KPBS Midday Edition

The government has shutdown after Senate Republicans failed to reach an agreement on federal funding. Around 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed. Many offices will be shuttered. In San Diego, tens of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay, according to figures from Democrats on the House Budget Committee. We talk about how the impacts of the...

Nearly 40,000 children are in foster care in California. Many have experienced immense challenges in their young lives. For some, that includes abuse and neglect. Giving foster youth a consistent voice to support them and help them manage the foster care system can make a big difference in their lives. On Midday Edition Tuesday, members of the nonprofit Voices for Children talks about its CASA vol...

As extremist groups become part of the political mainstream, conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric fuel vitriol and distrust. A new series of documentary shorts out of USA Today looks into why those fringe movements have gained traction. The first episode is all about "the manosphere." It's a growing community united by male-supremacist ideologies amid record high levels of depression and suici...

San Diego County is suing two of its own jail healthcare providers following the violent killing of Brandon Yates inside the San Diego Central Jail. The lawsuit alleges that the man who killed Yates did not receive adequate mental health care from psychiatric staff. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear the latest on the county's claims. Guest: Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, San Diego Union-Tri...

This week on KPBS Midday Edition, we shine the spotlight on Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting local theater group Teatro Las Hermanas. We explore how they use theater, visual art and comic book illustrations to put together productions with a focus on social justice. Then, the San Diego Italian Film Festival is back for its 19th year and kicks off on Oct. 1. We sat with our Midday Movies film...

U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is in the midst of an unprecedented hiring binge, with a goal of hiring 10,000 agents by the end of the year. In a two part series, KPBS reporters look into how ICE recruiting efforts are using white nationalist messages and imagery and relying on veterans to fill job openings. We discuss the details. Also, more immigrants are being placed in isolatio...

Each year, NPR puts on its annual Student Podcast Challenge where thousands of young people across the country transform their ideas and stories into audio. Among the middle school finalists were two students from High Tech Middle Media Arts in Point Loma, who produced a podcast about growing up in a multiracial, multiethnic family and embracing cultural ties. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear...

How walkable is your neighborhood? When it comes to walkability, locals have shared a range of experiences depending where they live. But what does it mean to live in a truly walkable city? Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig into what walkability looks like in San Diego and what is being done from a policy and community standpoint to address it. Guests:Bruce Appleyard, associate professor of City P...

San Diego's unemployment rate decreased slightly to 5% in August, yet still hovers near a four-year high. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we check in with a local economist on the latest unemployment numbers. We also dig into why the Federal Reserve decided to lower interest rates, and how ongoing uncertainty around economic policy continues. Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Regional Po...

Free speech is dominating the headlines these days. Last week, ABC announced it would indefinitely suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from broadcasting after he commented on Charlie Kirk's killing. On Monday, Disney and ABC announced the comedian will return to the schedule starting Tuesday night. The news comes as President Donald Trump has reached settlements with ABC and CBS over coverage. An...

On Thursday's Midday Edition, we dive into all the arts and culture happenings across the region in your weekend preview — from an upcoming jazz concert in La Jolla, to a sneak peek of what San Diego Design Week has to offer this year. Plus, Diversionary Theatre kicks off its inaugural season with a one-woman glam rock show, "MANIFEST P*SSY," from performer and writer, Shakina. KPBS arts reporter...

Artificial intelligence is becoming more commonly used in health care settings, from routine medical scans to virtual patient assistance. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sat down with one San Diego public health expert who was recently awarded a Fulbright grant to investigate how AI is used in public health. Guests:Susan Kiene, professor of global health, San Diego State University

The 2025 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, wrapped up earlier this month. On Wednesday's Midday Edition, we heard from two San Diego athletes who competed in the U.S. Open about their experiences and journeys through the sport. Guests: Alyssa Ahn, tennis player, Stanford UniversityDavid Wagner, wheelchair tennis player, three-time U.S. Open Single'...

Nearly two years after floods devastated San Diego neighborhoods and displaced at least 1,000 people, the legal fallout continues between the city and its residents. More than 1,500 people are suing the city, alleging it failed to maintain storm channels. And the city has now filed more than 20 cross-complaints against residents, businesses and flood victims. On Midday Edition, we discuss where th...

In new her new novel, "A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez," San Diego author María Dolores Águila writes about community efforts to combat segregation of Mexican-American students in Depression-era Lemon Grove. Midday Edition on Tuesday explores more about the Lemon Grove Incident, Águila's writing process, as well as her reaction to the book being selected for the longlist of th...

Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.This year marks the 215th anniversary of that day — now celebrated widely as Mexican Independence Day. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made history this year as the first woman to lead Mexico's "El Grito," also known as the "Cry of Independence."Midday Edition discusses the enduring meaning of...

The San Diego City Council approved new parking fees for Balboa Park on Monday. The plan for Balboa Park is the latest effort by city leaders to increase parking revenue across San Diego. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear how much drivers will pay, what resident discounts look like, and what the changes mean for the city's budget challenges. Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

The killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah last week has shocked the nation. While authorities are still trying to determine motive, leaders across the political spectrum are taking hard stances on how to respond. On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications for our democracy moving forward. Plus, we look into how journalism can play a role in amplifying extremism — loc...

A new exhibit, "Clothes Story" highlights the stories of African American women over a period of nearly 80 years, with a focus on the interconnection between fashion, identity and history. Plus, FilAm Creator Con returns for its second year, showcasing artists, workshops and performances that highlight Filipino American voices in the arts. Lastly, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans tells us abou...

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to expand the authority of the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, also known as CLERB.The now-approved measure allows CLERB to investigate jail health care workers and contractors in cases of in-custody deaths. Live on KPBS Midday Edition, we breakdown what that means for law enforcement accountability. Then on Midday Edition, fewer and...

New research from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is raising questions about the response to toxic air and water from the Salton Sea, and for the communities who live near it. The research highlights gaps in how pollution is measured and addressed, and how it is impacting the health of residents around the Salton Sea. Guest:Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor, Department...

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal immigration agents could resume aggressive street sweeps or "roving patrols" in Los Angeles. That means, for now, immigration officials are no longer restricted from stopping and detaining people based on factors like race, accent, employment and location. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig deeper into what this ruling could mean for immigration enforc...

We sit down with the authors of the children, teen and adult selections for 2025 One Book, One San Diego.

What would it take for one to venture into hell? Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul. Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia....

For over 50 years, KSDS Jazz 88 has brought jazz music to music fans across the San Diego region and beyond. But that mission is facing new challenges as federal funding cuts hit public radio stations across the country, including at Jazz 88.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we spoke with KSDS' station manager Ken Poston on what makes the San Diego's jazz scene unique, and why preserving jazz music is...