KPBS Midday Edition

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

Nearly two years after floods devastated San Diego neighborhoods and displaced at least 1,000 people, the legal fallout continues between the city and its residents.More than 1,500 people are suing the city, alleging it failed to maintain storm channels. And the city has now filed more than 20 cross-complaints against residents, businesses and flood victims.On Midday Edition, we discuss where the lawsuits stand and what they mean for those affected by the floods.Guest:Maura Fox, communities reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune

In new her new novel, "A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez," San Diego author María Dolores Águila writes about community efforts to combat segregation of Mexican-American students in Depression-era Lemon Grove.Midday Edition on Tuesday explores more about the Lemon Grove Incident, Águila's writing process, as well as her reaction to the book being selected for the longlist of the National Book Awards 2025 for Young People's Literature.Guest:María Dolores Águila, author

Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.This year marks the 215th anniversary of that day — now celebrated widely as Mexican Independence Day.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made history this year as the first woman to lead Mexico's "El Grito," also known as the "Cry of Independence."Midday Edition discusses the enduring meaning of Mexican Independence Day in 2025. And why some groups scaled back celebrations this year over concerns about immigration enforcement.Guest:Alberto Díaz Ramírez, professor of history, Autonomous University of Baja California

The San Diego City Council approved new parking fees for Balboa Park on Monday. The plan for Balboa Park is the latest effort by city leaders to increase parking revenue across San Diego.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear how much drivers will pay, what resident discounts look like, and what the changes mean for the city's budget challenges.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

The killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah last week has shocked the nation. While authorities are still trying to determine motive, leaders across the political spectrum are taking hard stances on how to respond.On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications for our democracy moving forward.Plus, we look into how journalism can play a role in amplifying extremism — locally and nationwide.Then, we feature a program giving community members a participatory role in local media through the Public Matters initiative.Guests: Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA TodayBrian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San BernardinoNik Usher, professor of communication at the University of San DiegoIsaac Brambila, community news coordinator, inewsource

A new exhibit, "Clothes Story" highlights the stories of African American women over a period of nearly 80 years, with a focus on the interconnection between fashion, identity and history.Plus, FilAm Creator Con returns for its second year, showcasing artists, workshops and performances that highlight Filipino American voices in the arts.Lastly, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans tells us about some weekend arts events and exhibitions across San Diego County. You can find details on these and more arts events on our website.Guests:Kenneth Green, cultural event director, curator, "Clothes Story"Aaron Nabus, founder, FilAm Creator ConZard Apuya, artistArthur Ebuen, artistBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to expand the authority of the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, also known as CLERB.The now-approved measure allows CLERB to investigate jail health care workers and contractors in cases of in-custody deaths. Live on KPBS Midday Edition, we breakdown what that means for law enforcement accountability.Then on Midday Edition, fewer and fewer avocados are being grown in San Diego County. We hear about the challenges for avocado production in the region.And it's been 50 years since community leaders worked to preserve Cowles Mountain. We look back at the history of the peak.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJohn Carroll, general assignment reporter and anchor, KPBSDavid Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

New research from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is raising questions about the response to toxic air and water from the Salton Sea, and for the communities who live near it.The research highlights gaps in how pollution is measured and addressed, and how it is impacting the health of residents around the Salton Sea.Guest:Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCLA

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal immigration agents could resume aggressive street sweeps or "roving patrols" in Los Angeles.That means, for now, immigration officials are no longer restricted from stopping and detaining people based on factors like race, accent, employment and location.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig deeper into what this ruling could mean for immigration enforcement in our region and beyond.Guests:Wendy Fry, California Divide reporter, CalMattersSergio Olmos, investigative reporter, CalMatters

We sit down with the authors of the children, teen and adult selections for 2025 One Book, One San Diego.

What would it take for one to venture into hell?Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul.Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia.And, hear ye, hear ye! The Old Globe's latest musical comedy, "Huzzah!" follows two sisters as they try to save their father's renaissance faire from financial ruin. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando goes behind-the-scenes to speak with the director and creators.Guests:R.F. Kuang, author, "Katabasis"Nell Benjamin, lyricist, writer and composer, 'Huzzah!'Lawrence O'Keefe, composer, 'Huzzah!'Annie Tippe, director, 'Huzzah!'

