KPBS Midday Edition

On Día de Muertos, the ofrenda — or altar — honors loved ones who have passed away.In Tijuana, one group is raising awareness with a special ofrenda honoring journalists who have been killed from Mexico to Gaza. The ofrenda is on display now at CEART Tijuana. We discuss the details with a long-time Tijuana journalist.Then, we check in with our resident film critics for a special Halloween edition of Midday Movies.Guests:Vicente Calderón, journalist, Tijuanapress.comBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas

Spooky stories aren't all about the fear factor. They often teach us something about our region's history, too.This Halloween season, Midday Edition revisits an archive episode exploring the history behind some of the places considered to be the most haunted in San Diego County, from The Whaley House to the Hotel del Coronado. We also learn about the ghosts rumored to live there.Then, a paranormal expert shares his fascination with the spirit world.Guests:Victor Santana, operations manager for The Whaley House MuseumGina Petrone, heritage manager for the Hotel Del CoronadoDavid Hanson, founder of the San Diego Ghost and Paranormal Group

Three Palestinian American alumni and students from UC San Diego will share their family stories and close connections to Gaza in a panel, "We Are Tritons: From Gaza to UCSD," Tuesday evening.On Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the panelists to hear about their roots in the region, how they stayed connected to Palestinian culture and identity, and how war has impacted their families.Guests:Dania Zanaid, alum, UC San DiegoAli Elfarra, third-year student, UC San Diego

The cheapest housing option in San Diego has long been dorm-style rooms.Those single-occupancy units, or SROs, can be life-changing — for the tenants lucky enough to get placed in them.But they're rapidly disappearing, and the city can't seem to turn that around.Guest:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

CalFresh recipients will not be getting their November benefits on time. The delays for California's food assistance program are a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now nearing the 30 day mark. The delays also come as the region has seen a rise in food insecurity.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear how the delays will impact the nearly 400,000 San Diegans who depend on food benefits, and provide resources for those imapacted.Guest:Joseph Kendrick, research manager, San Diego Hunger CoalitionResources:San Diego Hunger Coalition's food assistance resources2-1-1 San DiegoFeeding San DiegoSan Diego Food BankServing SeniorsSalvation Army

October is Filipino American History Month.Monday on Midday Edition, we dive into Filipino American activism and how local community organizers are applying lessons from the past to meet the current political moment.Then, we sit down with a local arts leader with strong ties in San Diego to learn about the thriving Philippine performing arts scene and its rich history.Guests:Amanda Solomon Amorao, director of Dimensions of Culture Program at Thurgood Marshall College, director of Asian American Pacific Islander studies program, UC San DiegoSoul Salas, organizer, Anakbayan San DiegoIan M. Seruelo, attorney and activistAnamaria Labao Cabato, executive director, PASACAT

California voters have until next Tuesday, Nov. 4, to vote on Proposition 50 — which would allow the state to temporarily redraw its congressional maps.With about a week to go before voting is done, we check in on where the race stands and how fundraising is going on both sides.Guest:Jeanne Kuang, capitol reporter for CalMatters

This Saturday, Latino authors from all over the world will converge in San Diego for the 27th annual International Latino Book Awards.Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with its co-founder and a renowned author to talk about the significance of the awards and what they see for the future of Latino literature.Plus, the La Jolla Playhouse is debuting a musical adaptation of the 1988 hit film "Working Girl" with original music by Cyndi Lauper. KPBS' Beth Accomando spoke with the team behind the musical — including Lauper — and their love for Broadway.And finally, looking to tap into San Diego's arts and culture scene? In your weekend preview, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans talks about a new fair focused on unconventional art, Día de Muertos events and some live music to check out.Guests:Kirk Whisler, co-founder, Empowering Latino FuturesVictor Villaseñor, writer, "Guarding StarDust"Cyndi Lauper, singer, composer, lyricist, "Working Girl"Christopher Ashley, director, "Working Girl"Theresa Rebeck, book writer, "Working Girl"Cat Gunn, artist and curator, Harvest & GatherJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

