:Luca Carmignani, assistant professor, San Diego State UniversityResources:https://readyforwildfire.org/https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

Jul 2, 202516 min

Imperial Beach mayor wins South Bay special election

After a period of intense campaigning, the District 1 special election is finally coming to a close — and the results are in.Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has come out on top, defeating Chula Vista Mayor John McCann in the special election for the county supervisor seat.Midday Edition Wednesday, we sit down with KPBS' South Bay reporter to talk more about this consequential election and what it could mean for the future of San Diego politics.Guest:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS

Jul 2, 202512 min

Men's health awareness and disease prevention

June is Men's Health Month. Life expectancy for men lags five years behind the life expectancy for women in the United States.Even though men face many specific health challenges, there's a lack of awareness and disease prevention early on. Researchers say there's a need for more attention to men's health.On today's show, we discuss how men can better care for their physical and mental health — and fight stigma.Guest:Kevin Maxwell, clinical associate professor of nursing at the University of San Diego

Jun 30, 202512 min

Analysis: Jean Guerrero on ICE raids, SCOTUS ruling, immigration enforcement

The local impacts of President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan are unfolding before our eyes.Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents are targeting anyone who is suspected of being in the country illegally.Over the weekend, a video went viral of a woman being arrested by ICE agents in a Mission Valley hotel parking lot.KPBS has also documented cases of a grandmother, a soccer coach and a disabled asylum seeker caught in the enforcement.On today's show, we sit down with award-winning journalist and former KPBS border reporter Jean Guerrero to get her analysis of recent immigration policies.Guest:Jean Guerrero, investigative journalist and author of "Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda”

Jun 30, 202526 min

How an artist collective connects both sides of the border

Binational artist collective AMBOS Project has been supporting migrant communities in our border region through arts and crafts programs and mutual aid.Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with AMBOS Executive Director Natalie Godinez to talk about how their art is building bridges on both sides of the border.Also, summer blockbuster season is in in full swing! We sit down with our Midday Movies critics to talk about some of the most highly anticipated films, as the first ever summer blockbuster celebrates its 50th birthday.Guests:Natalie Godinez, executive director, AMBOS ProjectBeth Accomando, arts reporter and host of Cinema Junkie podcast, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, host of Moviewallas podcastLinks mentioned in interview:AMBOS Project exhibit on June 27AMBOS Project store

Jun 26, 202534 min

The rise of online sports betting culture and addiction

The Supreme Court lifted a ban on sports betting in 2018. Since then, the industry has boomed, and much of that growth has come from online sports betting.Nearly half of American men under the age of 50 have an account with at least one online sports book.You can hardly watch a game, sports show or listen to a sports podcast today without hearing about overs, unders, props and other topics of sports betting culture.On Midday Edition, we discuss the rise of online sports betting culture and addiction, and the health risks that come with it.Guest:Robert Teel, licensed cynical psychologist in San Diego who focuses on digital addiction and online sports gambling

Jun 25, 202519 min

Why are CA police illegally sharing license plate data with federal agencies?

Under California law, police departments cannot share license plate data with federal authorities and other out-of-state agencies.But, that law has been routinely violated. In 2024, the San Diego Police Department shared data with federal agencies 62 times, according to the department’s annual surveillance report.SDPD stopped sharing data after state Attorney General Rob Bonta's office told the department it was likely violating state law. Meanwhile advocates are voicing their concerns about privacy and surveillance, especially amid President Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Today on Midday Edition, we spoke with two reporters covering this investigation at a local and statewide level.Guests:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSKhari Johnson, technology reporter, CalMatters

