KPBS Midday Edition

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...

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...