The popular podcast "Hidden Brain" is celebrating its 10th anniversary of telling stories about how our minds influence our actions and decisions.Host Shankar Vedantam joined Midday Edition Wednesday to talk about how the show has evolved over the years, and what makes the human mind such a fascinating subject.Guest:Shankar Vedantam, host/ executive editor, "Hidden Brain"

What if you could go back and relive past regrets? That's the premise behind Mitch Albom's latest book "Twice."Albom is a bestselling author known for the celebrated bestselling memoir "Tuesdays with Morrie," "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," and "The Little Liar."He joined Midday Edition Wednesday to talk about his work and the life lessons he's picked up during his career as an author, sportswriter and philanthropist.Albom also shared what he has planned for his upcoming event in San Diego at Point Loma Nazarene University on Monday, Oct. 27.Guest:Mitch Albom, author

The city and county of San Diego are ramping up their efforts to limit local cooperation with immigration enforcement in the region.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we dive into the San Diego City Council's latest vote to restrict cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Guest:Andrew Bowen, KPBS, metro reporter

Solitary confinement is the focus of a new court filing in a class-action lawsuit against San Diego County and the Sheriff's Office.A request for a preliminary injunction was filed in federal court last week asking a federal judge to limit how long people can be held in solitary confinement.More than a dozen people have described inhumane conditions inside separation cells in San Diego jails.We sit down with two reporters to discuss the details of the latest lawsuit and how we got here.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJeff McDonald, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Reports of anti-Jewish bias statewide have doubled between 2021 and 2024, according to the California Department of Justice.Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill aiming to tackle antisemitism in schools — igniting questions over whether the government should be involved in defining antisemitism in educational settings.And, how legislators should balance the needs of Jewish communities alongside concerns about censorship.On Midday Edition, we discuss the bill's journey through the legislature and what it says about the broader conversation around antisemitism in the United States.Guests: Yue Stella Yu, politics reporter, CalMattersMikhail Zinshteyn, higher education reporter, CalMatters

Dozens of American medical workers have volunteered in the Gaza Strip since 2023. That includes local emergency room nurse Amanda Nasser. She traveled to Gaza in August and treated patients at Nasser Hospital, one of the few functioning hospitals in the region.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Nasser's experiences on the ground and how she is reflecting on her journey since returning from Gaza in September.Guest:Amanda Nasser, nurse practitioner

More than one billion people across India and around the world celebrate Diwali, according to survey data from Pew Research.The five-day festival symbolizes victory of light over darkness.California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday.We discuss its significance with one of the bill's authors.Guests:Darshana Patel, California State Assemblymember representing the 76th District

Shrapnel from a Marine artillery round struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle on Saturday. The mishap took place along the Interstate 5 during celebrations to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday. We get the latest on the event, and the live-fire exercise behind the incident.Plus, a recap of Saturday's "No Kings" protests in San Diego, and what issues were on the minds of protesters.Guests:Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBSKatie Anastas, education reporter, KPBS

A new middle grade book takes us to the San Diego neighborhood of Palm City, where a young girl is growing up against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.The book, “Yoli's Favorite Things,” follows 12-year old Yolanda or "Yoli" as she makes a pact with God to keep her brother Chuy from getting drafted.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear about how the author folded much of her own upbringing and life into the novel, and the significance "The Sound of Music" plays in the story.Plus, a new documentary "Rebel with a Clause" follows a grammar expert as she takes her pop-up grammar table on a cross-country road trip. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the film.And, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered in our weekend arts preview.Guests:Patricia Santana, author, “Yoli's Favorite Things”Ellen Jovin, grammarian, "Rebel with a Clause"Brandt Johnson, filmmaker, "Rebel with a Clause"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Parents of toddlers are familiar with the problem of kids putting things in their mouths that they shouldn't. A new picture book called "That's Not Food!" captures that experience in a creative and hilarious fashion.On Midday Edition Wednesday, San Diego author Mara Altman talks about how raising twin toddlers inspired her to make a children's book featuring dishes like "slime pie" and "cactus pancakes."Guest:Mara Altman, author, "That's Not Food!"

