Episodes
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Reading the feed…
For the longest time, author Sona Movsesian had her own ideas of what an ideal mom should be like — until she became pregnant with her two twin boys. In her newest book, "The World's Worst Mom," Movsesian embraces the imperfections and messiness that comes with motherhood by taking readers through her own parenting journey. KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sat down with Movsesian to talk about what inspired her to write the book and how working under comedian Conan O'Brien prepared her for motherhood. Then, serial killers have long been a subject of fascination in cinema. Our Midday Movie
Californians have a tool to help them remove personal data collected by data brokers. The web platform, called the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP,) allows California residents to make a single request to delete their data being used by data broker companies. Those companies then have 45 days to comply with the request before facing penalties or fines. On Midday Wednesday, we learn more about how data brokers use our personal data, how the new tool works, and provide general tips to better protect our data online. Guest: Hailey Tsukayama, director of state affairs, Electronic Frontie
Recent policy changes at the Pentagon show that senior leadership is prioritizing grooming standards — especially when it comes to shaving. We hear about what the shaving policy entails, why it could disproportionately impact Black servicemembers and what it signals about present-day military culture. Guest: Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
The Supreme Court this week sided with President Donald Trump's executive order to restrict mail-in voting — at least for now. The high court's ruling wasn't about the legality of President Trump's order; rather, the legal path that states took to try and block it. A new lawsuit filed Wednesday by Democratic states challenges a new U.S. Postal Service rule, which limits who may receive mail ballots. However, it remains unclear what changes will go into effect before the fast approaching midterm election. We sit down with a law expert to break down the electoral confusion and chaos. Guests: Ber
Concerns over food safety are growing this summer after a massive cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce. There have been recent reports of other food safety scares, including salmonella in eggs and jalapeños, E. coli in frozen blueberries and more. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the outbreaks and what it reveals about our current food system. Then, new research from UC San Diego and the University of Freiberg in Germany shows that one month on a vegan diet can alter how your body interprets DNA markers associated with aging and inflammation. We dive into the study.
What is your relationship to the ocean? Here in San Diego, we are lucky to be in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. But you don't have to live close to the water to be impacted by it. Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with one of the speakers at this year's TEDxSanDiego, to discuss our connection to the ocean and what we can do to protect it. Guest: Christina Connett Brophy, president and CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego
The 2026 One Book, One San Diego selections are officially out. On Midday Edition Monday, we speak with the author Stephen Graham Jones about his book "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter," chosen as this year's adult One Book selection. We also catch up with one of the author's of this year's children's book selection, "Books on Bikes," and learn about the real-life inspiration behind it.
In many Latinx households, "la chancla" or "the flip flop" is an iconic cultural symbol of parental punishment. For many adults who grew up with that style of discipline, it's something to laugh about. In a new book, "Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting," author Leslie Priscilla asks if we should take chancla culture more seriously and offers a personal and historical look at parenting behaviors. Priscilla will also be a featured author at the 2026 KPBS Book Festival. Then, have you ever heard of the phrase, "yes, and?" It is a core tenet of i
The KPBS San Diego Book Festival is returning Saturday to the University of San Diego, featuring more than 145 authors. On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two authors who will be in attendance. We get tips for mindful motherhood, and learn about the power of humor to cope with everyday life. The KPBS Book Festival is open to the public and general admission is free. Guests: Cassidy Freitas, licensed marriage and family therapist, author of "Mom Needs a Moment: How to Stop Your Reaction Before It Starts...and Become a Calmer, Happier, More Connected Parent"Chris Duffy, comedian and podcast h
San Diego is known for its consistent weather. But that may change this winter, as the El Niño intensifies. Forecasters are dubbing it the "Super El Niño." We check in with our resident weather expert about what this could mean for temperatures, rainfall and conditions in San Diego County. Then, is the city prepared for the potential impacts of a Super El Niño? We hear about a new effort that officials are setting in motion. Guests: Alex Tardy, founder of Weather Echo, former meteorologist at the National Weather ServiceDavid Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneLinks: Braci
California has long been known as a place where people come to remake their lives and look to achieve big dreams. But the postcard image of California doesn't tell its full history. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with award-winning journalist and author Michael Hiltzik about the more complex history he writes about in his book "Golden State: The Making of California." Hiltzik will be at this year's KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the University of San Diego. Guest: Michael Hiltzik, journalist and author, "Golden State: The Making of California"Link: KPBS San Diego Boo
In recent weeks, at least seven U.S. states have been hit with cyberattacks that appear to be targeting critical infrastructure — like water and wastewater utilities. The FBI is investigating the attacks and has not publicly identified a culprit. However, many experts say Iranian-backed hackers are responsible. We sit down with a cybersecurity expert about what makes water systems vulnerable to attacks and what message hackers are trying to send. Guest: Nikolas Behar, cybersecurity leader and educator
Over two decades ago, California voters passed a law that opened the way for the criminalization of people with connections to gangs. The documentary “California Story” unravels the impact of those laws and gang documentation — the practice of tracking suspected gang members by law enforcement — on communities across the state, including Southeast San Diego. We hear from two people involved with the film about how their personal experience shaped its making, the community members at the core of this story and what they see as potential solutions. Guests: Khalid Alexander, executive producer of