For over 50 years, KSDS Jazz 88 has brought jazz music to music fans across the San Diego region and beyond. But that mission is facing new challenges as federal funding cuts hit public radio stations across the country, including at Jazz 88.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we spoke with KSDS' station manager Ken Poston on what makes the San Diego's jazz scene unique, and why preserving jazz music is so essential."I think people need to be aware of jazz and blues in particular, and where it came from," Poston said. "And why it's such an important part of our history."Guest:Ken Poston, station manager, KSDS Jazz 88

A July executive order puts restrictions on how federal funding can be spent by harm reduction programs, which provide assistance to people who use drugs or struggle with addiction.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear how this might impact outreach in San Diego.Guest:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

A summer COVID-19 wave is spreading across California, according to public health experts.More than 12 percent of tests statewide at the end of August came back positive — double the rate of positive tests at the end of July, according to The Los Angeles Times.A similar increase shows nearly 13 percent of tests in San Diego County coming back positive, according to the county's Health and Human Services Agency.Meanwhile, several state governors are banding together to issue public health guidance amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Also today, Florida announced plans to end all vaccine mandates across the state.We hear about the latest COVID-19 surge and how the politicization of public health institutions is affecting health care.Guest:Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor of public health at UC San Diego

New research led by the UC San Diego Institution of Oceanography confirmed what residents in San Diego's South Bay have been saying for years: Pollution from the Tijuana River affects not just water, but also air quality.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear more about the research and what it means for the health of South Bay residents.The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission also met a key milestone recently to increase wastewater treatment for the region.Guest:Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Last Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new state task force aimed at clearing encampments from the state's streets.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Newsom's latest effort to address the homelessness crisis and what those efforts could mean for San Diego.Guest:Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters

Twenty-five years ago, Ópera de Tijuana was founded by a small group of opera lovers who brought the art form to Mexico's second-largest city.In October, they're celebrating a quarter century of passion, perseverance and community with a performance of Cavalleria Rusticana.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the artistic director and a tenor to hear about their passion for Ópera de Tijuana.Plus, La Jolla Playhouse has extended the run of the musical "The Heart" through late September. The show takes place over the course of 24 hours in San Diego, following a heart transplant after a young surfer's life is cut short.Then, our weekly preview of events coming up in the arts and culture world this weekend.Guests: José Medina, founder and artistic director of Ópera de TijuanaGerardo Gaytán, tenor with Ópera de TijuanaChristopher Ashley, outgoing artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse, and incoming artistic director of New York's Roundabout Theatre CompanyJulia Dixon Evans, KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast

August is Transgender History Month in California.The Lambda Archive of San Diego works to preserve the history of the local LGBTQ+ community.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear about a project the organization is working on to highlight the history of minorities and the trans community in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.Guest:Gabrielle Garcia, head archivist, Lambda Archives of San Diego

California voters this November will weigh in on Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to redraw U.S. House districts.The goal of the new ballot initiative is to give Democrats a better chance at winning additional seats in next year's midterm elections. The move would counter an earlier Trump-backed Republican effort in Texas to do the same.Live on Midday Edition, California state Sen. Akilah Weber discusses why she supports the redistricting effort.Plus, UC San Diego political scientist Thad Kousser explains how the redistricting effort could impact the way districts are drawn in San Diego.Guests:Akilah Weber, California state senator representing the 39th districtThad Kousser, professor of political science at UC San Diego

The White House recently published a list of artworks in Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. that it deems objectionable or “divisive,” calling out artworks or museum programs that cover themes of race, immigration and sexuality.One of the works on the list was created by local cross-border artist Hugo Crosthwaite. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery commissioned him to create a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, which was unveiled in 2022.The portrait, a stop-motion animation, tells the story of Fauci's long career, bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 public health crises.KPBS spoke to Crosthwaite about the portrait and what's at stake when governments control art.GUEST:Hugo Crosthwaite, artist

Aug. 26 marks Women's Equality Day. On this day in 1920, the passage of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote — in theory.For women who weren't white, it took several decades longer to gain access to the polls.Now in 2025, women are still fighting for equality, from reproductive rights to workplace protections — especially women of color.On Midday Edition, we discuss the complicated history of Women's Equality Day, which was not and is still not equal.Guest:Angela D. Coker, associate professor of Women's Studies at San Diego State University

San Diego city planners recently released a draft update to the Clairemont Community Plan.The changes would rezone many of the neighborhood's strip malls and shopping centers to allow for higher-density housing.In western Clairemont, near the Blue Line trolley stations, however, the neighborhood would remain largely unchanged.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we discuss the changes and the attitudes around them.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

