KPBS Midday Edition

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...

An upcoming film screening highlights personal documentary films that explore family history, memory and connection across generations. On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear from San Diego filmmaker Ari Ali about her film "Ben Between Africa," which explores the life and mysterious death of her uncle. She shares how boxes of family letters found in an attic led her to learn more about her own family...

In today's fast-paced world, and with all that's happening around us, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Feelings of stress and burnout, though common, can also have long-term impacts on our health. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Portia Preston, author of the book "Hustle, Flow, or Let it Go?," about her shame-free and inclusive approach to wellness. Guest:Portia Preston, author, "Hustl...

For private defense attorneys in San Diego and across the country, the ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated their funding situation and left many — specifically those with the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) program — without pay for more than four months. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we dig into how CJA attorneys and other experts are navigating a precarious funding situation and the impacts on...

The results are in: California voters have passed Proposition 50. The measure will allow the state to redraw its congressional districts to open up more seats for Democrats, countering Republican moves in Texas. Reactions are pouring in from California Democrats and Republicans. Some call the effort a partisan campaign, while others say its a step toward preserving democracy. We discuss the detail...

One-third of San Diego households don't earn enough to cover basic needs, like housing food and transportation. For a lot of people, money is a constant source of anxiety — especially during challenging economic times. We sit down with a financial planner to talk about how to stretch your dollar where it counts. Plus, local community leaders outline how they're showing up to nurture, feed, and pro...

The special election for Proposition 50 is underway. If passed, the measure could change several Congressional districts in California, flipping five U.S. House seats from Republican to Democratic control. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we preview the potential impact of Proposition 50 on districts in San Diego and what else voters need to know. Guest: Jake Gotta , social media host and reporter, KPBS...

The federal government shutdown is now in its second month, and may become the longest in history later this week. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear about how it is impacting food aid and public health. Guests:Andrea Caldwell, director of government affairs and advocacy, San Diego Food BankRichard Garfein, PhD, Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, UC San Diego