In late September, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling antifa a "domestic terrorist organization."Experts say the order is on shaky legal grounds, antifa — short for anti-fascist — is more of an ideology than an organization.Still, the Trump administration appears eager to prosecute those it labels antifa.A 2021 case involving alleged antifa supporters in Pacific Beach could gain new significance on the national level. We discuss the details.Guest:Alex Riggins, federal courts and federal law enforcement reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

We are wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a book that celebrates the vast contributions and vibrant histories of Latinos across San Diego.“We Made San Diego” compiles the diverse stories of important figures and organizations who shaped the region as we know it today.It has earned various awards over the years, including an International Latino Book Award in 2021.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author behind the book, what inspired her to preserve these stories and her own personal journey as a longtime San Diegan.Guest:Maria Garcia, author, activist and podcast host, "We Made San Diego"

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we are sit with Latinx leaders who are giving back to the community.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the executive director of the Emilio Nares Foundation to talk about health care access for underserved communities, and how her family's history of advocacy launched her into a life of community service.Guest:Elsa Morales-Roth, executive director, Emilio Nares Foundation

TikTok continues to take the world by storm — and the geopolitical conflict around it is ballooning.The Trump administration says a group of American investors is expected to take over TikTok's U.S. data operations from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new book that chronicles the rise of TikTok, and its profound impact on our political and social landscape today.Guest:Emily Baker-White, Forbes investigative reporter and author, "Every Screen on the Planet: The War Over TikTok"

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed several bills that were part of the statewide reparations effort.The vetoed bills are related to university admissions, home buying and unjust property seizures.This comes days after Newsom signed Senate Bill 518 to establish a state bureau for descendants of American slavery.We discuss what the governor's decisions mean for the first-in-the-nation reparations effort in California.Guest:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, culture, history, art, protest and storytelling.In San Diego County, there are 18 federally recognized tribal reservations — more than any other county in the United States.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Indigenous leaders to discuss the value of tradition, oral history and imaginative storytelling in preserving culture.Guests:Ethan Banegas, professor at San Diego State University and member of the Barona Band of Mission IndiansJoely Proudfit, department chair of American Indian Studies and director of California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center at California State University, San MarcosDestinee Morales, former Miss Kumeyaay 2013-14; member of San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday that allows for greater housing density near public transit stations across the state. Senate Bill 79 supersedes local zoning rules in the hopes of increasing housing production in the state.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from one California housing advocate on why he thinks its passage is "the most significant housing bill that's ever been passed in California."Guest:Ethan Elkind, director, Climate Program, UC Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego region.Thursday on Midday Edition, the executive director and CEO of the San Diego Museum of Art talks about her journey into the arts and what she sees for the future of San Diego's thriving, binational arts and culture scene.Then, a unique Halloween attraction puts its own spin on the haunted maze by bringing attention to real-world issues like climate change, animal cruelty and pollution. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the socially conscious haunt.And finally, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center celebrates its third anniversary this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans speaks with a local printmaker who is featured at the event and previews other events on her radar.Guests:Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO, San Diego Museum of ArtJaidacyn Madrigal, founder, Fright for FutureJohn Hansen, haunt crew member, Fright for FutureIrie Zepeda, artist, printmaker, Por La Mano Press y Arte founderJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

Many can thank youth sports for wonderful memories out in the sun — tossing a ball, scoring goals and even spraining an ankle or two.KPBS video journalist Mikey Damron explores his youth sports journey — and that of his son's — in his new video series, "Game-Time Decision." We hear the details.Plus, the culture and politics of surfing and skateboarding are the focus of a conference coming to SDSU this weekend.We sit down with Bryce Wettstein, an Olympic skateboarder and the headliner of the conference and Neftalie Williams, a moderator at the conference and the director of SDSU's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guests:Mike Damron, video journalist, KPBSNeftalie Williams, director of San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, professor of sociologyBryce Wettstein, Olympic skateboarder

California's special redistricting election is underway, as ballots for Proposition 50 hit voters' mailboxes. We hear analysis from a local political scientist.Then, San Diego once had a large, thriving and tight-knit Black community in the region. But over the years, policies like redlining and other forces of displacement drove many Black San Diegans from their neighborhoods — that story is explored in a recent exhibit at the San Diego History Center.On Midday Edition, we hear about some of the lost legacy of San Diego's Black community through both personal stories and policy, and ongoing efforts to revitalize that sense of identity in 2025.Guests:Ric Epps, political science professor, Imperial Valley CollegeGaidi Finnie, executive director, San Diego African American Museum of Fine ArtSheri Jones, co-founder, Black San DiegoIMG_7581.jpg (3024x4032, AR: 0.75)

