KPBS Midday Edition

After a multi-year hiatus making documentaries exploring the tough questions in America today, W. Kamau Bell is returning to stand-up for a new comedy tour. You might know Bell for his Emmy-winning CNN show, " United Shades of America ," his docuseries " We Need to Talk About Cosby ," or his HBO documentary " 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed ." On Midday Edition, we talk with W. Kamau Bell ahead of his...

Last year, an investigation by student journalists at University of Southern California (USC) found the university had sold donors' bodies to the Navy, which then sold the cadavers to the Israeli military for medical training use. Many of the bodies provided were first donated to UC San Diego then moved to USC, according to reports from student outlets Annenberg Media and the UCSD Guardian. The AJ...

Experts on extremism say the teenagers who opened fire and killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego were motivated by far-right conspiracies and white supremacist networks. Their manifesto includes hateful rhetoric towards Muslims, Jewish people, Black people, the LGBTQ+ community, and women. They also promoted symbols long associated with white supremacists and Nazis. The shooting i...

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we get the latest details on Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We hear from a leader in the San Diego Muslim American community on how people are feeling one day later. Plus, as police continue to investigate the shooting as a hate crime, we speak with an expert on hate and extremism on the current state of online hate and Islamaophobia. Then,...

Though often hidden from view under the sea, kelp forests are one of the most important and dynamic marine habitats, supporting numerous species of marine life. But kelp forests are also under threat from pollution, overfishing, and warming ocean temperatures. David Helvarg is the author of the new book " Forest of the Sea : The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp." Helvarg joined Midday...

For Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we are sitting down with community leaders and trailblazers who have made their mark on San Diego. For much of her life, JoAnn Fields has been a major advocate for AANHPI communities, working for every level of elected office and pushing for the continued recognition and representation of Filipino Americans in San Die...

Those changes could include adding longer term limits, a new ethics commission, and more. If passed, the charter rewrite would go to public vote in November. Monday on Midday Edition, we look at the dueling proposals between Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Joel Anderson and what the proposed changes could mean for how county government is run. Guest: Lucas Robinson , San Diego County government...

Many tourists might recognize San Diego as America’s Finest City. But what happens when you look past the city’s sunny surface?  The book, “Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See,” offered up another side of San Diego history when its 2005 edition came out — one rooted in resistance and activism. Now, 20 years later, the book has been updated with new interviews and new stori...

As we learn more about how cell phones are impacting kids' health and wellbeing, schools across the country are trying to adapt. More than two-thirds of U.S. states now have some restrictions over cell phone use in public schools. We hear about how efforts are going in San Diego County. Plus, we sit down with an author of a first-of-its-kind study that looked at the effectiveness of cell phone ban...

The San Diego City Council was scheduled to discuss updates to its street improvement plan this week. The city released its original plan two years ago. But cracks in that strategy appeared almost immediately, when residents pointed out concerns about equity and redlining in their neighborhoods. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we look into the changes the city has made since the release of the initia...

It's been nearly three years since the San Diego City Council passed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance , which prohibited tent encampments on public property when shelter beds are available. The law also set rules for how the city can enforce the ban, leading to increased sweeps of homeless encampments. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new analysis from The San Diego Union-Tribune that digs d...

For four decades, the California Surf Museum has served as a portal into the world of surfing — capturing the history, art and culture of the sport. On Midday Edition, we talk to the executive director of the Oceanside museum about how it tells the story of surfing. Plus, a world surfing champion , author and motivational speaker shares lessons from a life of surfing, ahead of his event this week...

Longtime civil rights activist and San Diego icon Harold "Hal" K. Brown passed away last week at the age of 92. Born in York, Pennsylvania, Brown came to San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He was heavily involved in San Diego's Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1950's and 60's. In 1971, he became SDSU's first Black administrator, later founding what became th...

Passengers of a cruise ship struck by an outbreak of hantavirus have been flown home. Nine cases have been reported from the outbreak, including three deaths. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local medical expert to learn more about hantavirus, how it differs from coronavirus, and why he feels the public health risk remains low. Guest: Dr. Stephen Munday , epidemiologist, Sharp Healthcare

Every Wednesday for six weeks at a time, adult musicians gather at the Coronado Community Center to practice their instruments. They call themselves the Coronado Terrible Orchestra. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about how the orchestra has provided a space for its members to celebrate the joys of music, and help them to play without judgment. Then, KPBS arts rep...

The 2026 Point-in-Time Count found a slight decline in homelessness in San Diego County, including an 11% drop in street homelessness. But the number of homeless seniors is growing. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two leaders of local nonprofits addressing homelessness about what's working and the challenges that lie ahead. Then, we sit down with representatives from a local group spread...

National Public Radio correspondent Kirk Siegler covers how climate change is impacting the American West. Siegler has covered California wildfires, water scarcity and the financial challenges facing America's farmers. On Midday Edition Tuesday, Siegler shares how his experience growing up in Montana has shaped his reporting and more specifically on how he reports on climate change. Guest : Kirk S...

San Diego voters could decide to raise the sales tax by a half cent this November. The measure would generate funding to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, to make healthcare and childcare more affordable and for wildfire prevention. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down the proposed measure and how it would fit into other efforts to address the sewage crisis. Guest: Tammy Murga , environ...

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult — especially when navigating trauma and loss. But, how can the emotional aftermath affect those closest to you? The documentary short, "Hope… In the Aftermath of War," which will have its world premiere at the 11th annual GI Film Festival. It looks at one veteran's struggles with trauma and addiction and how her familial rela...

Racial bias in healthcare surrounds us everyday, from misdiagnosis and pain mismanagement to pediatric care. That bias is also embedded in our mental healthcare system, leaving Black patients without essential resources. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of "The Cost of Healing in Silence: Navigating Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care" about the emotional cos...

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court voted last week to weaken the federal enforcement of the Voting Rights Act in the landmark case, Louisiana v. Callais . The court found that Louisiana's congressional map was an "unconstitutional racial gerrymander" because it included two majority-Black districts. On Midday Edition, we explore what this ruling means for voter representation in the U.S. We a...

Growing up in San Diego, Allison Adams Tucker started singing before she could speak. Over the years, she's done it all: pop, folk, gospel, punk and jazz — a genre she sings in six languages. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Tucker ahead of her International Jazz Day performance at Dizzy's Jazz in San Diego to talk about her musical journey. Then, our Midday Movies critics highlight films...

A new study found a decline in suicide deaths among young adults since the launch of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We talk about the crisis line and the study. Then, we hear about how cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs are having worldwide impacts. Plus, ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects 1 in 9 children in the U.S., but it often goes undia...

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, there have been many debates over the use of the term genocide in describing Israeli military actions in Gaza. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we weigh that question with historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov, who is in San Diego to discuss his latest book, "Israel: What Went Wrong." Then, it’s been over six months since a ceasefire went into effec...

April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to recognize and celebrate what it means to live with autism. It's an experience that looks a little different for everyone. On KPBS Midday Edition, we highlight local groups creating space and sharing resources in San Diego. We hear from people with the Autism Society San Diego and Revision , an inclusive art space in Hillcrest and La Mesa. Plus, an excer...