New reporting shows a significant portion of new homes in San Diego County are being built near freeways.We discuss concerns over pollution and congestion as the county attempts to build more housing and address the affordability crisis.Plus, we discuss San Ysidro Health's social prescribing initiative, which uses a U.K.-based strategy to encourage patients to embrace arts and culture as medicine.Then, we dive into a functional medicine doctor's new manual on hormonal wellness and treating women's health through a holistic lens.Guests:Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSDr. Priti Ojha, chief behavioral health officer, San Ysidro HealthDr. Julie Taylor, functional medicine doctor and author of "The Hormone Manual: A Straightforward Guide for Every Woman at Every Stage of Life"

The Tijuana River Estuary carries both historic and cultural significance for the indigenous Kumeyaay people.But for decades, the river has suffered from environmental degradation, rampant pollution and an ongoing sewage crisis.A new Kumeyaay play called "Shuuluk Wechuwvi – Where Lightning Was Born” debuts this Saturday. It uses theater and comics to tell the story of the Tijuana River Valley, highlighting the resilience of the land and what restoration — both ecological and cultural — might look like.Then, San Diego's LGBTQ+ film festival FilmOut celebrates 25 years. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with FilmOut's current director and the original founder to look back at its history.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationShanasia Sylman, Margaret A. Davidson graduate fellow, Tijuana River National Estuarine ResearchMichael McQuiggan, program director, FilmOutJoe Ferrelli, founder, FilmOut

Bob Marley's 1977 song "Jamming" isn't just a catchy tune — it's a celebration of togetherness, community, peace and mutual respect.MarleyZiggy ap1 c.jpg (3912x4890, AR: 0.8)The iconic song is also the inspiration behind the latest children's book by Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy Marley.The book is called "Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family."Ziggy Marley is a nine-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian and author. He'll also headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday.He joined Midday Edition to discuss the process behind writing the book and his love for family tradition and playfulness.Guest: Ziggy Marley, award-winning musician and author of "Pajammin: A Reggage Pajama Party for the Whole Family"

California's attorney general says police agencies that share license plate reader data with out-of-state and federal law enforcement agencies may be violating a state sanctuary law.But in El Cajon, the police department continues to share data with out-of-state agencies.That's led to a disagreement between the police department and the state over how to define a "public agency."On Midday Edition, we sat down with KPBS investigative border reporter Gustavo Solis to hear about the clash over license plate data. And, why El Cajon has become a flashpoint in the fight over immigration.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

A new youth-led podcast called "Voices del Valle" features stories about growing up in the rural border region of Imperial Valley.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from some of the young people behind the series as they reflect on what makes "el Valle" so unique.“Voices del Valle” is part of the KPBS Explore Local Content Project.Guests:Evan Harper, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Grace Estelle Navarro, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Dominick Ramos Felix, co-host, "Voices del Valle"

San Diego County's unemployment rate hit a four-year high, according to state labor data released last week, all while the region has the highest inflation rate in the United States.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from a local economist on what that means for the regional economy heading into the fall months.Guests:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

The fight for redistricting continues in California and Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he will move forward with his proposed ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, could temporarily redraw California's congressional maps.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local political scientist who breaks down what this measure means for the state and for the future of American politics.Guest:Phil Saenz, political science professor, Southwestern College

Bestselling author, political strategist and former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams will headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Aug. 23.Abrams joined Midday Edition on Thursday to talk about her latest book, "Coded Justice," which dives into the ethical questions around the use of AI in the healthcare industry."What I want us to think about with AI is that it's an extraordinarily powerful technology that is controlled by people," Abrams said. "And that means people have to understand what's happening and that means other people have to question where it comes from, what it does and what impact it will have on us."Plus, KPBS' Beth Accomando looks at how a new all-women acting company is flipping the script on Shakespearean plays.Then, Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts events this weekend, including meteor showers, visual art about caregiving and a children's film festival.Guests:Stacey Abrams, author of "Coded Justice," former Georgia State Representative and two-time gubernatorial candidateAudrey Sweet, co-founder of the Queen's MenCharlotte B. Larson, co-founder of the Queen's MenJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Wildfires are becoming bigger, deadlier and even more destructive across California. Firefighting efforts are also intensifying in response.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Jordan Thomas, anthropologist and author of the book “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World," about his experience fighting fires as a Los Padres Hotshot and his deep-dive into the cultural histories behind fire.Guest:Jordan Thomas, cultural anthropologist, author of “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World"Events:Aug. 21 - Book Catapult book talkAug. 23 - KPBS San Diego Book Festival