KPBS Midday Edition

It's been nearly three years since the San Diego City Council passed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which prohibited tent encampments on public property when shelter beds are available. The law also set rules for how the city can enforce the ban, leading to increased sweeps of homeless encampments. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new analysis from The San Diego Union-Tribune that digs deeper into the data, revealing the financial costs to the city and the impact of repeated sweeps on those living in the encampments. Guest: Kristen Taketa

For four decades, the California Surf Museum has served as a portal into the world of surfing — capturing the history, art and culture of the sport. On Midday Edition, we talk to the executive director of the Oceanside museum about how it tells the story of surfing. Plus, a world surfing champion, author and motivational speaker shares lessons from a life of surfing, ahead of his event this week at the California Surf Museum. Guests: Jim KemptonShaun Tomson

Longtime civil rights activist and San Diego icon Harold "Hal" K. Brown passed away last week at the age of 92. Born in York, Pennsylvania, Brown came to San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He was heavily involved in San Diego's Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1950's and 60's. In 1971, he became SDSU's first Black administrator, later founding what became the university's Africana Studies Department. Monday on Midday Edition, we commemorate Brown's legacy, his lifelong commitment to racial and economic justice, and the enduring mark he has left on San Diego. Guest: Africana Studies

Passengers of a cruise ship struck by an outbreak of hantavirus have been flown home. Nine cases have been reported from the outbreak, including three deaths. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local medical expert to learn more about hantavirus, how it differs from coronavirus, and why he feels the public health risk remains low. Guest: Dr. Stephen Munday

Every Wednesday for six weeks at a time, adult musicians gather at the Coronado Community Center to practice their instruments. They call themselves the Coronado Terrible Orchestra. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about how the orchestra has provided a space for its members to celebrate the joys of music, and help them to play without judgment. Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at what's new with the San Diego International Fringe Festival as it expands its binational footprint with the World Fringe Congress. And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast Julia Dixon Evans shares all her top arts event picks for the weekend. Guests: Cassie O'HanlonSan Diego International Fringe FestivalSan Diego International Fringe Festival Julia Dixon Evans

The 2026 Point-in-Time Count found a slight decline in homelessness in San Diego County, including an 11% drop in street homelessness. But the number of homeless seniors is growing. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two leaders of local nonprofits addressing homelessness about what's working and the challenges that lie ahead. Then, we sit down with representatives from a local group spreading awareness about mental health needs within San Diego’s Vietnamese community. Plus, a new book from TED Radio Hour's Manoush Zomorodi looks into how our modern tech-filled lives is changing our bodies — and what we can do about it. Guests: Melinda ForsteyGreg AngleaTri NguyenTri LuuManoush Zomorodi"Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Wellbeing"Resources: Vietnamese American Youth Alliance Mental Health ResourcesInternational Vietnamese Mental Health AssociationSan Diego Access & Crisis LineYellow Chair Collective

National Public Radio correspondent Kirk Siegler covers how climate change is impacting the American West. Siegler has covered California wildfires, water scarcity and the financial challenges facing America's farmers. On Midday Edition Tuesday, Siegler shares how his experience growing up in Montana has shaped his reporting and more specifically on how he reports on climate change. Guest: Kirk Siegler, national correspondent, NPR News

San Diego voters could decide to raise the sales tax by a half cent this November. The measure would generate funding to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, to make healthcare and childcare more affordable and for wildfire prevention. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down the proposed measure and how it would fit into other efforts to address the sewage crisis. Guest: Tammy Murga

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult — especially when navigating trauma and loss. But, how can the emotional aftermath affect those closest to you? The documentary short, "Hope… In the Aftermath of War," which will have its world premiere at the 11th annual GI Film Festival. It looks at one veteran's struggles with trauma and addiction and how her familial relationships changed. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the filmmaker and an advisory committee member involved with the festival to talk about the challenges women veterans face when coming home — and the journey towards healing. Guests: "Hope… In the Aftermath of War"Keshia Javis JonesResources: Foundation for Women Warriors programs

Racial bias in healthcare surrounds us everyday, from misdiagnosis and pain mismanagement to pediatric care. That bias is also embedded in our mental healthcare system, leaving Black patients without essential resources. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of "The Cost of Healing in Silence: Navigating Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care" about the emotional costs of racial bias and the stories that often go overlooked. Guest: Ashley McGirt-Adair,"The Cost of Healing in Silence: Navigating Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care"

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court voted last week to weaken the federal enforcement of the Voting Rights Act in the landmark case, Louisiana v. Callais. The court found that Louisiana's congressional map was an "unconstitutional racial gerrymander" because it included two majority-Black districts. On Midday Edition, we explore what this ruling means for voter representation in the U.S. We also unpack the consequences for voting rights ahead of the midterms. Guest: Khiara BridgesExpecting Inequity: How the Maternal Health Crisis Affects Even the Wealthiest Black Americans

