KPBS Midday Edition

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters is refusing a request from the Department of Justice to hand over private information on 1,709 voters. County officials have threatened their own legal action in response.

The DOJ made the demand Friday and also ordered the county to set aside the ballots of those voters until their citizenship status can be verified. The letter threatened "legal consequences" if the demands were not met.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear more about the ongoing dispute between the registrar and the Department of Justice over voter information, and what it means for the 2026 midterm election.

Guest:

Jake Kincaid, federal impact reporter, inewsource

Keep Reading:

Civil rights icon, feminist and labor leader Dolores Huerta passed away Wednesday morning at her home in Bakersfield. She was 96.

In the late 1960s, Huerta co-founded the United Farmworkers Union. She led the historic Delano Grape Strike and Boycott, which won higher wages and working conditions for farmworkers.

In the decades after, she continued fighting for social justice, civil rights and fair labor practices across the country.

As we look back on Huerta's life and legacy, we revisit a May 2024 conversation with her about how she first found her voice as a young activist, and her words for future labor leaders.

Guest:

Links:

Dolores Huerta Foundation

In the run up to the 2026 midterm election, KPBS Midday Edition has been hosting candidate forums for key races.

But we've found that some candidates have declined, or not responded to, our invitations.

But we're not alone. An ABC News analysis found that fewer candidates have been participating in debates over the last several elections.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss some of the potential factors driving that trend. And, what they say about politicians' relationship to the media— and the public.

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On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot, and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations.

National City is among the cities in San Diego County choosing a new mayor in the 2026 midterm election.

We hear from two of the mayoral candidates about their thoughts on National City's budget deficit, housing policy, bayfront development and more.

Guests:

Links:

KPBS Voter Hub

Vote center locations- County of San Diego

A new novel for young readers takes its own spin on a classic Shakespearean love story.

In the book, "Rowan and Gemma," two neurodivergent tweens meet on the first day of school and quickly become friends. Gemma, who is nonverbal, uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to speak.

Rowan and Gemma's connection, however, is threatened by a growing family feud in their small town, forcing them to keep their friendship a secret.

We sit down with the author to hear about why "Romeo and Juliet" was the perfect backdrop for her story and how she wanted to convey the power of words.

Then, art and noise music collective Stay Strange San Diego is putting on its annual Cemetery Creep bike ride. KPBS' Beth Accomando goes down to Mount Hope Cemetery where the bike ride will make its final stop.

And finally, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered with picks ranging from a haunted art exhibit to live music.

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On Midday Edition, we are continuing to break down local races and measures on San Diego County voters' ballots.

Two of those races include seats for District 5 county supervisor and California State Senate District 40.

We hear more about the candidates in those races.

Guest:

Links:

KPBS Voter Hub

On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations.

One of those races is to represent District 2 on the San Diego City Council. District 2 stretches from Point Loma to Clairemont.

We hear from the two candidates about their thoughts on housing, homelessness and the city budget.

Guests:

On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations.

One of those races is to represent District 4 on the San Diego City Council. District 4 encompasses southeastern San Diego and includes the neighborhoods of Encanto, Paradise Hills, Emerald Hills, Chollas View, Mountain View and more.

We hear from the two candidates about their thoughts on housing policy, economic disinvestment, infrastructure and what their hopes are for the district.

Guests:

Links:

KPBS Voter Hub

What happens when Native American identity is commodified, and when people claim an ancestry that is not their own?

The book "Who Gets to Be Indian?" explores some of those questions by looking into ethnic fraud, tribal disenrollment and cultural appropriation.

Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of "Who Gets to Be Indian?" ahead of a local screening of the film "You're No Indian." The film explores the impact of disenrollment on Indigenous peoples.

Guest:

Dina Gilio-Whitaker, author, "Who Gets to Be Indian?"

Federal officials announced charges on Monday against 28 people in California who they say illegally registered and voted in federal elections, including four people in San Diego County.

The announcement comes days after the Trump administration sued California over claims of noncitizens voting.

On Midday Edition Monday, we hear the latest on the federal investigation into California's voting rolls, how rare voter fraud is, and what it all means for the coming election.

Guest:

Jake Kincaid, investigative reporter, inewsource

Keep reading:

Proposition 40 is also known as the billionaire tax.

It would establish a one-time, five percent sales tax on California's billionaires, to redirect money towards healthcare funding.

Proposition 40 has divided California voters and Democratic leaders. There are also two countermeasures on the ballot — Proposition 41 and 42 — which would cancel out Proposition 40, even if it passes.

On Midday Edition Monday, we break down what you need to know about Proposition 40 and the arguments on either side of the campaign.

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The U.S. Senate passed a bill to reshape rules for college athletes late last month. The Protect College Sports Act aims to tighten rules around eligibility and transferring, and formalize compensation for college athletes.

The effort marks a major effort at the federal level to regulate how college athletes are paid, both by universities and also through name, image and likeness deals.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from a sports law expert on the details of the bill, where it goes from here, and what it means for the future of college sports.

Guest:

Len Simon, attorney, sports law expert

Fifty years ago, psychologist Robert Guthrie first wrote the book, "Even the Rat was White."

It provided a nuanced, historical record of psychology, looked at the role that white supremacist bias played in the field and highlighted the critical work of Black psychologists.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we look at the legacy of the book.

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California's UC system has grown from a single campus in Berkeley, founded in 1868, to a 10-campus system featuring some of the leading research institutions in the world. The UC system is now the second-leading employer in California.

A new book explores the rise of the UC system, and how its history connects to the state's own growth and ascension. "California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California" highlights not only the history of the UC system, but also its successes and failures in its mission to make academic excellence accessible to more Californians.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with the book's author Miriam Pawel about the UC system, the founding of UC San Diego, and some of the current challenges facing universities today.

Guest:

Event:

Miriam Pawel: California Dreams with Maria Anguiano at Warwick's, Tuesday October 13, 7:30 p.m.

A mumps outbreak on the campus of San Diego State University has risen to 18 confirmed cases, with another case identifed as probable. Meanwhile, health officials in Pennsylvania have reported the sixth measles death from an outbreak there.

What do recent outbreaks of the measles and mumps tell us about the state of immunity and protection?

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with an infectious disease expert to explain more about how these diseases spread, and how immunity works to protect us.

Guest:

Dr. Francesca Torriani, infectious disease expert; medical director, Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology, UC San Diego

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay on Thursday afternoon after more than 10 months of deployment.

Previous reporting revealed shortages of food and personal hygiene products aboard the ship, along with at least eight suicide attempts.

On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the significance of the homecoming and what we've learned about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Then, a new KPBS investigation looks into soaring temperatures inside Donovan state prison. And, how frequent lockdowns inside the facility make it more challenging to cope with the heat.

Plus, KPBS listeners may have noticed a new voice greeting them for morning newscasts. We sit down with Katie Anastas, who recently stepped into the KPBS Morning Edition anchor role.

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Keep reading:

A new book, "American Pope: Leo XIV's Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City," traces the life journey of Robert Prevost, from his humble beginnings on the south side of Chicago, to becoming the leader of the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.

The book's authors, Scott Detrow and Daniel Burke of NPR, joined Midday Edition to talk about what they learned about Pope Leo XIV through researching his experiences growing up Catholic in working-class Chicago and his hands-on approach to faith and service.

Then, we sit down with Chicano Park muralist and co-founder, Salvador Roberto Torres, as part of our series highlighting local trailblazers for Hispanic Heritage Month.

And finally, action star Dolph Lundgren is the subject of the documentary, "Dolph Unbreakable." KPBS' Beth Accomando speaks with Lundgren as he reflects on his life and career.

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On today's Ballot Breakdown, KPBS Midday Edition talks about San Diego County's Measure B.

The half-cent sales tax increase would generate funding for everything from healthcare, to addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis. We talk about the arguments for and against the measure, and where funding would be allocated.

You can find more voting resources on the KPBS Voter Hub.

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In a campaign rally Monday in Nebraska, President Donald Trump remarked that Iran can "take out" San Diego and Los Angeles — a suggestion that elected officials and political experts across California have since denounced.

"It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said at the rally. "They can take out a city, let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay."

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from Rep. Scott Peters and political science professor Thad Kousser about their reactions to the president's comments and the broader implications, amid the ongoing Iran war.

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As San Diego continues to experience an October heat wave, the region is also preparing for the potential arrival of major storms driven by historically strong El Niño conditions.

On Midday Tuesday, we sit down with emergency officials from the city and county of San Diego to talk about what San Diegans need to know to prepare for stormy weather this winter.

Guests:

Resources:

County of San Diego storm preparedness resources

List of San Diego sandbag locations

Get it Done app

211- El Niño winter storm season

The ballots are out. It's officially election season.

This month on KPBS Midday Edition, we're helping you cut through the noise to better understand the top measures and races affecting your community. You can find more voting resources on the KPBS Voter Hub.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down Measure A — a package of county charter reforms that includes expanding term limits for supervisors, creating an ethics commission and more.

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The U.S. healthcare system has a lot of problems.

Soaring insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs are pushing more Americans into medical debt.

Many patients wait months for important appointments. Physician burnout has also reached new highs in recent years.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with a local author to talk about his new book, "Treating a Broken System," which explores the link between physician burnout and doctor-patient communication.

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The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival kicks off Thursday evening. For the past three years, it has featured renowned jazz artists performing in free concerts on both sides of the border.

We hear from the festival's founders about how they are continuing to celebrate jazz music and history from across the region.

Then, Angelika Film Center Carmel Mountain is hosting its annual film series dedicated to renowned director Alfred Hitchcock. Our Midday Movies critics discuss their love for the master of suspense.

And, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered in her weekend arts preview.

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For nearly 60 years, San Diego's Centro Cultural de la Raza has served as a hub for Chicano, Mexican, Latino and Indigenous art and culture.

Ana Hernández stepped into the role of executive director in 2024. But her commitment to social justice and community building goes back much further.

Hernández has long been an advocate for workers' rights, immigrants' rights and survivors of gender-based violence.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Hernández as part of our series highlighting community voices for Hispanic Heritage Month. We also talk about an author event happening this weekend at Centro Cultural de la Raza.

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WNBA playoffs kicked off Sunday. And for many fans of women's basketball — and women's sports in general — it has long been difficult to find a dedicated public space to watch games.

But one bar in North Park is changing that.

One of Us is San Diego's first women's sports bar. While it opened just earlier this year, it reflects a long-time desire to build a safe space and community around women's sports in the city.

We talk with two of the founders behind One of Us about the explosive popularity of women's sports in recent years, and their mission to expand access around it and give back to community.

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The ACLU and other civil rights groups have announced a lawsuit against the city of San Diego and the San Diego Police Department over the use of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs.

The lawsuit argues that ALPR technology violates the California Constitution.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two of the groups bringing forth the lawsuit about their concerns with the technology and what they'd like to see change.

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OpenAI announced Monday it will delay the release of its latest model, called GPT-6.1 Astra, due to concerns over safety.

But after repeated reports of AI models behaving erratically, what does this mean for recent calls to regulate the AI industry?

On Midday Tuesday, we hear about what the history of nuclear power can tell us about the possibility of effective AI regulation.

Guest:

David Victor, professor of Innovation and Public Policy, UC San Diego's Global Policy and Strategy; nonresident senior fellow, The Brookings Institution

Keep reading:

"There’s precedent for regulating AI. Look to nuclear power"

For five years now, Libélula Books & Co. has welcomed book-loving customers into a bustling community space, rooted in a deep love for literature.

The LGBTQ+, BIPOC-owned book shop is run by co-owners Jesi Gutierrez and Celi Hernandez.

Their mission is to uplift representation and accessibility in literature, while bringing neighbors together through community events from art shows to DJ sets.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with co-owner Jesi Gutierrez as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month series.

Guest:

Keep reading:

The Trump administration announced Monday that it is rolling back fuel economy standards for new cars made in the next five years.

Officials point to affordability as a major reason for the rollback, in that more fuel efficient cars may cost more. But some experts are skeptical of that logic.

This also comes amid soaring fuel prices across the country and right here in California.

So what does this mean if you're in the market for a new car? We talk about what these new rules could mean for both consumers and carmakers.

Guest:

Joseph Yoon, consumer insights analyst, Edmunds

A bipartisan Congressional delegation visited the USS Abraham Lincoln to learn more about reported problems during the ship's extended deployment to the Middle East.

The delegation, which included Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, reported speaking with service members and leadership aboard the ship about concerns over supply issues, low morale and mental health impacts.

Guest:

Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS

Adrian García Márquez is a familiar voice for sports fans in San Diego.

These days, his resume includes play-by-play radio announcer for San Diego FC, and Spanish language play by-play voice for the Chargers in Los Angeles.

But it's not just soccer. His Emmy-winning career has spanned across five sports, taking him to the NBA, the NFL, several World Series, and the Olympics.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with García Márquez, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month series featuring community voices.

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What would it take to transform America's criminal justice system?

In her book, "The Price of Mercy," attorney and former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza explores that question, revealing what goes on behind the scenes of America's criminal courts.

This week, Galvin-Almanza will head to San Diego to discuss the book and honor public defenders at an event hosted by local nonprofit Pillars of the Community.

KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon spoke with Galvin-Almanza about what shaped her approach to public defense, how court proceedings can touch every aspect of a defendant's life, and the solutions she sees to the shortcomings of the U.S. legal system.

Guest:

Emily Galvin-Almanza, attorney; author of "The Price of Mercy;" founder and executive director of Partners for Justice

A recent study from UC San Diego finds that fewer than half of Americans (49%) expect "free and fair" 2026 midterm elections.

Respondents cited concerns around redistricting, mail voting, and immigration enforcement fears as some of the reasons for election skepticism.

Researchers behind the study join Midday Edition Wednesday to dig more into the survey's findings, the reasons behind growing election distrust, and how concerns around artificial intelligence are playing into it.

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For more than three years, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude have become widely used as tools for finding information online, in a style that mimics human conversation. More and more, though, people are also turning to artificial intelligence to meet their emotional needs.

A recent study from the scientific journal Nature found that about 27% of AI users are looking to chatbots for mental health support.

We hear about how and why people are relying on AI for mental health, the risks for young people and what experts recommend for guardrails and regulations.

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A new documentary from PBS Independent Lens explores how human values and power structures drive the artificial intelligence movement that surrounds our lives today.

The film, "Ghost in the Machine," traces AI's roots in the eugenics movement. It also explores the human toll it takes to power the technology.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about the documentary and its relevance in this moment, as debates about the future of AI continue.

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Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Vicente Calderón is a veteran journalist with more than 40 years of experience on both sides of the border.

He's the founder and editor-in-chief of Tijuanapress.com, Tijuana's first digital news site.

Midday Edition's Jade Hindmon sits down with Calderón to talk about his work and passion for spreading awareness around violence against journalists in Mexico.

Guest:

Keep reading:

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency Monday ahead of what state officials are saying could be a historic El Niño season.

The climate pattern could potentially bring severe weather to the region, from heavy rain and strong winds to coastal flooding and erosion.

We talk about what is on the horizon this fall and winter — and what San Diegans need to know to prepare.

Plus, are you covered for weather-related damages and losses? We dig into home policies, flood insurance coverage and what other options are available.

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Resources:

On Friday, President Trump announced he was barring three news organizations from access to the White House.

CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO filed a federal lawsuit Monday arguing that the move by the president violated their First Amendment rights.

Major TV networks have suspended White House pool coverage in response to the ban.

On Midday Edition Monday, we speak with a free speech expert about the lawsuit and what it can tell us about broader risks to press freedom.

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Two weeks ago, Renatho Casseus was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on his way to San Diego City College.

Casseus faced his first bond hearing last week at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, where he was denied bail.

The City College community has rallied in support of Casseus. But many students, faculty and staff are left feeling anxious about immigration enforcement so close to campus.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the chancellor of the San Diego Community College District to learn more about how administrators are responding to ICE's arrest of a student.

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The youth-led podcast Voices del Valle is back with a new season of stories about growing up in the Imperial Valley.

Produced by students at El Centro's Central Union High School, the new season features stories about what it's like to be homeschooled, youth incarceration and much more.

The new season, also includes interviews with high-profile guests who grew up in the Imperial Valley, including California's Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from some of the students behind the podcast on why centering youth voices is important, and what they learned by working on the podcast.

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On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council adopted a new working definition of Islamophobia in an effort to further combat anti-Muslim hate and bias.

The city action comes four months after two gunmen attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people.

It is believed to be the first resolution of its kind in California and the third nationally, according to the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

We break down the new definition, what it means for a city government to adopt it and how community leaders, elected officials and other organizations are working to combat anti-Muslim hate.

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Concerns over the impact of AI are growing after a former researcher at Anthropic, a major AI company, announced his resignation with a warning: AI could kill humanity by the end of the decade.

Recent news and other concerns raised by those in the AI space have led to discussions about the safety of AI and growing calls for regulation.

We sit down with a local expert to discuss these predictions, the use of AI more broadly and what it means to regulate the technology.

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In March 2021, hundreds of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum were sheltered in the San Diego Convention Center, where they waited to be reunited with their sponsors and family members.

A new play, "Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center," tells the story of two migrant girls and the staff hired to take care of them.

Produced by local company TuYo Theatre, it is based on the playwright's own experiences as a former youth care worker.

Then, a new production from the La Jolla Playhouse called "A Black-billed Cuckoo" focuses on a group of birders in search of the rare and elusive bird. KPBS Beth Accomando talks with the playwright.

And finally, music, design and bookish activities make up KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans event recommendations. We hear more in our weekend arts roundup.

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Nine months ago, the San Diego City Council paid a historic $30 million settlement to the family of Konoa Wilson.

Police officer Daniel Gold shot and killed the 16-year-old in Jan. 2025, as he was running for his life.

Earlier this month, the District Attorney's office announced that no criminal charges will be filed against Gold.

We sit down with a former police officer and oversight board member to break down the discrepancy between the $30 million settlement, and absence of criminal charges.

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A new report finds a steady stream of pollutants in the Tijuana River watershed, including industrial chemicals and heavy metals.

E. coli levels in the watershed are often 30,000 times higher than the federal standard for freshwater bodies.

And, some chemicals discovered by researchers don't have documented thresholds because they're not expected to be found in water.

"The findings indicate the presence of industrial chemicals like acetone, toluene, benzoic acid and other pollutants used in manufacturing," San Diego Coastkeeper senior attorney Patrick McDonough told KPBS Midday Edition.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss the significance of San Diego Coastkeeper's latest findings and unpack the solutions they're pushing for.

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It has been one week since U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a Haitian student near the San Diego City College campus.

Elected leaders, community members and school officials have condemned ICE's actions.

It comes after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Haitian and Syrian immigrants earlier this year.

We hear from the executive director of the San Diego-based aid group Haitian Bridge Alliance about how these policies continue to affect the local community.

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Under federal guidelines, migrants should not be detained in temporary detention facilities for more than three days.

But here in San Diego, some families with children have been detained at these stations for weeks at a time.

Now, a federal judge is establishing an independent monitor to oversee facilities in San Diego, among other locations.

We discuss the data and what it means for migrants in San Diego.

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The San Diego District Attorney's office recently announced it will not file criminal charges against police officer Daniel Gold, who shot and killed 16-year-old Konoa Wilson in Jan. 2025.

In a 14-page letter, the District Attorney's office said there was "not a criminal charge provable beyond a reasonable doubt" in the case against Officer Gold. But some community members are questioning that decision.

This comes after the city of San Diego paid out a $30 million settlement to Wilson's family in Dec. 2025 — one of the largest settlements paid in a police wrongful death lawsuit.

We sit down with a local advocate involved with police reform and accountability to hear reactions to the decision.

Guest:

Tasha Williamson, community advocate

Links:

"Critics question decision not to criminally charge San Diego police officer who fatally shot teen" — The San Diego Union-Tribune

A new illustrated memoir for young readers takes us to the strawberry fields of California’s Central Coast.

In the book “Mexikid Dreams,” author and illustrator Pedro Martín draws on his own experiences growing up in a sharecropping family and dreaming of a life in the arts.

It is the follow up to his first book, “Mexikid,” which won the prestigious Newbery Award in 2024.

Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews a world premiere musical, "Begin Again," which reimagines the 2013 film of the same name.

And finally, it's a big weekend in the arts. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top recommendations from local indigenous art to a commemoration of an iconic skatepark.

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San Diegans have been doing their best to stay cool during the region's latest heatwave, which has pushed temperatures well above normal, and at times to record highs. The heat has been exacerbated by unusually high humidity.

An extreme heat warning continues Wednesday for much of San Diego County.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk about the latest heatwave, how it's impacting communities, and what people need to keep in mind to stay safe.

Guest:

Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Links:

San Diego's Cool Zones

City of San Diego's Places to Cool Down

‘It must be the Imperial Valley’s moment:’ A renewed commitment for the decades-long New River crisis

Earlier this year, a KPBS investigation revealed the owner of an ICE detention facility had received at least $6 million in tax breaks typically reserved for charities.

That investigation got the attention of state leaders.

California lawmakers recently passed legislation to end the Welfare Exemption, the state credit used by the owners of the Imperial Regional Detention Facility for years. Governor Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign the bill into law.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with KPBS reporter Kori Suzuki about the investigation that led to a bipartisan-led effort to end the loophole, and how it's playing out into wider discussions over how ICE detention facilities are being managed.

Guest:

Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley Reporter, KPBS

For years, residents in the Chollas Creek community have been living alongside two cancer-causing chemicals.

A state order warns about the danger of these chemicals — which are used in aerospace manufacturing. But some residents are just now learning about the contamination.

We talk about what's being done to mitigate the pollution and the harm to the Chollas Creek community.

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Keep reading:

Old sections of the Tijuana-San Diego border fence at Friendship Park are being transformed into tables as part of a new art exhibit.

The exhibit, "The Traveling Tables of Amistad" will be on display at the Museum of Us in Balboa Park from Sept. 9 to 16.