Jun 25, 202526 min

How to plan your next staycation in San Diego

Summer is here in San Diego and so are the tourists.With our near perfect weather and beaches, it's no surprise that our city is a big travel destination. But if you live here — it can be easy to take it all for granted.This summer, you might consider taking a staycation instead. From luxury hotels to beautiful campsites, San Diego has plenty of options for you to take a trip right here at home.This hour, we explore how to plan your perfect staycation in San Diego. Whether a hotel bed or sleeping bag is more your style, there's plenty of options out there.Plus, we talk about how to make the most out of traveling with kids.Guests:Jackie Bryant, business development strategist at San Diego MagazineShelby Stanger, host of REI podcast “Wild Ideas Worth Living"Jennifer Kolari, child and family therapist and founder of Connected ParentingJackie Bryant's staycation recommendations:Hotels/ResortsSeabird Resort - Oceanside (kid friendly/adult)Mission Pacific Resort - Oceanside (kid friendly/adult)Gaylord Pacific - Chula VistaAlila Marea Resort - EncinitasInn at Moonlight Beach - EncinitasHarrah’s Resort - Valley CenterLafayette Hotel - North Park (kid friendly)Town and Country Resort - Mission Valley - (kid friendly)Manchester Grand Hyatt - Downtown San Diego (kid friendly)Lazy H Ranch - Valley CenterCatamaran - Mission BayBahia Resort - Mission BayBianchi Pizza and PastaHotel Marisol - Coronado Read more on Jackie Bryant’s Guide to Local Spa and ResortsThe Hotel Del CoronadoRead Jackie Bryant’s Review on the hotel's renovationsNobuRead San Diego Magazine’s look into Coronado’s NobuVerandaRead San Diego Magazine’s look into Coronado’s VerandaFood and DrinkMerenda Wine Bar - https://www.sdcl.org/blogs/post/learn-a-language-with-rosetta-stone/Read Jackie Bryant’s Review on MerendaLittle Fox Cups and Cones - OceansideRead Jackie Bryant’s Review on Little Fox Cups and ConesWrench and Rodent - OceansideRead more in Jackie Bryant’s article on food trends in San Diego

Jun 24, 202546 min

Trump's cuts threaten HIV treatment and research

The Trump administration has cut funding to programs that provide direct aid to communities affected by HIV and AIDS.That includes the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides much of the funding to AIDS relief efforts abroad.Science Magazine Senior Correspondent Jon Cohen reported on how two countries in southern Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, have been impacted by cuts so far, and how community members and health providers are navigating these challenges.San Diego is home to one of the leading HIV vaccine research efforts in the country, the Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, but its funding is now at risk due to the administration's spending cuts. We hear from one researcher about what that could mean for the future of a HIV vaccine.Guests:Jon Cohen, senior correspondent, ScienceDennis Burton, co-lead of the Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, professor, Scripps Research

Jun 23, 202532 min

'Freedom affirmed': the meaning of Juneteenth, now and always

You may know it as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day — or Juneteenth.On this day in 1865, word of liberation finally made its way to Galveston, Texas — where the last people still enslaved under the Confederacy were held.The news didn't come until two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.On today's show, we discuss the history and enduring significance of Juneteenth in 2025.We also get a glimpse into an upcoming celebration of Black joy, culture and freedom at Paddle for Peace's 5th annual Juneteenth barbecue.And, we preview the San Diego Black Artist Collective's annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival — showcasing Black excellence across music, theatre, dance, poetry and visual art.Guests:T.J. Tallie, associate professor of history at the University of San DiegoRisa Bell, executive director and founder of Paddle for PeaceBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJoy Yvonne Jones, president of the San Diego Black Artist CollectiveKelsey O’Daniels, artist and poet

Jun 19, 202547 min

How do romantic relationships affect men's mental health?

Experts say there are several barriers that men face when accessing therapy and other mental health services. That includes stigma and bias — specifically around couples counseling.For Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with two San Diego psychologists about navigating men's issues in couples counseling and how they help men build healthier relationships with their partners.Guests:Dan Singley, psychologist, founder of The Center for Men's ExcellenceMax Maris, psychologist, Center for Men's Excellence

Jun 18, 202523 min

Nobel laureate on how Trump's cuts are hurting science

As the Trump administration continues its effort to cut back on science spending, researchers all over the country are sounding the alarm.Neuroscientist and biologist Ardem Patapoutian is one of those scientists working to raise awareness on the impact of these cuts. In 2021, he and his research partner David Julius earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for discovering how humans sense touch.Patapoutian joined Midday Edition Wednesday to talk about how the Trump administration's spending cuts and policies are impacting him and his lab, and what he sees for the future of science at large.Guest: Ardem Patapoutian, neuroscientist, biologist and professor, Scripps Research, Nobel Prize winnerIMG_6411.jpg (4032x3024, AR: 1.3333333333333333)

Jun 18, 202522 min