KPBS Midday Edition

For decades, China has used giant pandas as a diplomatic tool to build better relations with other countries.

Public libraries are an amazing resource for books, but they also have a lot to offer in terms of services and their physical and digital collections.

Spare Pen presents "Every Day Vanilla," a play about one Filipino American woman's relationship with her hometown. Plus, "Slow Horses" premieres its third season on Apple TV+. And the return of a local adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," plus other weekend arts events.

The Temecula Valley Unified school board is drawing national scrutiny for a slew of controversial policies, including a ban on critical race theory. Plus, how racism can increase Black women's risk of stroke and other health conditions.

The holidays can be a time of celebration with friends and family. But they can also bring about feelings of loneliness and stress, and can be especially challenging for those coping with their mental health or recovering from substance abuse.

We speak with two local retailers about how its going for small businesses this holiday season. Then, we get gift ideas from some of San Diego's independent booksellers.

An original holiday musical returns to the stage for its third year. Plus, a beloved arts center is celebrating its 15th anniversary. And, the top events to check out this weekend.

Kumeyaay Community College is one of three tribal colleges in California. Teaching Kumeyaay history and language is priority for the college. Plus, we follow up on San Diego State's efforts to serve Native students on campus.

On Thursday, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom faced off against Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in a prime-time debate. KPBS Midday Edition discusses the potential impact of the debate on the presidential election.

This weekend arts preview looks at Kitschmas, a festive art installation. And a new memoir explores one unlikely scenario: a Jewish woman working for a Muslim government.

Across the state and country, maternity wards are shutting down. Pregnant women are being compelled to travel further, putting pressure on the maternity units that remain open. The closures are particularly affecting low-income and Latino populations.

In recent years, medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic have become popular tools for weight loss. Meanwhile, the reasons why we eat have changed over the generations. Food has become more accessible and plentiful than in the past, but it may not be healthier.

Andrea Beatriz Arango's debut novel in verse "Iveliz Explains It All" is the 2023 One Book, One San Diego selection for teens.

A recent survey found 5% of middle schoolers and 10% of high schoolers reported using e-cigarettes or vapes in the last 30 days.

Pandemic aid for food assistance ended in February. Rising rates of food and nutrition insecurity show that San Diegans are feeling the impact.

The San Diego City Council rejected San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's Housing Action Package 2.0 last week. We hear from the mayor on the next steps for his housing initiative. Plus, San Diego has started searching for its next police chief.

San Diego International Airport is undergoing a multibillion-dollar transformational renovation project. Where do things stand now and what impact will it have on holiday travel? Then, train tracks in parts of North County will need to move due to coastal erosion.

We preview some arts and culture events to check out ahead of Thanksgiving. Plus, Midday Movies critics discuss the films they’re thankful for.

As we get set to reunite with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday, we get a temperature check on where things stand with COVID-19, as well as other viruses like the flu and mpox.

There are greater efforts to put Indigenous voices at the forefront when it comes to protecting the environment and taking action against a worsening climate crisis.

A beloved music venue is celebrating 15 years. Plus, we revisit an interview with Native American author N. Scott Momaday. And the Coronado Island Film Festival is back.

Advances in artificial intelligence, many coming from California companies, have led to new possibilities for life and work. However, concerns about its potential power persist as tech companies expand its capabilities.

The latest war between Israel and Hamas is entering its second month. We go back over 100 hundred years to explore the historical roots of the ongoing conflict.

How does the Latino community in San Diego celebrate Día de Muertos? Plus, the return of a statewide music festival and a showcase of Asian cinema.

Genome scientist and UC San Diego professor Keolu Fox uses genomic studies to decode Indigenous history, from migratory patterns to disease in these communities.