We hear about about the exhibit ties into the history of Friendship Park and cross-border connection.

Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews a new immersive sound installation in Logan Heights.

And finally, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered in her weekend preview with recommendations ranging from a toy piano concert to jazz.

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A new crime thriller by a former professional football player explores a different side of San Diego, away from what the public usually sees.

"Tear the City Down," the debut novel from Andre Hardy, tells the story of a fixer named Coltrane Davis as he navigates San Diego's underworld, searching for a missing football star— and redemption.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with Hardy about what led him from the gridiron to the written word. Plus, how his San Diego upbringing informs his work.

Guest:

Andre Hardy, author, "Tear the City Down"

Link:

Andre Hardy book launch: "Tear the City Down" with Gary Phillips, Tuesday Sep. 1 at 7:30pm

Here in California, the San Andreas Fault is a constant presence in our daily lives whether we think about it or not.

But this century has been a relatively quiet one for the 800-mile fault line.

New research from the University of Hawai'i suggests that the San Andreas fault has reached its highest stress level in 1,000 years.

On Midday Edition, we talk about what a hypothetical earthquake scenario could mean for San Diego.

Plus, what you can do today to prepare for a major disaster before it happens.

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A North Carolina teenager was indicted Monday in connection to the Islamic Center of San Diego shooting back in May, which killed three people.

KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sits down with Imam Taha Hassane, the director of the Islamic Center of San Diego, to discuss how the community is reacting and the impact of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim bias and radicalization online.

Guest:

Imam Taha Hassane, director, Islamic Center of San Diego

Resources:

What would happen if a weaponized pathogen was inadvertently released on the world?

A new book from best-selling author and investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen asks that question in "Biological War: A Scenario." The answers she finds are concerning for not only the U.S., but for all of humanity.

On Midday Edition Monday, Jacobsen shared how the book centers on science rather than science fiction, and what she hopes readers and political leaders will take away from the doomsday scenario she unveils.

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The city of San Diego is dealing with a budget deficit.

Some efforts to cut costs have been met with public scrutiny — like the recent decision to close bathrooms in Mission Bay Park.

A new investigationfrom The San Diego-Union Tribune takes us to Ocean Beach, where the Barnes Tennis Center sits along the shoreline.

They find that the club is collecting millions in revenue, while paying $50 a month to lease more than a dozen acres of beachfront property.

We talk about the story's significance and how it fits into San Diego's overall budget picture.

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Each day, millions of gallons of raw sewage and toxic waste flow through the Tijuana River and are then dumped into the Pacific Ocean.

The pollution continues to be a major environmental and health concern on both sides of the border — and policymakers, scientists and community groups have been trying to address the issue for decades.

KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sits down with one of the leading researchers on the sewage crisis to talk about policies exacerbating the issue, health impacts, and what solutions might be ahead.

Guest:

Paula Stigler Granados, associate professor at San Diego State University School of Public Health; appointee, California Air Resources Board

Resources:

For the longest time, author Sona Movsesian had her own ideas of what an ideal mom should be like — until she became pregnant with her two twin boys.

In her newest book, "The World's Worst Mom," Movsesian embraces the imperfections and messiness that comes with motherhood by taking readers through her own parenting journey.

KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sat down with Movsesian to talk about what inspired her to write the book and how working under comedian Conan O'Brien prepared her for motherhood.

Then, serial killers have long been a subject of fascination in cinema. Our Midday Movies critics discuss their favorite films and series that unravel the psyche.

And finally, thinking about what to check out this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans recommends folk music, Latinx musical theatre and more in our weekend arts preview.

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Californians have a tool to help them remove personal data collected by data brokers.

The web platform, called the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP,) allows California residents to make a single request to delete their data being used by data broker companies. Those companies then have 45 days to comply with the request before facing penalties or fines.

On Midday Wednesday, we learn more about how data brokers use our personal data, how the new tool works, and provide general tips to better protect our data online.

Guest:

Hailey Tsukayama, director of state affairs, Electronic Frontier Foundation

Link:

Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP)

Recent policy changes at the Pentagon show that senior leadership is prioritizing grooming standards — especially when it comes to shaving.

We hear about what the shaving policy entails, why it could disproportionately impact Black servicemembers and what it signals about present-day military culture.

Guest:

Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS

The Supreme Court this week sided with President Donald Trump's executive order to restrict mail-in voting — at least for now.

The high court's ruling wasn't about the legality of President Trump's order; rather, the legal path that states took to try and block it.

A new lawsuit filed Wednesday by Democratic states challenges a new U.S. Postal Service rule, which limits who may receive mail ballots.

