KPBS Midday Edition

Research shows that during the summer, the average student loses between 17% to 34% of what they learned the previous school year.That trend is even more pronounced for economically disadvantaged students.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we speak with members of two local literacy programs working to combat summer learning loss and promote a love for reading.Guests:Jose Cruz, CEO, San Diego Council on LiteracyDr. Marsha Spitzer, medical director, Reach Out and Read San Diego]]>

Elsa Sevilla wears many different hats — journalist, filmmaker, speaker, business owner. She also hosts the award-winning documentary series, "Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla" that airs on KPBS.Now she's an author. On Midday Edition Thursday, Sevilla talks about her journey to the spotlight in her new memoir, "Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight — A Story of Determination and Rise."Then, theater company Riot Productions is putting on "Gretel: The Musical," which reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm tale. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando gets a preview.And finally, home cook, food content creator and "The Great American Recipe" contestant Waigal Safi talks about the process of competing in a cooking show and highlighting Afghan cuisine.Guests:Elsa Sevilla, journalist, author of "Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight — A Story of Determination and Rise"Waigal Safi, food content creator and contestant on "The Greta American Recipe"Sarah Le Clair, artistic director, Riot ProductionsWilliam BJ Robinson, director and performer, Riot ProductionsJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS]]>

As immigration raids continue, it's become more important than ever to know your rights.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two local theater groups about using improv to help educate the community and the intersection between art, law, activism and community.Guests:Annie Rios, executive director, Uprise Theater and human rights attorney/legal advocateGuillermo Mendez, organizer, Voces Unidas]]>

Food support programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are facing cuts as a result of the passage of President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local food support organization on the state of hunger in San Diego County today.Guest:Bob Kamensky, CEO, Feeding San Diego]]>

Former National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Alex Tardy joined Midday Edition to discuss extreme weather preparedness in San Diego County following the deadly floods that hit Texas.Tardy previously worked as a warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS. He explained how weather forecasts become warnings, and how recent cuts to the National Weather Service could impact the accuracy of forecasts and the response to them.Guest:Alex Tardy, meteorologist and founder of Weather Echo, and retired warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego County]]>

In an effort to spur housing production, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law major changes to the state's environmental protection rules last week.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the reforms made to the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, and how it will likely impact housing production in San Diego County.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS]]>

Last Friday, President Trump signed into law his new tax and spending bill, which creates new eligibility requirements and drastically reduces funding for social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer on what this consequential bill could mean for the region's most vulnerable residents and how the Board of Supervisors is preparing for the cuts.Guest:Terra Lawson-Remer, District 3 county supervisor, acting chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors]]>

Each year, about 150,000 students from high schools across the country compete in regional competitions for musical theatre. Only 110 of those make it to the prestigious National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards.On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear from one nominee about his Jimmy Awards experience and his musical theatre journey thus far.Snapseed.jpg (6000x4000, AR: 1.5)Then, at the Old Globe, summer means Shakespeare. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews two Shakespeare comedies taking place under the stars.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top event picks in arts and culture this weekend, from an upcoming textile art exhibition to a Fourth of July concert at Rady Shell.Guests:Bruno Dominguez, Jimmy Award nominee, graduate of Coronado School of the ArtsJames Vasquez, director of "The Comedy of Errors"Peter Francis James (PFJ), director of "All's Well That Ends Well"Denja Harris, textile artistJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS]]>

A new multimedia project from KPBS looks into the challenges that come from parenting in the digital age. ScreenTime looks at evolving research on social media, cyberbullying and video games, to detail its impact on children and provide resources for parents. Guest: Andrew Bracken, producer/host, KPBS

San Diego's wildfire season is growing longer and more dangerous. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we have a conversation with a wildfire researcher on what we can do to better protect our homes, how to be prepared to evacuate with our pets and what should go into a "go bag." Guest: Luca Carmignani, assistant professor, San Diego State University Resources: https://readyforwildfire.org/ https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

