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