However, it remains unclear what changes will go into effect before the fast approaching midterm election.

We sit down with a law expert to break down the electoral confusion and chaos.

Guests:

Concerns over food safety are growing this summer after a massive cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce.

There have been recent reports of other food safety scares, including salmonella in eggs and jalapeños, E. coli in frozen blueberries and more.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the outbreaks and what it reveals about our current food system.

Then, new research from UC San Diego and the University of Freiberg in Germany shows that one month on a vegan diet can alter how your body interprets DNA markers associated with aging and inflammation. We dive into the study.

Guests:

What is your relationship to the ocean?

Here in San Diego, we are lucky to be in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. But you don't have to live close to the water to be impacted by it.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with one of the speakers at this year's TEDxSanDiego, to discuss our connection to the ocean and what we can do to protect it.

Guest:

Christina Connett Brophy, president and CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego

In many Latinx households, "la chancla" or "the flip flop" is an iconic cultural symbol of parental punishment. For many adults who grew up with that style of discipline, it's something to laugh about.

In a new book, "Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting," author Leslie Priscilla asks if we should take chancla culture more seriously and offers a personal and historical look at parenting behaviors.

Priscilla will also be a featured author at the 2026 KPBS Book Festival.

Then, have you ever heard of the phrase, "yes, and?" It is a core tenet of improvisation, also known as improv. KPBS' Beth Accomando previews a new convention in town that is entirely devoted to improv.

Plus, thinking about what to do this weekend? Hear about all the arts and culture events on our radar, from a celebration of Filipino culture to a free punk music festival.

Guests:

The KPBS San Diego Book Festival is returning Saturday to the University of San Diego, featuring more than 145 authors.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two authors who will be in attendance. We get tips for mindful motherhood, and learn about the power of humor to cope with everyday life.

The KPBS Book Festival is open to the public and general admission is free.

Guests:

San Diego is known for its consistent weather. But that may change this winter, as the El Niño intensifies.

Forecasters are dubbing it the "Super El Niño." We check in with our resident weather expert about what this could mean for temperatures, rainfall and conditions in San Diego County.

Then, is the city prepared for the potential impacts of a Super El Niño? We hear about a new effort that officials are setting in motion.

Guests:

Links:

Bracing for a ‘super El Niño,’ San Diego plans aggressive storm channel clearing, public awareness campaign — San Diego Union-Tribune

California has long been known as a place where people come to remake their lives and look to achieve big dreams. But the postcard image of California doesn't tell its full history.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with award-winning journalist and author Michael Hiltzik about the more complex history he writes about in his book "Golden State: The Making of California."

Hiltzik will be at this year's KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the University of San Diego.

Guest:

Link:

KPBS San Diego Book Festival

In recent weeks, at least seven U.S. states have been hit with cyberattacks that appear to be targeting critical infrastructure — like water and wastewater utilities.

The FBI is investigating the attacks and has not publicly identified a culprit. However, many experts say Iranian-backed hackers are responsible.

We sit down with a cybersecurity expert about what makes water systems vulnerable to attacks and what message hackers are trying to send.

Guest:

Over two decades ago, California voters passed a law that opened the way for the criminalization of people with connections to gangs.

The documentary “California Story” unravels the impact of those laws and gang documentation — the practice of tracking suspected gang members by law enforcement — on communities across the state, including Southeast San Diego.

We hear from two people involved with the film about how their personal experience shaped its making, the community members at the core of this story and what they see as potential solutions.

Guests:

For years, San Diego’s approach to homelessness has been built on a “Housing First” model. That means trying to get people housed with limited barriers or conditions. From there, proponents argue, it becomes easier to get them connected to other services, including addiction treatment.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited San Diego last week to announce a new federal approach to homelessness and treatment called "Treatment First."

On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the new federal guidelines on addiction treatment and homelessness, and discuss what it could mean for how San Diego responds.

Guests:

Drew Sitton, communities reporter, Times of San Diego

Alysa Horton, reporting fellow and Washington D.C. correspondent, Times of San Diego

Everyday San Diegans drive past cameras that capture their license plates in real-time, collect the data and send it to a third-party database.

Many of these automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are made by third-party vendor Flock. Flock cameras continue to be the subject of scrutiny nationwide, as police, privacy rights activists and lawmakers debate the use of the technology.

As community groups join in a national week of action against the technology, we hear from a local advocate about the latest news on license readers and concerns around the use of Flock cameras in San Diego.

