KPBS Midday Edition

As San Diego's senior population continues to grow, so does the need to care for them. Many seniors are facing challenges from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Often, that responsibility falls to family members.California has over 7 million family caregivers. It's a role that comes with low pay, no sick days, and additional mental stress. On Midday Edition Monday, we have a conversation about some of the challenges that fam...

It's that time of year: time to figure out what you're bringing to Thanksgiving dinner. For many of us, that decision can feel overwhelming.If you've been putting that off, we've got you covered with some last-minute Thanksgiving shortcuts — in effort, not flavor.Sam the Cooking Guy joins us to answer audience questions and give us a live, in-studio cooking demonstration.And, if all else fails — you can always go out to eat. We sit...

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, and it's an opportunity to give back to community, and spend time with family.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local group using mutual aid to address food insecurity in San Diego.Then, a conversation with a local leadership coach about how to make the most of family time this holiday season.Guests:Nica MaryJane Hermosillo-Vanella, founder and CEO, Feeding DaygoLorri Sulpizio, d...

November marks National Hip-Hop History Month, and San Diego has a thriving hip-hop community and make its mark on the culture.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a local hip-hop veteran to talk about San Diego's ever-evolving hip-hop scene, his own artistry, and how he continues to shine a light on artists, both up-and-coming and established.Guest:Ric Scales, hip-hop artist, curator, promoterResources mentioned:Slappin' Ha...

Every November, we recognize Native American Heritage Month — honoring the history and contributions of Indigenous people in the United States.But for many leaders, honoring this history is a year-long commitment. That includes educating the next generation and teaching the public the truth about the past.We sit down with two Kumeyaay leaders dedicated to preserving the language and spreading awareness about their cultural heritage...

About a dozen police agencies in San Diego County use automated license plate readers.A new KPBS investigation found those agencies are also searching cameras owned by private businesses — with limited oversight.Plus, almost all requests for shelter have failed since San Diego began clearing freeway camps. We talk about problems within the shelter system and why it's so hard to secure a spot.And, we talk about why residents in Jacu...

Over the past 30 years, Point Loma Nazarene University professor Dean Nelson has sat down with some of the most prominent writers in the literary world to talk about their craft.He compiles the insights from those conversations into two new books, "Talking to Writers" — one focused on fiction, the other nonfiction.Then, our Midday Movies critics unpack the concept of "tactical frivolity" and discuss films that use satire, humor and...

For many parents today, managing kids’ screen time and technology use often feels like a full-time job.Growing evidence shows a correlation between excessive screen use and mental health issues, as families struggle to establish rules and guidelines around technology.We speak with Jean Twenge, a local researcher and author, about "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World."Guest:Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Dieg...

Don't put away your umbrellas just yet.San Diego County is expecting another rainstorm late Thursday, after heavy rainfall earlier in the week. We break down the forecast.Plus, we take a look into progress being made at this year's United Nations climate conference in Belém, Brazil — also known at COP30. We also unpack why the United States is skipping the conference this year.Guest:Alex Tardy, former National Weather Service meteo...

When a police officer is found dead in her home, who investigates?Ciara Estrada's death in 2018 was quickly ruled a suicide by the San Diego Police Department. Investigators — who were her colleagues — made no arrests. No suspects were identified.Her family says there's more to what happened that night. A new KPBS podcast explores Ciara's story.We take a listen to the first episode and sit down with Katie Hyson, the reporter and pr...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it would remove the “black box” warning labels on hormone therapy for menopause.These labels, which show up on medication packaging, warn of the risks of heart attack, breast cancer, stroke and blood clots. But the FDA now says these risks are based on outdated science.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear what this could mean for menopause treatment going forward, and wha...

The signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act symbolized a turning point for American democracy.It wasn't until then that discrimination in voting was banned. It meant outlawing policies like literacy tests and poll taxes. It meant racial gerrymandering could be challenged in court.But now, the Supreme Court is questioning whether to keep Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — which prohibits discrimination in voting practices and proced...

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP in San Diego County received their benefits Friday, after a delay due to the government shutdown.Of the about 400,000 people in the region who use SNAP, nearly one-fourth are older adults.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from two local organizations about the impacts the uncertainty is having on the county's senior community.Guests:Brent Wakefield, president and C...

Scientists at Scripps Research recently launched a new clinical trial that will test if a repurposed GLP-1 drug, tirzepatide, can provide possible relief for long COVID symptoms.Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol to hear more about the trial and the state of long COVID research and treatment today.Guest:Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president, Scripps Research Translational InstituteResources: Long COVID Tre...

An upcoming film screening highlights personal documentary films that explore family history, memory and connection across generations.On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear from San Diego filmmaker Ari Ali about her film "Ben Between Africa," which explores the life and mysterious death of her uncle. She shares how boxes of family letters found in an attic led her to learn more about her own family's intergenerational trauma.The film...