KPBS Midday Edition

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

The owners of the San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing an agreement to sell the team to private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife Kwanza Jones. The expected $3.9 billion sale, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, would be a record price for a Major League Baseball team. On Midday Edition Monday, we talk more about who is involved in the sale, and what it could mean for the future of the franchise. Guest: Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune

A new exhibition headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego comes from the personal collection of two names you'll recognize — musical icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. The "Giants" exhibit features works from 37 Black American and diasporic artists making waves in the art space. We sit down with a local curator then arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans to hear more about the exhibit. Plus, we preview La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls or "WOW" festival by hearing from San Diego artists as well as creators from across the nation and around the globe. Guests: Amy CrumJulia Dixon EvansBeth Accomando'Without Walls (WOW)' FestivalLinks: Without Walls (WOW) FestivalSan Diego Book Crawl

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday unveiled his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, outlining his plans to help close the city's nearly $150 million deficit. The wide-ranging cuts proposed by Gloria include cuts to local arts groups, as well as to libraries and recreation centers across the city. On Midday Edition, we take a closer look at the proposed cuts and talk about what comes next for the budget process. Guests: David GarrickJohn Carroll

It could be a good opportunity to look up at the skies as this week marks International Dark Sky Week. It's a global movement that aims to explore the celestial night sky, bring awareness to the impact of artificial lighting on communities and wildlife, and curb light pollution. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we explore more about dark skies and how people can manage their own light use. Guest: San Diego County Chapter of Dark Sky InternationalResources: International Dark Sky Week

This week, the President launched a series of social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV. He also offended Catholics and Christians worldwide with an AI-generated photo portraying him as a Jesus-like figure. He also called the American-born pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." The pope responded by saying he will continue to advocate against war and promote peace. Guest: Rebecca Bartel

Air pollution near the Tijuana River Valley is threatening the health of residents who live there. A new bill by California State Senator Steve Padilla would strengthen regulations around one pollutant — hydrogen sulfide. We break down the bill and what it could mean for the pollution problem in the South Bay. Guest: Mackenzie Elmer

California's race for governor faces new uncertainty after one of the leading candidates dropped out of the race. Democrat Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign this weekend after multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were made public. Swalwell also resigned from his seat in Congress on Tuesday. On Midday Edition, we discuss the allegations and how the race for California's next Governor has changed, as well as what the allegations reveal about politics today. Editor's note: This interview was recorded before Rep. Eric Swalwell of California submitted more information on his resignation from Congress. We has resigned his seat effective Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern. Guest: Jeanne Kuang, Capitol reporter, CalMatters

Food costs are continuing to squeeze San Diegans' pocketbooks, and that means accessing healthy food is getting harder for families. The San Diego Hunger Coalition found that as of December 2025, more than 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure. Local community gardens have helped fill in that gap, giving people the space to grow their own fresh produce while also giving it back to the community. Monday on Midday Edition, we talk about how one local community garden has shaped fresh food access in southeast San Diego — and what you might need to know to start growing your own produce in your backyard. Guest: Project New VillageResources: Mt. Hope Community GardenCommunity Garden resource page

At least 48 people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since President Donald Trump returned to office last January. Last year, 33 people died while in ICE custody — the highest since the agency was created in 2003. A new investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle poured through detention data, ICE death reports, autopsies and more to reveal a series of medical delays and misdiagnoses while detained. We talk about their findings and what they reveal about medical treatment within immigration facilities. Guest: Ko Lyn Cheang

California Republican party leaders were unable to agree on a candidate to endorse in this year's governor's race. Delegates split their vote between Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco and businessman Steve Hilton at the California Republican Party Spring Convention this weekend in San Diego. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the changing dynamics of the race for governor after leading Democratic candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Editor's note: This interview was broadcasted several hours before Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced he plans to resign from Congress following multiple sexual assault allegations. Guest: Jake Gotta

NASA's Artemis II will splash down in San Diego after a 10-day mission around the moon. It's the first time in 50 years that American astronauts have been to the moon. On Midday Edition, we sit down with former astronaut and NASA administrator Major General Charles Bolden Jr. to hear about his career and his insights about the significance of the Artemis II mission. Guest: Major General Charles Bolden Jr.

One of the biggest coffee industry events in the United States is coming to San Diego this weekend — and coffee lovers are in for a treat. World of Coffee will be kicking off at the San Diego Convention Center Friday, bringing together specialty coffee shops, roasters, educators and experts from all across the globe. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a local business owner and a coffee educator to talk about what it means to bring World of Coffee to San Diego, and how coffee itself is intertwined with culture and community. Then, if you're looking for more arts and culture events to check out, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered in her weekend preview. Guests: One of One CommunitySan Diego Coffee Training InstituteResources: World of Coffee San Diego

We've now seen parts of the moon no human has ever seen before. That's thanks to the four-person crew of NASA's Artemis II mission — and plenty of other scientists here at home, on Earth. It's a story many of us have been following over the past week, marking humanity's return to the moon after more than 50 years. Later this week, the Artemis II crew will be splashing down right off the coast of San Diego. We get all the details from the San Diego Air & Space Museum and hear about their upcoming Family PJ Night Watch Party. Guest: David Neville

Ballots for California's Gubernatorial Primary Election will be in your mailbox within weeks. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we take a closer look at some of the many candidates vying to be California's next governor. On the congressional side, we talk about the race for California's newly redrawn 48th District seat. Guest: Carl Luna, professor of political science at Mesa College; visiting professor at the University of San Diego and director for USD's Institute for Civil Civic Engagement

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) found that two sheriff's deputies engaged in criminal conduct in connection with the death of Bobby Ray Patton, who died in the Vista Detention Facility. Patton died in the jail on Dec. 28, 2024 after hours of struggling to breathe and complaining of chest pain. The civilian watchdog panel sustained allegations of criminal negligence against the deputies, concluding that the officers failed to respond to signs that Patton needed medical attention. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we talk more about Patton's case and what this ruling could mean for similar investigations moving forward. Guest: Kelly Davis,