After a period of intense campaigning, the District 1 special election is finally coming to a close — and the results are in. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has come out on top, defeating Chula Vista Mayor John McCann in the special election for the county supervisor seat. Midday Edition Wednesday, we sit down with KPBS' South Bay reporter to talk more about this consequential election and what it could mean for the future of San Diego politics. Guest: Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS

June is Men's Health Month. Life expectancy for men lags five years behind the life expectancy for women in the United States. Even though men face many specific health challenges, there's a lack of awareness and disease prevention early on. Researchers say there's a need for more attention to men's health. On today's show, we discuss how men can better care for their physical and mental health — and fight stigma. Guest: Kevin Maxwell, clinical associate professor of nursing at the University of San Diego

The local impacts of President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan are unfolding before our eyes. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents are targeting anyone who is suspected of being in the country illegally. Over the weekend, a video went viral of a woman being arrested by ICE agents in a Mission Valley hotel parking lot. KPBS has also documented cases of a grandmother, a soccer coach and a disabled asylum seeker caught in the enforcement. On today's show, we sit down with award-winning journalist and former KPBS border reporter Jean Guerrero to get her analysis of recent immigration policies. Guest: Jean Guerrero, investigative journalist and author of "Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda”

Binational artist collective AMBOS Project has been supporting migrant communities in our border region through arts and crafts programs and mutual aid. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with AMBOS Executive Director Natalie Godinez to talk about how their art is building bridges on both sides of the border. Also, summer blockbuster season is in in full swing! We sit down with our Midday Movies critics to talk about some of the most highly anticipated films, as the first ever summer blockbuster celebrates its 50th birthday. Guests: Natalie Godinez, executive director, AMBOS Project Beth Accomando, arts reporter and host of Cinema Junkie podcast, KPBS Yazdi Pithavala, host of Moviewallas podcast Links mentioned in interview: AMBOS Project exhibit on June 27 AMBOS Project store

The Supreme Court lifted a ban on sports betting in 2018. Since then, the industry has boomed, and much of that growth has come from online sports betting. Nearly half of American men under the age of 50 have an account with at least one online sports book. You can hardly watch a game, sports show or listen to a sports podcast today without hearing about overs, unders, props and other topics of sports betting culture. On Midday Edition, we discuss the rise of online sports betting culture and addiction, and the health risks that come with it. Guest: Robert Teal, licensed cynical psychologist in San Diego who focuses on digital addiction and online sports gambling

Under California law, police departments cannot share license plate data with federal authorities and other out-of-state agencies. But, that law has been routinely violated.  In 2024, the San Diego Police Department shared data with federal agencies 62 times, according to the department's annual surveillance report. SDPD stopped sharing data after state Attorney General Rob Bonta's office told the department it was likely violating state law.  Meanwhile advocates are voicing their concerns about privacy and surveillance, especially amid President Trump's mass deportation campaign.  Today on Midday Edition, we spoke with two reporters covering this investigation at a local and statewide level. Guests: Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS Khari Johnson, technology reporter, CalMatters

Summer is here in San Diego and so are the tourists. With our near perfect weather and beaches, it's no surprise that our city is a big travel destination. But if you live here — it can be easy to take it all for granted. This summer, you might consider taking a staycation instead. From luxury hotels to beautiful campsites, San Diego has plenty of options for you to take a trip right here at home. This hour, we explore how to plan your perfect staycation in San Diego. Whether a hotel bed or sleeping bag is more your style, there's plenty of options out there. Plus, we talk about how to make the most out of traveling with kids. Guests: Jackie Bryant, business development strategist at San Diego Magazine Shelby Stanger, host of REI podcast “Wild Ideas Worth Living" Jennifer Kolari, child and family therapist and founder of Connected Parenting Jackie Bryant's staycation recommendations: Hotels/Resorts Seabird Resort - Oceanside (kid friendly/adult) Mission Pacific Resort - Oceanside (kid friendly/adult) Gaylord Pacific - Chula Vista Alila Marea Resort - Encinitas Inn at Moonlight Beach - Encinitas Harrah's Resort - Valley Center Lafayette Hotel - North Park (kid friendly) Town and Country Resort - Mission Valley - (kid friendly) Manchester Grand Hyatt - Downtown San Diego (kid friendly) Lazy H Ranch - Valley Center Catamaran - Mission Bay Bahia Resort - Mission Bay Bianchi Pizza and Pasta Hotel Marisol - Coronado  Read more on Jackie Bryant's Guide to Local Spa and Resorts The Hotel Del Coronado Read Jackie Bryant's Review on the hotel's renovations Nobu Read San Diego Magazine's look into Coronado's Nobu Veranda Read San Diego Magazine's look into Coronado's Veranda Food and Drink Merenda Wine Bar - https://www.sdcl.org/blogs/post/learn-a-language-with-rosetta-stone/ Read Jackie Bryant's Review on Merenda Little Fox Cups and Cones - Oceanside Read Jackie Bryant's Review on Little Fox Cups and Cones Wrench and Rodent - Oceanside Read more in Jackie Bryant's article on food trends in San Diego

The Trump administration has cut funding to programs that provide direct aid to communities affected by HIV and AIDS. That includes the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides much of the funding to AIDS relief efforts abroad. Science Magazine Senior Correspondent Jon Cohen reported on how two countries in southern Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, have been impacted by cuts so far, and how community members and health providers are navigating these challenges. San Diego is home to one of the leading HIV vaccine research efforts in the country, the Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, but its funding is now at risk due to the administration's spending cuts. We hear from one researcher about what that could mean for the future of a HIV vaccine. Guests: Jon Cohen, senior correspondent, Science Dennis Burton, co-lead of the Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, Scripps Research

You may know it as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day — or Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, word of liberation finally made its way to Galveston, Texas — where the last people still enslaved under the Confederacy were held. The news didn't come until two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. On today's show, we discuss the history and enduring significance of Juneteenth in 2025. We also get a glimpse into an upcoming celebration of Black joy, culture and freedom at Paddle for Peace's 5th annual Juneteenth barbecue. And, we preview the San Diego Black Artist Collective's annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival — showcasing Black excellence across music, theatre, dance, poetry and visual art. Guests: T.J. Tallie, associate professor of history at the University of San Diego Risa Bell, executive director and founder of Paddle for Peace Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS Joy Yvonne Jones, president of the San Diego Black Artist Collective Kelsey O'Daniels, artist and poet

Experts say there are several barriers that men face when accessing therapy and other mental health services. That includes stigma and bias — specifically around couples counseling. For Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with two San Diego psychologists about navigating men's issues in couples counseling and how they help men build healthier relationships with their partners. Guests: Dan Singley, psychologist, founder of The Center for Men's Excellence Max Maris, psychologist, Center for Men's Excellence

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 sense touch. Patapoutian joined Midday Edition Wednesday to talk about how the Trump administration's spending cuts and policies are impacting him and his lab, and what he sees for the future of science at large. Guest: Ardem Patapoutian, neuroscientist, biologist and professor, Scripps Research, Nobel Prize winner

A pastor, a rabbi and an imam discuss how their faith implores them to fight for immigrant and refugee communities.

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 attorneys to discuss the rights to free speech and due process for citizens and noncitizens. And, what federal threats to those rights could mean for democracy. Guests: David Loy, legal director at the First Amendment Coalition of San Diego Tammy Lin, professor of immigration and supervising attorney at the University of San Diego's Legal Immigration Clinic

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 Martínez, co-host, "Embedded: The Network"

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 author to learn more. Then, dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman explores her late in life Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis through a new documentary, "Room to Move." Beth Accomando speaks with Freeman to discuss the process. Plus, a celebration of Black joy, art, music, food and entrepreneurship is coming to Waterfront Park this Saturday for Kinfolk Fest. We find out whats in store from the organizer and art curator. Guests: S.A. Cosby, bestselling crime fiction author Jenn Freeman, dancer and choreographer Loren Cobbs, founder of SD Melanin Jo-Jo Jones, artist curator for Kinfolk Fest and founder of the Black Liberated Artist Collective

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 are "impeachable." We discuss how he sees Congress' efforts to push back against the Trump administration. Guest: Rep. Juan Vargas, U.S. Congressmember, California's 52 District

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 Edition studio to learn more. The San Diego County Fair runs through July 6. Guests: Nina Thompson, director of public relations for the San Diego Humane Society Juliette Nash, community animal training manager for the San Diego Humane Society Boy Boy, Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador mix

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+ groups are doing to help the community navigate these challenges. Also, this Sunday, local drag entertainers are organizing a march to advocate the rights of the transgender community, in the face of ongoing efforts to pass anti-trans legislation across the country. Guests: Gloria Cruz Cardenas, chief impact officer, San Diego LGBT Community Center Max Disposti, executive director, North County LGBTQ Resource Center Amber St. James, drag producer, community activist and educator Paris Sukomi Max, drag entertainer, community activist, business owner

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 discuss how California should adapt its land development policies to respond to wildfire threats. Guests: J. Lopez, executive director of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program Tom Corringham, economist at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography Cary Lowe, retired land use lawyer and writer

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 policy will dramatically affect the lives of refugees, immigrants and U.S. citizens right here in San Diego. We discuss the latest actions on Midday Edition with a representative from a local refugee advocacy group. Guest: Homayra Yusufi, senior policy strategist for the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA)

Little Saigon San Diego will hold a tribute concert that retraces the path of the Vietnamese diaspora over the 50 years. Also, what makes silent films unique? And finally, we dive into the North Park Music Fest and more in your weekend arts preview.

Early voting for the District 1 runoff election is underway. We break down the race and where the candidates stand on some of the top issues. Plus, what a new UCSD study reveals about air pollution from the Tijuana River.

Four years ago, the state of California mandated that all public high school students take an ethnic studies course to graduate. Now, the Governor is pausing funding — leaving districts in limbo.

New rules allowing college athletes to be paid for use of their name, image, and likeness have transformed college sports in recent years. But many in college athletics anxiously await a finalized legal settlement to clarify rules for colleges and their athletes.

Local scholar David Victor warns that President Donald Trump is "killing innovation," and China will reap the benefits.

Congressional representatives and other local leaders are responding to last Friday's immigration raid at Buona Forchetta, a restaurant in the South Park neighborhood. We break down the latest.

"One of the Good Ones" is writer Gloria Calderón Kellett's first full-length play and will run at The Old Globe through June 22. Plus, our Midday Movies critics celebrate independent cinema and an upcoming Japanese film series. And finally, your weekend arts preview.

After years of rising overdose deaths led by opiods like fentanyl, the U.S. recorded its steepest drop in overdose deaths ever in 2024. What has led to the big decline in overdose deaths in the country, and here in San Diego County?

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.

San Diego once had a bustling Chinatown with roots that go all the way back to the 1850's and 1860's. We dive into the history behind San Diego's historic Chinatown, and efforts to revitalize the district it once existed in.

Carmela Prudencio works at Pacific Arts Movement or Pac Arts, which highlights Asian American and Pacific Islander stories through media arts.

Leaders from two local dance organizations talk about how they are navigating financial challenges and a changing arts landscape. Plus, two plays onstage this week that showcase culture and history.

California state lawmakers are pushing forward legislation to make menopause care more accessible and spread awareness about the process. We discuss the details with local physicians.

Transgender troops are facing the Trump administration's ban on their service. We hear from Paulo Batista, an active duty sailor and leading advocate in the trans military community, about how he's experiencing the impacts firsthand.