KPBS Midday Edition

A 16-year-old boy was shot by police in downtown San Diego last January. Konoa Wilson was fleeing gunshots fired at him by another person when an officer fatally shot him, according to his family and a KPBS review of camera footage provided by the San Diego Police Department. This week, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to pay $30 million to Wilson's family. It's considered one of the l...

This past year has been marked by intensified immigration enforcement, as federal agents continue making violent arrests and targeted sweeps across the country. The act of deportation represents one of the most consequential parts of the Trump administration's immigration policy, and is the end goal for these aggressive raids. Monday on Midday Edition, a filmmaker and historian dive into the origi...

Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress say they're concerned that ongoing operations against alleged "narco-terrorist" boats could be unlawful. Last week, two survivors of a Sept. 2 strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat were reportedly killed while clinging to debris in the water. We talk about where the investigation stands and how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is responding. Guest:Andrew D...

Writer and journalist Sam Quinones, known for his reporting on America’s opioid epidemic, turns to a new subject in his book “The Perfect Tuba.” It’s a celebration of the often-overlooked instrument and the musicians and band leaders he met across the country. Plus, with the holidays approaching, arts reporter and KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando shares a perfect gift idea for the cinephile in yo...

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It’s the second-leading cause of cancer-related death for American men, behind lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we invite Jerry McCormick to tell the story of his own diagnosis and his efforts to spread awareness of the disease. Then, we get a medical perspective on pro...

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it will withhold administrative SNAP funding from more than 20 Democratic-led states if they do not provide data on people receiving assistance. It is another threat facing the largest anti-hunger program in the United States. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we talk about what you need to know about these changing eligibility requirements and the state...

Latina writers and readers will gather for the first Latina Authors Book Fair & Showcase at KPBS on Wednesday, Dec. 3.Responding to an industry where Latinas/os represent only 8% of published authors, the event will highlight Latina authors' journeys and encourage others to publish their own. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the co-hosts of the event, authors Elsa Sevilla and Erica Alf...

For 30 years, Chula Vista leaders have sought to bring a new four-year public university to San Diego's South County. Now, that dream is closer to becoming a reality.

December marks the start of flu and COVID-19 season. Experts are worried about low vaccination rates this year. Only about 1 in 5 eligible residents have received their flu shots so far, according to recent data. We discuss what to expect for the upcoming flu and COVID-19 season. Plus, tips for staying healthy beyond vaccines. Guest:Dr. Pia Pannaraj, infectious disease specialist at Rady Children'...

As San Diego's senior population continues to grow, so does the need to care for them. Many seniors are facing challenges from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Often, that responsibility falls to family members. California has over 7 million family caregivers. It's a role that comes with low pay, no sick days, and additional mental stress. On Midday Edition Monday, we have a conversation a...

Last month, 14-year-old Mikey Jimenez was driving in a restaurant parking lot in El Centro when police officers opened fire on the vehicle, killing him. Now, his family is calling for an outside, independent investigation. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we talk more about the ongoing investigation and how Jimenez's death has reverberated in the community. Guest:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Va...

It's that time of year: time to figure out what you're bringing to Thanksgiving dinner. For many of us, that decision can feel overwhelming. If you've been putting that off, we've got you covered with some last-minute Thanksgiving shortcuts — in effort, not flavor. Sam the Cooking Guy joins us to answer audience questions and give us a live, in-studio cooking demonstration. And, if all else fails...

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, and it's an opportunity to give back to community, and spend time with family. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local group using mutual aid to address food insecurity in San Diego. Then, a conversation with a local leadership coach about how to make the most of family time this holiday season. Guests:Nica MaryJane Hermosillo-Vanella, founder a...

November marks National Hip-Hop History Month, and San Diego has a thriving hip-hop community and make its mark on the culture. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a local hip-hop veteran to talk about San Diego's ever-evolving hip-hop scene, his own artistry, and how he continues to shine a light on artists, both up-and-coming and established. Guest:Ric Scales, hip-hop artist, curator, pr...

Every November, we recognize Native American Heritage Month — honoring the history and contributions of Indigenous people in the United States. But for many leaders, honoring this history is a year-long commitment. That includes educating the next generation and teaching the public the truth about the past. We sit down with two Kumeyaay leaders dedicated to preserving the language and spreading aw...

About a dozen police agencies in San Diego County use automated license plate readers. A new KPBS investigation found those agencies are also searching cameras owned by private businesses — with limited oversight. Plus, almost all requests for shelter have failed since San Diego began clearing freeway camps. We talk about problems within the shelter system and why it's so hard to secure a spot. An...

Over the past 30 years, Point Loma Nazarene University professor Dean Nelson has sat down with some of the most prominent writers in the literary world to talk about their craft. He compiles the insights from those conversations into two new books, "Talking to Writers" — one focused on fiction, the other nonfiction. Then, our Midday Movies critics unpack the concept of "tactical frivolity" and dis...

For many parents today, managing kids’ screen time and technology use often feels like a full-time job. Growing evidence shows a correlation between excessive screen use and mental health issues, as families struggle to establish rules and guidelines around technology. We speak with Jean Twenge, a local researcher and author, about "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World."Guest:Jean Twenge...

Don't put away your umbrellas just yet. San Diego County is expecting another rainstorm late Thursday, after heavy rainfall earlier in the week. We break down the forecast. Plus, we take a look into progress being made at this year's United Nations climate conference in Belém, Brazil — also known at COP30. We also unpack why the United States is skipping the conference this year. Guest:Alex Tardy,...

When a police officer is found dead in her home, who investigates? Ciara Estrada's death in 2018 was quickly ruled a suicide by the San Diego Police Department. Investigators — who were her colleagues — made no arrests. No suspects were identified. Her family says there's more to what happened that night. A new KPBS podcast explores Ciara's story. We take a listen to the first episode and sit down...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it would remove the “black box” warning labels on hormone therapy for menopause. These labels, which show up on medication packaging, warn of the risks of heart attack, breast cancer, stroke and blood clots. But the FDA now says these risks are based on outdated science. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear what this could mean for menop...

Earlier this month, the city of San Diego formally recognized the second Sunday of November as "Slow Fashion Day."Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the organizers behind this effort to talk about the role of slow fashion in promoting sustainability, creativity and community. Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with Christopher Ashley, outgoing artistic director at t...

The signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act symbolized a turning point for American democracy. It wasn't until then that discrimination in voting was banned. It meant outlawing policies like literacy tests and poll taxes. It meant racial gerrymandering could be challenged in court. But now, the Supreme Court is questioning whether to keep Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — which prohibits discrimi...

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP in San Diego County received their benefits Friday, after a delay due to the government shutdown. Of the about 400,000 people in the region who use SNAP, nearly one-fourth are older adults. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from two local organizations about the impacts the uncertainty is having on the county's senior community. G...

Scientists at Scripps Research recently launched a new clinical trial that will test if a repurposed GLP-1 drug, tirzepatide, can provide possible relief for long COVID symptoms. Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol to hear more about the trial and the state of long COVID research and treatment today. Guest:Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president, Scripps Research Translation...