Guest:

Seth Hall, advocate, TRUST SD Coalition

There’s nothing like a good book that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

The New York Times Book Review recently put out a list of the 50 best thrillers of the 21st century — all voted on by devotees of the genre.

Thursday on Midday Edition, we talk about the list, what makes a great thriller and why people are drawn to the genre today.

Then, FilmOut, San Diego’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, returns next week. KPBS arts reporter and horror aficionado Beth Accomando spoke with two horror filmmakers presenting at the festival.

And finally, it's a busy weekend in the arts. KPBS Julia Dixon Evans shares her top recommendations for getting your culture fix without breaking the bank.

Guests:

Links:

Every eight years, the state of California requires cities and counties to set goals for new housing development.

But almost none of those jurisdictions are on track to meet those goals by 2030, according to new reporting by CalMatters.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about the trend and how San Diego compares to other municipalities across the state.

Guest:

An unlikely friendship between a Vietnam War veteran and a manta ray is the subject of an award-winning documentary called "The Last Dive."

The film will be coming to San Diego on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, KPBS' Andrew Bowen sits down with the director to talk about the friendship at the heart of the documentary, and how it explores themes of redemption, ocean conservation and healing.

Guest:

Family members of sailors and Marines aboard the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln are reporting dangerous conditions — from lack of food and hot water, to a limited supply of basic essentials.

The aircraft carrier's long deployment is raising concerns about safety, as the ship sets a record for the most continuous days at sea.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about the reported conditions and what they reveal about life on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Guests:

It has been over 80 years since more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes, detained and incarcerated during World War II.

For many Japanese Americans, the hurt and trauma from that period in history is still felt today. Some have drawn parallels to the Trump administration's immigration policy, amid continuing mass detentions and deportations.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the through lines between wartime incarceration and present-day immigration enforcement, the impact on Japanese Americans generations later, and what we can learn from the past.

Guests:

Links:

The pencils are sharpened. The backpacks are packed.

It's the first day of school for students in the San Diego Unified School District.

This year, screen use is top of mind for school administrators, teachers, parents and students. San Diego Unified has placed new limits on classroom technology.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with three education reporters to hear about the stories they're following in the year ahead.

Guests:

Readers, listen up: the KPBS Book Festival returns to the University of San Diego on Saturday, Aug. 22.

As we gear up for the event, we're revisiting past conversations with some of the featured authors — including professors and labor activists Kelly Mayhew and Jim Miller, who co-wrote the book, "Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See."

Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews an award-winning "Without Walls," or WOW, show called "ha ha ha ha ha ha ha."

And finally, there are lots of arts events to check out this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans highlights her top picks in our weekend arts preview.

Wednesday marks the official termination of temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian migrants in the United States.

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending TPS in February. But after a Supreme Court ruling in June gave the federal government the green light to revoke the status, the judge determined that the February order was "no longer in effect."

The decision leaves 350,000 Haitians at risk of losing their jobs and being deported.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about how that is impacting Haitian migrants in San Diego and what is at stake.

Guest:

Guerline Jozef, executive director, Haitian Bridge Alliance

Resources:

Temporary protected status updates - Haitian Bridge Alliance

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has been shut down for more than 20 years.

But millions of pounds of nuclear waste is still there — right next to the ocean.

Now, a new energy plan that involves "nuclear campuses" in five states could offer a possible solution for nuclear waste.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss the details of the plan and talk through the unanswered questions.

Guests:

In July, the city of San Diego closed nearly half of the public restrooms in Mission Bay Park due to budget cuts. The closures have caused frustration among parkgoers, who have brought up concerns about public health and accessibility.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local nonprofit about how visitors are responding to the closures and what solutions could be on the table.

Guest:

A new Trump administration tactic boosts deportations by fast-tracking immigration hearings with little notice.

Federal data show that immigration judges nationwide issued more than 50,000 deportation orders for people who did not show up to court last month.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we talked about the so-called "mega master" calendar hearings and how they're impacting San Diegans.

Plus, it's been one year since an interfaith coalition of faith leaders began accompanying immigrants to court hearings, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins and other immigration appointments.

We sit down with two volunteers with the program.

Guests:

A new children's book is using academic research, poetry and illustrations to teach readers about ecology at the San Diego-Tijuana border.

It is called "Alas al Borde" or "Borderland Wings." Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from one of the professors who helped conceptualize and illustrate the story.

Then, two new plays — a horror comedy and a feminist musical — are opening in San Diego this weekend. KPBS' arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with the playwrights.

And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top arts picks in music and dance.

Guests: