KPBS Midday Edition

Earlier this month, the city of San Diego formally recognized the second Sunday of November as "Slow Fashion Day."Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the organizers behind this effort to talk about the role of slow fashion in promoting sustainability, creativity and community.Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with Christopher Ashley, outgoing artistic director at the La Jolla Playhouse, as he reflects on his 18-year tenure at the theater.And finally, looking for things to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans returns with her recommendations for arts events to check out this weekend, from a 'doom metal' concert to bookish events.Guests:Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, founder, Sew LokaChristopher Carson, founder, The Homegrown ProjectChristopher Ashley, artistic director, La Jolla PlayhouseJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

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 procedures. We discuss the potential implications.Plus, a scholarship for Black students at UC San Diego has been rebranded for all students after a lawsuit by a right-leaning nonprofit. We hear an analysis from a scholar of race and law.Then, we sit down with long-time San Diego civil rights icon Harold (Hal) K. Brown to hear his message for the moment.Guests:Casey Dominguez, professor of political science at the University of San DiegoKhiara Bridges, professor of law at UC BerkeleyHarold "Hal" K. Brown, co-founder and previous chair of the San Diego chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), co-developer of the SDSU Afro-American Studies Program/Black Studies (now the Department of Africana Studies), civil rights leader and educatorIMG_4331.jpg (3632x2909, AR: 1.2485390168442765)UT85_D9955-1 Hale - Brown - C.O.R.E's march and Protest - 196 (3000x3000, AR: 1.0)<br>San Diego History Center DO NOT COPY, STORE, OR REPRODUCE THIS IMAGE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE SAN DIEGO HISTORY CENTE

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 CEO, Meals on Wheels San Diego CountyDeborah Martin, executive director and CEO, ElderHelpResources mentioned:Meals on Wheels San Diego CountyElderHelpSan Diego Food BankFeeding San Diego211 San Diego

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 Treatment Trial — Scripps Research

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 is being featured as part of "Framing Memories," an event being held at the Museum of Photographic Arts on Thursday, Nov. 13.Then, a new book profiles over 65 skateboarding icons who are shaping the action sports scene and culture. We dive into inclusion in the sport and the impact of skateboarding on popular culture today.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the 26th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival.Guests:Ari Ali, director, "Ben Between Africa"Neftalie Williams, director of SDSU Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, author of “The Skateboard Life”Brian Hu, artistic director, San Diego Asian Film Festival

In today's fast-paced world, and with all that's happening around us, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Feelings of stress and burnout, though common, can also have long-term impacts on our health.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Portia Preston, author of the book "Hustle, Flow, or Let it Go?," about her shame-free and inclusive approach to wellness.Guest:Portia Preston, author, "Hustle, Flow, or Let it Go?"

For private defense attorneys in San Diego and across the country, the ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated their funding situation and left many — specifically those with the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) program — without pay for more than four months.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we dig into how CJA attorneys and other experts are navigating a precarious funding situation and the impacts on the court system at large.Guest:Alex Riggins, federal courts and federal law enforcement reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

The results are in: California voters have passed Proposition 50. The measure will allow the state to redraw its congressional districts to open up more seats for Democrats, countering Republican moves in Texas.Reactions are pouring in from California Democrats and Republicans. Some call the effort a partisan campaign, while others say its a step toward preserving democracy.We discuss the details and what Democrats need to do to connect with voters prior to the midterms.Guest:Scott Shafer, senior editor with the politics and government desk, KQED

One-third of San Diego households don't earn enough to cover basic needs, like housing food and transportation.For a lot of people, money is a constant source of anxiety — especially during challenging economic times. We sit down with a financial planner to talk about how to stretch your dollar where it counts. Plus, local community leaders outline how they're showing up to nurture, feed, and protect one another when government systems fail to deliver. We also discuss the power of mutual aid and resource sharing amid delayed paychecks and funding cuts.Guests: Mary Beth Storjohann, financial planner and CEO, Allora WealthDiane Moss, founder and CEO, Project New VillageBrisa Johnson, executive director, San Diego Black Worker CenterAndrea Guerrero, executive director, Alliance San Diego

The special election for Proposition 50 is underway.If passed, the measure could change several Congressional districts in California, flipping five U.S. House seats from Republican to Democratic control.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we preview the potential impact of Proposition 50 on districts in San Diego and what else voters need to know.Guest:Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSResources:KPBS Voter Hub

The federal government shutdown is now in its second month, and may become the longest in history later this week.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear about how it is impacting food aid and public health.Guests:Andrea Caldwell, director of government affairs and advocacy, San Diego Food BankRichard Garfein, PhD, Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, UC San Diego

In October, San Diego State University senior and student athlete Alicia Guerrero stepped up to the podium twice at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, winning bronze in discus and shot put.For the past year, Guerrero has trained with SDSU's Adapted Athletics program. It is the first elite collegiate adaptive sports program in California.Monday on Midday Edition, Guerrero talks about her own journey through adaptive sports and her road to the Paralympics.Guest:Alicia Guerrero, student athlete, Adapted Athletics

Artificial intelligence is everywhere — from our office buildings, to schools and government agencies.The Chula Vista Police Department is joining cities to use AI to write police reports. Several San Diego County police departments also use AI-powered drones to support their work.Civil liberties advocates are concerned about privacy, safety and surveillance.On Midday Edition, we sit down with an expert in AI ethics to discuss the philosophical questions of responsible AI.Guest:David Danks, professor of data science, philosophy and policy at UC San Diego

On Día de Muertos, the ofrenda — or altar — honors loved ones who have passed away.In Tijuana, one group is raising awareness with a special ofrenda honoring journalists who have been killed from Mexico to Gaza. The ofrenda is on display now at CEART Tijuana. We discuss the details with a long-time Tijuana journalist.Then, we check in with our resident film critics for a special Halloween edition of Midday Movies.Guests:Vicente Calderón, journalist, Tijuanapress.comBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas

Spooky stories aren’t all about the fear factor. They often teach us something about our region’s history, too.This Halloween season, Midday Edition revisits an archive episode exploring the history behind some of the places considered to be the most haunted in San Diego County, from The Whaley House to the Hotel del Coronado. We also learn about the ghosts rumored to live there.Then, a paranormal expert shares his fascination with the spirit world.Guests:Victor Santana, operations manager for The Whaley House MuseumGina Petrone, heritage manager for the Hotel Del CoronadoDavid Hanson, founder of the San Diego Ghost and Paranormal Group

Three Palestinian American alumni and students from UC San Diego will share their family stories and close connections to Gaza in a panel, "We Are Tritons: From Gaza to UCSD," Tuesday evening.On Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the panelists to hear about their roots in the region, how they stayed connected to Palestinian culture and identity, and how war has impacted their families.Guests:Dania Zanaid, alum, UC San DiegoAli Elfarra, third-year student, UC San Diego

The cheapest housing option in San Diego has long been dorm-style rooms.Those single-occupancy units, or SROs, can be life-changing — for the tenants lucky enough to get placed in them.But they're rapidly disappearing, and the city can't seem to turn that around.Guest:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

CalFresh recipients will not be getting their November benefits on time. The delays for California's food assistance program are a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now nearing the 30 day mark. The delays also come as the region has seen a rise in food insecurity.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear how the delays will impact the nearly 400,000 San Diegans who depend on food benefits, and provide resources for those imapacted.Guest:Joseph Kendrick, research manager, San Diego Hunger CoalitionResources:San Diego Hunger Coalition's food assistance resources2-1-1 San DiegoFeeding San DiegoSan Diego Food BankServing SeniorsSalvation Army

October is Filipino American History Month.Monday on Midday Edition, we dive into Filipino American activism and how local community organizers are applying lessons from the past to meet the current political moment.Then, we sit down with a local arts leader with strong ties in San Diego to learn about the thriving Philippine performing arts scene and its rich history.Guests:Amanda Solomon Amorao, director of Dimensions of Culture Program at Thurgood Marshall College, director of Asian American Pacific Islander studies program, UC San DiegoSoul Salas, organizer, Anakbayan San DiegoIan M. Seruelo, attorney and activistAnamaria Labao Cabato, executive director, PASACAT

California voters have until next Tuesday, Nov. 4, to vote on Proposition 50 — which would allow the state to temporarily redraw its congressional maps.With about a week to go before voting is done, we check in on where the race stands and how fundraising is going on both sides.Guest:Jeanne Kuang, capitol reporter for CalMatters