For years, San Diego’s approach to homelessness has been built on a “Housing First” model. That means trying to get people housed with limited barriers or conditions. From there, proponents argue, it becomes easier to get them connected to other services, including addiction treatment. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited San Diego last week to announce a new federal approach to homelessness and treatment called "Treatment First." On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the new federal guidelines on addiction treatment and homelessness, and discuss what it cou
Everyday San Diegans drive past cameras that capture their license plates in real-time, collect the data and send it to a third-party database. Many of these automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are made by third-party vendor Flock. Flock cameras continue to be the subject of scrutiny nationwide, as police, privacy rights activists and lawmakers debate the use of the technology. As community groups join in a national week of action against the technology, we hear from a local advocate about the latest news on license readers and concerns around the use of Flock cameras in San Diego. Guest:
There’s nothing like a good book that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The New York Times Book Review recently put out a list of the 50 best thrillers of the 21st century — all voted on by devotees of the genre. Thursday on Midday Edition, we talk about the list, what makes a great thriller and why people are drawn to the genre today. Then, FilmOut, San Diego’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, returns next week. KPBS arts reporter and horror aficionado Beth Accomando spoke with two horror filmmakers presenting at the festival. And finally, it's a busy weekend in the arts. KPBS Julia Dixon Evans shares
Every eight years, the state of California requires cities and counties to set goals for new housing development. But almost none of those jurisdictions are on track to meet those goals by 2030, according to new reporting by CalMatters. On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about the trend and how San Diego compares to other municipalities across the state. Guest: Ben Christopher, housing reporter, CalMatters
An unlikely friendship between a Vietnam War veteran and a manta ray is the subject of an award-winning documentary called "The Last Dive." The film will be coming to San Diego on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20. Wednesday on Midday Edition, KPBS' Andrew Bowen sits down with the director to talk about the friendship at the heart of the documentary, and how it explores themes of redemption, ocean conservation and healing. Guest: Cody Sheehy, director, "The Last Dive"
Family members of sailors and Marines aboard the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln are reporting dangerous conditions — from lack of food and hot water, to a limited supply of basic essentials. The aircraft carrier's long deployment is raising concerns about safety, as the ship sets a record for the most continuous days at sea. On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about the reported conditions and what they reveal about life on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Guests: Priya Sridhar, Pentagon reporter, MS NOWAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
It has been over 80 years since more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes, detained and incarcerated during World War II. For many Japanese Americans, the hurt and trauma from that period in history is still felt today. Some have drawn parallels to the Trump administration's immigration policy, amid continuing mass detentions and deportations. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the through lines between wartime incarceration and present-day immigration enforcement, the impact on Japanese Americans generations later, and what we can learn from the past. Gues
The pencils are sharpened. The backpacks are packed. It's the first day of school for students in the San Diego Unified School District. This year, screen use is top of mind for school administrators, teachers, parents and students. San Diego Unified has placed new limits on classroom technology. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with three education reporters to hear about the stories they're following in the year ahead. Guests: Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBSJakob McWhinney, education reporter, Voice of San DiegoJemma Stephenson, K-12 education reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
Readers, listen up: the KPBS Book Festival returns to the University of San Diego on Saturday, Aug. 22. As we gear up for the event, we're revisiting past conversations with some of the featured authors — including professors and labor activists Kelly Mayhew and Jim Miller, who co-wrote the book, "Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See." Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews an award-winning "Without Walls," or WOW, show called "ha ha ha ha ha ha ha." And finally, there are lots of arts events to check out this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans highlight
Wednesday marks the official termination of temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian migrants in the United States. A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending TPS in February. But after a Supreme Court ruling in June gave the federal government the green light to revoke the status, the judge determined that the February order was "no longer in effect." The decision leaves 350,000 Haitians at risk of losing their jobs and being deported. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about how that is impacting Haitian migrants in San Diego and what is at stake. Guest: Guerline Joze
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has been shut down for more than 20 years. But millions of pounds of nuclear waste is still there — right next to the ocean. Now, a new energy plan that involves "nuclear campuses" in five states could offer a possible solution for nuclear waste. On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss the details of the plan and talk through the unanswered questions. Guests: Rob Nikolewski, energy reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
In July, the city of San Diego closed nearly half of the public restrooms in Mission Bay Park due to budget cuts. The closures have caused frustration among parkgoers, who have brought up concerns about public health and accessibility. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local nonprofit about how visitors are responding to the closures and what solutions could be on the table. Guest: Bradley Schnell, founder, Mission Bay Park Conservancy