The San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFFF) kicks off Thursday with a four-day celebration of Filipino cinema. The festival includes films exploring themes of family, climate change, LGBTQ+ identity and more.Monday on Midday Edition, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at how the festival is continuing to celebrate film and community.Guests:Benito Bautista, founder, SDFFFSami Andico, programmer, SDFFF

The California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon on Friday over its controversial license plate surveillance program.The lawsuit comes after KPBS reported that the El Cajon Police Department is openly defying a 2023 legal bulletin, which prohibits sharing data from license plate reader systems with outside agencies.We discuss the latest and how the lawsuit fits into the larger conversation around immigration enforcement in San Diego.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Hispanic Heritage Month is well underway and we are highlighting leaders in our region who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.We sit down with the CEO of MAAC San Diego, a nonprofit that runs education, health and housing programs and much more, all with a focus on economic mobility.Guest: Arnulfo Manriquez, president and CEO, MAAC

Thursday marks the 2nd annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, which brings jazz luminaries from both sides of the border together in a celebration of San Diego and Tijuana's rich jazz history.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear about some of that history and tradition from two local jazz figures behind the festival.Plus, the play “All the Men Who've Frightened Me,” which is currently running at the La Jolla Playhouse, explores the fear, uncertainty and joy that can come with becoming a parent.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts and culture events, from an experimental bassoon concert to San Diego Museum Month.Guests:Dan Atkinson, jazz musician, executive director, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalJulian Placencia, jazz musician, festival organizer, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalKat Yen, theater director, “All the Men Who've Frightened Me”Joy Guidry, bassoonistJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

The government has shutdown after Senate Republicans failed to reach an agreement on federal funding.Around 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed. Many offices will be shuttered.In San Diego, tens of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay, according to figures from Democrats on the House Budget Committee.We talk about how the impacts of the government shutdown will be felt by San Diegans.Plus, takeaways from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military meeting in Quantico, Virginia and reactions from local military personnel.Guests: Mike Levin, U.S. Representative, 49th DistrictAdam Ashton, deputy editor, CalMattersAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS

Nearly 40,000 children are in foster care in California. Many have experienced immense challenges in their young lives. For some, that includes abuse and neglect.Giving foster youth a consistent voice to support them and help them manage the foster care system can make a big difference in their lives.On Midday Edition Tuesday, members of the nonprofit Voices for Children talks about its CASA volunteer program and why it plays an important role in serving young people in foster care in San Diego and Riverside counties.Guests:Jessica Muñoz, president and CEO, Voices for ChildrenMatt Morscheck, CASA volunteer, Voices for Children

As extremist groups become part of the political mainstream, conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric fuel vitriol and distrust.A new series of documentary shorts out of USA Today looks into why those fringe movements have gained traction.The first episode is all about "the manosphere." It's a growing community united by male-supremacist ideologies amid record high levels of depression and suicide among young men.Midday Edition invited USA Today's Will Carless in studio for a conversation to learn more.Guest:Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA Today

San Diego County is suing two of its own jail healthcare providers following the violent killing of Brandon Yates inside the San Diego Central Jail.The lawsuit alleges that the man who killed Yates did not receive adequate mental health care from psychiatric staff.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear the latest on the county's claims.Guest: Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune

This week on KPBS Midday Edition, we shine the spotlight on Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting local theater group Teatro Las Hermanas. We explore how they use theater, visual art and comic book illustrations to put together productions with a focus on social justice.Then, the San Diego Italian Film Festival is back for its 19th year and kicks off on Oct. 1. We sat with our Midday Movies film critics, KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando and Moviewallas podcaster Yazdi Pithavala, to talk about the festival's history and creating community around film.Guests:Mabelle Reynoso, playwright, Teatro Las HermanasZulema Reynoso, artist, Teatro Las HermanasBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, critic, Moviewalla podcast

