KPBS Midday Edition

In recent years, San Diego County jails have seen a sharp increase in overdose deaths. One recovery program in the Vista jail is trying to change that through medication-assisted treatment . More jails are embracing the approach amid the growing fentanyl crisis. We discuss the medication-assisted treatment program and what it could mean for drug rehabilitation in San Diego jails. Guest: Kelly Davi...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidelines for childhood vaccines last week. That advice, however, runs counter to recommendations from California and San Diego County public health officials .  On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local infectious disease expert on the CDC's changes, and why guidance remains unchanged for families in San Diego County...

Under a new state law, a statewide board has designated 31 California colleges as Black-Serving Institutions. Two San Diego community colleges made the list — San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College. On Midday Edition, we sit down with the presidents of the two colleges to talk about what the designation means and how they're serving Black students in San Diego. Guests: Ashanti Hands , p...

“Chaotic, dusty, loud—and perfect.” That’s how writer Mariano Velez describes life in Calexico in his short story collection, “Mostly Made-Up Stories from a Small Town Nobody,” based on his own upbringing in the region during the 1970s and 1980s. Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from Velez about the inspiration behind the book. Then, KPBS' Beth Accomando sits down with comics curator Caitlin Mc...

The city of San Diego is suing the federal government over their construction of wire fencing on city-owned land in Marron Valley, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The lawsuit accuses federal agencies of trespassing and causing environmental damage on protected land.  "They are taking city property without telling us, without paying for it, without even communicating about it," said San Diego Cit...

Five years ago, insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol. Four died during the attack, including Ashli Babbitt from San Diego. In the days and weeks that followed, five police officers died — some by suicide.  Today House Democrats held a special hearing to observe what happened that day. They called for accountability and accused President Donald Trump and his supporters of attempting to "w...

For people who live and work near the Tijuana River, raw sewage-turned-airborne pollution is a facet of daily life. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new reporting series from inewsource diving into the impact of the sewage crisis on more than 100 community members. Plus, what could Medi-Cal cuts mean for the San Diego healthcare system? We dig into the possible impacts . Guests: Philip S...

With the new year comes new resolutions, from self-care and beauty to exercise — all of which feed into this broader idea of wellness. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local yoga instructor and the founder of the Block Club to talk about their respective approaches to achieving wellness and how they are starting those conversations in the community. Guests: Sally Morgan , yoga instructor,...

Democratic Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., joined Midday Edition on Monday to discuss why he objects to recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, and what role he sees for Congress going forward. Guest: Rep. Scott Peters , D-Calif., 50th District

On the last day of 2025, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations from the show this year. In this second episode of Midday Wrapped, KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon is joined by KPBS Roundtable host and Midday Edition producer Andrew Bracken to talk about a few of their favorite segments from the year. Guests: Andrew Bracken , Midday Edition producer and Roundtable host...

As 2025 comes to a close, the Midday Edition team is reflecting on some of our favorite conversations from the year — and we're splitting it into two parts. In this first episode of Midday Wrapped, producers Julianna Domingo and Ashley Rusch take listeners behind the scenes and share some of their favorite segments from 2025.Guests:Julianna Domingo, Midday Edition producer, KPBSAshley Rusch, Midda...

For the past five years, crews have been dismantling the San Onofre Nuclear Plant — which was shut down in 2013. The plant is easily recognizable by its iconic twin domes along Interstate 5. But now, the domes' days are numbered, as crews prep to remove them. We discuss the decommissioning effort and what this all means for the San Diego County landmark. Guest: Alexander Nguyen , multimedia produc...

Slop. Rage bait. Gerrymandering. Aura farming. Those are just some of the top words of 2025, according to Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary . Every December, these dictionaries release lists of the top words that defined the year. In 2025, terms related to technology and artificial intelligence took center stage. On Midday Edition, we talk with word expert Martha Barnette about the...

The Kumeyaay creation story is the subject of a new piece of sculpture art on San Diego State University's Imperial Valley campus. The piece is part of the university's "Living Land Acknowledgement" series, which brings the words of the Kumeyaay land acknowledgement to life through art. Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from the artist behind the piece. Then, roll out the red carpet! Filmmakers...

The holiday season is in full swing, and it's a time when everyone is expected to be jolly and celebrate. But some people may not feel that way. Maybe you are stressed, depressed or just thin on patience. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local therapist about navigating all the stress that can come with the season. Guest:Jacob Sadan, associate marriage and family therapist, Sharp Mesa V...

Last spring, California voters narrowly passed Proposition 1 to reform behavioral health care across the state. It calls for a $6.4 billion bond to fund behavioral health beds and housing, and hands more money to the state to focus on treating serious mental illnesses and addiction. Now, county officials say they've been forced to cancel 21 contracts with agencies that provide preventative service...

Last week, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a $3.5 million increase to the sheriff's budget to phase out triple bed bunks. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the latest reporting on conditions in San Diego County jails and in-custody deaths across the region. Then, a new book explores the role coroners, death investigators and state institutions have played in covering up t...

The media landscape in San Diego is changing. As broadcast giants Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group purchase American media outlets, conservative ownership is taking over local television in San Diego. Sinclair Broadcast Group is now bidding to buy E.W. Scripps, which owns 10News — San Diego's ABC affiliate. On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications of local news consolidation...

Since Donald Trump's reelection, hundreds of scholars have warned that the United States is sliding from a democracy toward some form of authoritarianism. Experts point to the erosion of democratic values, from civil liberties to free and fair elections. This is not the first time the United States has confronted authoritarianism on its own soil. Scholars argue that it is rooted in the racist poli...

At least 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia when two gunmen opened fire Sunday. In the wake of the attack, San Diego law enforcement are ramping up security measures at Hanukkah events and places of worship. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local rabbi on how the recent attack in Australia is impacting him and his congregation. Guest:Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, di...

Documentaries expose us to slices of history that may be overlooked by traditional media. Jordan Peele's new "High Horse: The Black Cowboy" docuseries explores the real history of Black cowboys in the American West. We talk about the significance of the series and defining influence of Black cowboys and cowgirls — from the rodeo to fashion and music. We also hear from one of the "Compton Cowboys"...

Every student has unique learning needs, and meeting those needs is key to success. That's especially true for students who receive special education services. In the San Diego Unified School District, 1 in 5 students use those services — one of the highest rates in California. This week, district leaders announced plans to address "systemic issues" in the district's special education program. Tha...

It's the holiday season, which is primetime for scam artists — especially those who target the elderly. San Diego County's Elder Justice Task Force found that over a one-year period, seniors in the county were scammed out of more than $130 million. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan talk about her office's efforts to curb these scams and...

The holiday season often means extra spending on gifts and travel. But amid rising costs, inflation and a weakening labor market, the financial stress can be a lot. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we zoom out and check in on the state of San Diego's economy. We discuss affordability, consumer spending during the holidays, health care costs and more. Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Re...

‘Tis the season for last-minute holiday shopping. For some of us, that means anxiously tracking online orders or rushing through department stores. But, this year, you might consider shopping local. It's a great way to support San Diego's vivid food, art and culture scenes. We talk about the KPBS gift guide filled with 31 local gift ideas showcasing the very best of San Diego. Plus, a third genera...