KPBS Midday Edition

In 2021, new rules allowing college athletes to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness have transformed college sports. But many in college athletics are anxiously waiting for a finalized legal settlement to clarify NIL rules for colleges and their athletes. Guest: Kimya Massey , executive director of athletics, University of San Diego

As the Trump administration rolls out policy after policy, world renowned academics are sounding the alarm. From science to economics, experts are concerned for the future of their disciplines. One local expert argues that America is losing its ability to innovate. And, that China will reap the benefits. Guest: David Victor , professor of innovation and public policy at UC San Diego's School of Gl...

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday made multiple arrests at Buona Forchetta, a popular Italian restaurant in San Diego's South Park neighborhood. During a press conference Monday morning, Congressional representatives and other local leaders criticized the raid and expressed their support for the affected workers, highlighting the impact on the San Diego community. Monday on...

A new comedy at the Old Globe, "One of the Good Ones," takes audiences into the home of one Latino family where a showdown is set to ensue. Yoli is seen as the perfect Latina daughter. But when she brings her boyfriend home for the first time, generational and cultural differences collide. This is veteran comedy writer Gloria Calderón Kellett's first full-length play. She is best known for her Net...

After years of rising overdose deaths led by opioids like fentanyl, the U.S. saw its steepest drop in overdose deaths ever in 2024. Here in San Diego County, drug overdose deaths declined by nearly 28% in 2024 compared to 2023, with opioid-related deaths dropping by almost 35%, according to county officials. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear about what public health strategies have worked to lo...

Is social media making kids depressed? It is a question many parents and researchers have been asking in recent years. A new study has found a connection between social media use and an increase in depressive symptoms in children. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear more about the study's findings, as well as the impact cyberbullying has on youth mental health. Guest: Dr. Jason Nagata , researche...

Our celebration and exploration of AAPI Heritage Month takes us to San Diego’s Chinese community, which has a long history tracing back to the 1850s. In fact, San Diego once had a thriving Chinatown that was eight blocks long. That area is now known as the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, which is located in downtown San Diego and overlaps with the Gaslamp Quarter. CCBA.jpg (3000x2832, AR...

As San Diego marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we're highlighting arts organizations and artists who are amplifying AAPI stories and voices throughout the region. Curator Carmela Prudencio has put together many arts spaces, exhibits and films to celebrate AAPI heritage and identity in San Diego. Midday Edition Tuesday, we talk about her work with Pacific Arts Movemen...

Many dance organizations in San Diego are feeling the pressure from funding cuts and other changes to the arts landscape. On Midday Edition on Thursday, we hear from two leaders in the local dance community who are navigating these challenges, and what it could all mean for San Diego’s dance scene. Plus, Oceanside Theatre Company is putting on its production of "Latin History for Morons." Original...

For many women, menopause — in all of its phases — draws a big question mark. While most women will experience this phase of life, it can be a challenge getting answers to questions and finding appropriate care. Right now, state lawmakers are pushing legislation to make menopause care more accessible. And, to spread awareness about the transition. We sit down with a panel of local physicians to di...

The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the Trump administration to ban transgender troops from serving in the military. The administration has now set a deadline for trans active duty personnel to “ separate voluntarily .” That date is set for early next month. Following the deadline, trans troops are expected to be forcibly removed, and the ban on future enlistments is also expected to ta...

The results from the annual Point-in-Time Count are in. The count, conducted in January, is census of how many people are experiencing homelessness in our region in a single day. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down the results, where progress is being made and some of the biggest takeaways. Guest: Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness

Here on Midday Edition, there's a few local experts that we consider regulars on our show. One of them, without a doubt, is Dr. Eric Topol. He’s given us real, practical information about COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. Now, Dr. Topol is out with a new book. It’s called “Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.” We discuss the book and hear his advice on how to expand l...

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating San Diego County juvenile halls for alleged civil rights abuses. The county has two of those facilities: the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in Otay Mesa and the Youth Transition Campus in Kearny Mesa. Reporting in The San Diego Union-Tribune has highlighted longstanding problems within the facilities. We discuss the investigation with a...

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced it will terminate Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, effective July 12. It's putting thousands of evacuated Afghans at risk of being deported back to their motherland, which is still under Taliban rule. One of the leading organizations that helped during the withdrawal from Afghanistan has ties to San Diego. On Midday Edition, we...

The rich and vibrant history of Filipino food culture in San Diego, and the community that has shaped it, are the subjects of a new exhibit, “Taste San Diego: Filipino Culinary Journeys.” Then, the San Diego International Fringe Festival kicks off with 45 shows from local, national and international artists. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews one show from an Australian comedian and storyt...

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk to Paul Parker about his memoir, "In the Shadows of Death: Writing Life’s Final Chapter." It dives into his career in death investigation and reveals Parker’s journey through alcohol addiction and depression. Plus, we speak to psychotherapist Ben Yalom about his new book “Hour of the Heart: Connecting in the Here and Now.” It digs into vulnerability from therap...

Local author Mac Crane's latest book, "A Sharp Endless Need," is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story about the competitive world of high school girls' basketball. It follows Mackenzie Morris, a star high school point guard with dozens of Division I college recruitment offers, as they contend with a blossoming first love and a world turned upside down. Tuesday on Midday Edition, Crane sat down with KPBS...

We’re diving deeper into the rich history of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in San Diego as the region marks AAPI Heritage Month. Many of the first Japanese immigrants coming into San Diego and Imperial Counties were railroad workers, farmers and fishermen.  But the incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II had a widespread impact on many famil...

No matter your age or ability, sports can be for everyone. Whether it's Olympic skateboarding or walking soccer, you won't have trouble finding something your speed in San Diego. On Midday Edition, we highlight several local programs building accessibility, inclusion and connection through sports. We also discuss how sports fuel social change and connect communities across a variety of socioeconom...

For the past 10 years, the GI Film Festival has highlighted movies for, by and about active duty service members and veterans. The narrative short “Doldrums" is among the films having its San Diego premiere Friday. It follows a Vietnam War veteran haunted by memories of the soldiers he led and the Viet Cong medic who saved his life. "Doldrums" will be screened at 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Photogr...

Ahead of Mother’s Day, we're bringing attention to challenges faced by Black mothers in the workplace — from inadequate paid maternity leave to lactation barriers. We discuss a new report from the San Diego Black Worker Center outlining those challenges and possible solutions. Then, we sit down with a local therapist to discuss strategies for coping with grief and loss on Mother's Day. Plus, how t...

Hundreds of political scientists in the United States think the country is moving from democracy toward authoritarianism , according to the Bright Line Watch survey. Respondents looked at indicators such as interference with the press and the punishment of political opponents, among other factors. On Midday Edition, we've gathered a panel of local political experts to assess the state of our democ...

President Trump recently completed his first 100 days in office for his second term. His administration has spend that time upending many pillars of government and society and the impacts are now being felt here in San Diego. Some argue the root of Trump's actions is planted in a policy blueprint called Project 2025. A new reporting series from KPBS looks into how Project 2025 is changing policy a...

Paul Downey started working with the San Diego nonprofit Serving Seniors as a reluctant volunteer. Thirty years later, he is retiring from his position as its president and CEO. Downey sat down with KPBS Midday Edition producer Andrew Bracken to talk about his work and how he's seen the needs of vulnerable, at-risk seniors change over time. Guest: Paul Downey, retiring president and CEO, Serving S...