Growing up in San Diego, Allison Adams Tucker started singing before she could speak. Over the years, she's done it all: pop, folk, gospel, punk and jazz — a genre she sings in six languages. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Tucker ahead of her International Jazz Day performance at Dizzy's Jazz in San Diego to talk about her musical journey. Then, our Midday Movies critics highlight films they feel reflect America in different ways, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence was signed. Plus, our weekend preview of local arts and culture events around town. Guests: Allison Adams TuckerBeth AccomandoMoviewallasJulia Dixon Evans

A new study found a decline in suicide deaths among young adults since the launch of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We talk about the crisis line and the study. Then, we hear about how cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs are having worldwide impacts. Plus, ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects 1 in 9 children in the U.S., but it often goes undiagnosed in older adults. We hear from the host of the podcast "Grandma has ADHD." Guests: Sharp Mesa Vista HospitalJon Cohen"Grandma has ADHD"Links: 988 CaliforniaThe Trevor Project"Is Trump killing the heralded U.S. effort to help the world battle HIV?""Stepping Away""Grandma has ADHD"

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, there have been many debates over the use of the term genocide in describing Israeli military actions in Gaza. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we weigh that question with historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov, who is in San Diego to discuss his latest book, "Israel: What Went Wrong." Then, it’s been over six months since a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hamas. But the need for aid in Gaza and in the Israeli-occupied West Bank remains urgent. We hear from a local nonprofit coordinating humanitarian efforts in the region about what conditions are like on the ground. Guests: "Israel: What Went Wrong"Global Communities

April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to recognize and celebrate what it means to live with autism. It's an experience that looks a little different for everyone. On KPBS Midday Edition, we highlight local groups creating space and sharing resources in San Diego. We hear from people with the Autism Society San Diego and Revision, an inclusive art space in Hillcrest and La Mesa. Plus, an excerpt from the youth-led podcast, Voices del Valle. The podcast tells coming-of-age stories from the Imperial Valley. Guests: Tim GobranJessica BoranianZoe Berl HahnAngela Sanchez,

Local arts advocates are protesting a proposed city budget that would slash hundreds of programs and eliminate $11.8 million in funding. That's an 85% decrease from the previous year. Organizations from San Diego Comic-Con to cultural centers and museums are affected. We sit down with arts advocate and professor Alessandra Moctezuma to understand how the community is responding. Then, our weekend preview of upcoming events — from big festivals and books, to theater and Chicano Park. Plus, a preview of the 17th annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, with TCM's Charles Tabesh. Guests: Alessandra MoctezumaJulia Dixon EvansCharles Tabesh,

Earth Day invites us to pause, appreciate and celebrate the planet we all call home. It's also a moment to talk about environmental conservation and climate solutions. Marine biologist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores those solutions in her book, "What if We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures." We sit down with Johnson ahead of an event this Friday at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography to celebrate the launch of a new paperback edition. Plus, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center promotes community gardening and sustainability through hands-on education in National City. We sit down with two specialists involved with the program. And, local organization Red Earth Movement draws on Indigenous wisdom to teach community members about permaculture and sustainable farming through their "Seed to Spirit" program. We hear from its founder. Guests: Ayana Elizabeth JohnsonWhat If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate FuturesMiah TatolaBirdy Rivera AlmansaAdam UribeRed Earth Movement

On Sunday, a San Diego-based warship fired on an Iranian cargo ship attempting to run a United States-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about the warship's connections to San Diego and what the action could mean for peace efforts between the U.S. and Iran. Then, one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed in response to the U.S. blockade. We examine the impacts of the war on the global economy and energy supply. Guests: Andrew DyerDavid Victor

April 30 of this year marks the 51st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon. A new podcast shares the story of a Marine's experience in that conflict— and the family connection that helped tell the story. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from the creator of the series on how she balanced her role as both journalist and granddaughter to share retired Marine James Steele's memories of war, survival, and loss. "Reconnaissance Man" will be premiering on Combat Story beginning Sunday. Guest: Ashly McGlone, journalist/creator, "Reconnaissance Man"

April 20 or "420" has long been commemorated as an unofficial holiday for cannabis — but how did it get started? And what place does it hold in popular culture today? Monday on Midday Edition, we look at how April 20 became the cultural phenomenon it is today, the holiday's activist roots, and the current landscape for cannabis at a national, state and local level. Then, it's been 30 years since California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. We check in on the state of cannabis research today. Guests: Leaf MagazinesCenter for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego