KPBS Midday Edition

As the Trump administration continues its effort to cut back on science spending, researchers all over the country are sounding the alarm. Neuroscientist and biologist Ardem Patapoutian is one of those scientists working to raise awareness on the impact of these cuts. In 2021, he and his research partner David Julius earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for discovering how humans sens...

After federal immigration agents raided a busy South Park restaurant in late May, a wide coalition of leaders spoke out — including faith leaders. Religious leaders across the country have vocalized opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. That includes the travel ban announced last week. It bars people from 12 countries from entering the U.S. Still others are working to keep...

Over the weekend, we saw "No King's Day" protests from San Diego to New York City. The demonstrations were part of a nationwide action against President Trump's military parade. In downtown San Diego, 60,000 people marched to protest President Trump's recent policies. Many were motivated by recent immigration raids throughout Southern California. On today's show, we sat down with two local attorne...

A new limited podcast series " Embedded: The Network " tells the story of how a community of women and activists worked to make abortion access easier and safer in Latin America. On Midday Edition Monday, podcast hosts Victoria Estrada and Marta Martínez give us a preview and share why they wanted to tell this particular story. Guests: Victoria Estrada , co-host, "Embedded: The Network" Marta Mart...

When an eldest son is called home after his father's car accident, he finds his family in shambles — and his youngest brother in debt to dangerous criminals. It's the intriguing premise of " King of Ashes ," the latest Southern crime thriller from bestselling author S.A. Cosby. He'll discuss and sign his book at the University of San Diego on Saturday. On Midday Edition, we sit down with the autho...

Scenes of chaos erupted in recent days as immigrant-rights activists clashed with law enforcement following the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Southern California. President Donald Trump has defied state and local officials by ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. We hear from San Diego Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas, who tells Midday Edition that Trump's actions...

As dads get ready for Father's Day this weekend, Midday Edition features a conversation on fatherhood and its connection to humor. Mal Hall is a nationally-recognized stand-up comedian. He's also a father to three kids. Hall shares how his role as a dad has shaped his comedy, and why he doesn't always align with modern parenting approaches. Guest: Mal Hall , comedian

The San Diego County Fair is partnering with the San Diego Humane Society this year to celebrate a ' Summer Pet-tacular ' for the fair's 145th anniversary. The theme is inspired by the connection between humans and pets. The Humane Society will bring adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits to the fair each day. We invited the Humane Society — along with Boy Boy, a Labrador Pit Bull mix — to the Midday Ed...

Immigration raids across the country and in San Diego are inciting fear, uncertainty and outrage in immigrant communities. Some LGBTQ+ groups say that migrants in the U.S. who have sought asylum from persecution due to their sexuality and gender identity could be at heightened risk. On Midday Edition Monday, we talk about the intersectionality of being a LGBTQ+ immigrant and what local LGBTQ+ grou...

All week, NPR is exploring solutions to the climate crisis through the lens of "Rethinking Home" — how our communities can be more resilient to climate change. On Midday Edition, we highlight ongoing efforts to fireproof our homes through the California Wildfire Mitigation Program . We hear from an expert whose home survived both the Station and Eaton fires in Los Angeles. Then, we zoom out to dis...

Over the weekend, the Trump administration deployed the California National Guard to respond to Los Angeles protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Meanwhile, President Trump's new travel ban takes effect today — blocking people from a dozen countries from entering the United States. President Trump says the ban will improve security vetting and prevent terrorist threats. But the...

On Saturday, San Diego’s Little Saigon District is commemorating 50 years of the Vietnamese diaspora journey with a tribute concert. Many of those who fled Vietnam after the war 50 years ago came to San Diego and built the community as we know it today. On Midday Edition Thursday, we sit down with two of the organizers behind the concert to talk about their continued efforts to honor stories from...

Early voting for District 1’s runoff election is now underway. The race will decide who fills the county supervisor seat that represents much of San Diego’s South Bay. The candidates in this summer’s run-off are two South Bay mayors: Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we do a rundown of the race and where the candidates stand on issues...

A California high school graduation requirement for courses that teach about different cultures is now on the chopping block amid state budget cuts. Four years ago, California passed AB 101, which would require high schoolers to take an ethnic studies course before graduation. But the state's latest revised budget does not include funding for ethnic studies. Without funding, districts aren't requi...

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...