U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is in the midst of an unprecedented hiring binge, with a goal of hiring 10,000 agents by the end of the year.In a two part series, KPBS reporters look into how ICE recruiting efforts are using white nationalist messages and imagery and relying on veterans to fill job openings. We discuss the details.Also, more immigrants are being placed in isolation cells in San Diego's Otay Mesa Detention Center.We talk about how the trend fits in with the use of "segregation" in detention facilities across the country.Guests:Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBSGustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSSofía Mejías Pascoe, border and immigration reporter, inewsource

Each year, NPR puts on its annual Student Podcast Challenge where thousands of young people across the country transform their ideas and stories into audio.Among the middle school finalists were two students from High Tech Middle Media Arts in Point Loma, who produced a podcast about growing up in a multiracial, multiethnic family and embracing cultural ties.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the students' inspirations and how they captured the experiences of those with mixed backgrounds in their podcast.Guests:Abby Dutra, student, High Tech Middle Media ArtsOryan Navarrete, student, High Tech Middle Media ArtsRebecca Carnahan, 7th grade humanities teacher, High Tech Middle Media Arts

How walkable is your neighborhood?When it comes to walkability, locals have shared a range of experiences depending where they live. But what does it mean to live in a truly walkable city?Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig into what walkability looks like in San Diego and what is being done from a policy and community standpoint to address it.Guests:Bruce Appleyard, associate professor of City Planning and Urban Design, SDSUCarlisle Dockery, director of planning and community engagement, Circulate San DiegoIsrael Hernandez, associate director for advocacy and engagement, AARP San Diego

San Diego's unemployment rate decreased slightly to 5% in August, yet still hovers near a four-year high.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we check in with a local economist on the latest unemployment numbers. We also dig into why the Federal Reserve decided to lower interest rates, and how ongoing uncertainty around economic policy continues.Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center

Free speech is dominating the headlines these days.Last week, ABC announced it would indefinitely suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from broadcasting after he commented on Charlie Kirk's killing. On Monday, Disney and ABC announced the comedian will return to the schedule starting Tuesday night.The news comes as President Donald Trump has reached settlements with ABC and CBS over coverage. And, Congress has stripped federal funding from NPR and PBS.Over the last week, leaders and scholars have sounded the alarm about Americans' right to free speech. We discuss the details.Plus, we talk about what the latest news about "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" means for the tradition of comedy in a tense political climate.Disclaimer: This interview was recorded live on Monday, Sept. 22 at 12:06 p.m. PDT. During this broadcast, we received breaking news that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to air on Tuesday, Sept. 23.Guests:Ric Epps, professor of political science, Imperial Valley CollegeDavid Loy, legal director of the First Amendment CoalitionWalter Ford, stand-up comedianVictor Paz, comedian and founder and lead producer for Kacklez comedy company

On Thursday's Midday Edition, we dive into all the arts and culture happenings across the region in your weekend preview — from an upcoming jazz concert in La Jolla, to a sneak peek of what San Diego Design Week has to offer this year.Plus, Diversionary Theatre kicks off its inaugural season with a one-woman glam rock show, "MANIFEST P*SSY," from performer and writer, Shakina. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with Shakina and Diversionary's artistic director to talk more about the show.And finally, the tourists are gone and kids are back in school. But that doesn't mean summer is over for San Diegans. We hear from a local journalist about all the best ways to enjoy this time of year.Guests:Sacha Boutros, jazz singer, founder of Sacha's Supper ClubJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBSShakina, performer and writer, "Manifest P*ssy"Sherri Eden Barber, artistic director, Diversionary TheatreJackie Bryant, journalist, professor and host of Happy Half Hour podcast

Artificial intelligence is becoming more commonly used in health care settings, from routine medical scans to virtual patient assistance.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sat down with one San Diego public health expert who was recently awarded a Fulbright grant to investigate how AI is used in public health.Guests:Susan Kiene, professor of global health, San Diego State University

The 2025 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, wrapped up earlier this month.On Wednesday's Midday Edition, we heard from two San Diego athletes who competed in the U.S. Open about their experiences and journeys through the sport.Guests: Alyssa Ahn, tennis player, Stanford UniversityDavid Wagner, wheelchair tennis player, three-time U.S. Open Single's winner