KPBS Midday Edition

Parents of toddlers are familiar with the problem of kids putting things in their mouths that they shouldn't. A new picture book called "That's Not Food!" captures that experience in a creative and hilarious fashion.On Midday Edition Wednesday, San Diego author Mara Altman talks about how raising twin toddlers inspired her to make a children's book featuring dishes like "slime pie" and "cactus pancakes."Guest:Mara Altman, author, "That's Not Food!"

In late September, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling antifa a "domestic terrorist organization."Experts say the order is on shaky legal grounds, antifa — short for anti-fascist — is more of an ideology than an organization.Still, the Trump administration appears eager to prosecute those it labels antifa.A 2021 case involving alleged antifa supporters in Pacific Beach could gain new significance on the national level. We discuss the details.Guest:Alex Riggins, federal courts and federal law enforcement reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

We are wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a book that celebrates the vast contributions and vibrant histories of Latinos across San Diego.“We Made San Diego” compiles the diverse stories of important figures and organizations who shaped the region as we know it today.It has earned various awards over the years, including an International Latino Book Award in 2021.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author behind the book, what inspired her to preserve these stories and her own personal journey as a longtime San Diegan.Guest:Maria Garcia, author, activist and podcast host, "We Made San Diego"

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we are sit with Latinx leaders who are giving back to the community.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the executive director of the Emilio Nares Foundation to talk about health care access for underserved communities, and how her family's history of advocacy launched her into a life of community service.Guest:Elsa Morales-Roth, executive director, Emilio Nares Foundation

TikTok continues to take the world by storm — and the geopolitical conflict around it is ballooning.The Trump administration says a group of American investors is expected to take over TikTok’s U.S. data operations from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new book that chronicles the rise of TikTok, and its profound impact on our political and social landscape today.Guest:Emily Baker-White, Forbes investigative reporter and author, "Every Screen on the Planet: The War Over TikTok"

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed several bills that were part of the statewide reparations effort.The vetoed bills are related to university admissions, home buying and unjust property seizures.This comes days after Newsom signed Senate Bill 518 to establish a state bureau for descendants of American slavery.We discuss what the governor's decisions mean for the first-in-the-nation reparations effort in California.Guest:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, culture, history, art, protest and storytelling.In San Diego County, there are 18 federally recognized tribal reservations — more than any other county in the United States.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Indigenous leaders to discuss the value of tradition, oral history and imaginative storytelling in preserving culture.Guests:Ethan Banegas, professor at San Diego State University and member of the Barona Band of Mission IndiansJoely Proudfit, department chair of American Indian Studies and director of California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center at California State University, San MarcosDestinee Morales, former Miss Kumeyaay 2013-14; member of San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday that allows for greater housing density near public transit stations across the state. Senate Bill 79 supersedes local zoning rules in the hopes of increasing housing production in the state.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from one California housing advocate on why he thinks its passage is "the most significant housing bill that's ever been passed in California."Guest:Ethan Elkind, director, Climate Program, UC Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego region.Thursday on Midday Edition, the executive director and CEO of the San Diego Museum of Art talks about her journey into the arts and what she sees for the future of San Diego's thriving, binational arts and culture scene.Then, a unique Halloween attraction puts its own spin on the haunted maze by bringing attention to real-world issues like climate change, animal cruelty and pollution. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the socially conscious haunt.And finally, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center celebrates its third anniversary this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans speaks with a local printmaker who is featured at the event and previews other events on her radar.Guests:Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO, San Diego Museum of ArtJaidacyn Madrigal, founder, Fright for FutureJohn Hansen, haunt crew member, Fright for FutureIrie Zepeda, artist, printmaker, Por La Mano Press y Arte founderJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

Many can thank youth sports for wonderful memories out in the sun — tossing a ball, scoring goals and even spraining an ankle or two.KPBS video journalist Mikey Damron explores his youth sports journey — and that of his son's — in his new video series, "Game-Time Decision." We hear the details.Plus, the culture and politics of surfing and skateboarding are the focus of a conference coming to SDSU this weekend.We sit down with Bryce Wettstein, an Olympic skateboarder and the headliner of the conference and Neftalie Williams, a moderator at the conference and the director of SDSU's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guests:Mike Damron, video journalist, KPBSNeftalie Williams, director of San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, professor of sociologyBryce Wettstein, Olympic skateboarder

California's special redistricting election is underway, as ballots for Proposition 50 hit voters' mailboxes. We hear analysis from a local political scientist.Then, San Diego once had a large, thriving and tight-knit Black community in the region. But over the years, policies like redlining and other forces of displacement drove many Black San Diegans from their neighborhoods — that story is explored in a recent exhibit at the San Diego History Center.On Midday Edition, we hear about some of the lost legacy of San Diego's Black community through both personal stories and policy, and ongoing efforts to revitalize that sense of identity in 2025.Guests:Ric Epps, political science professor, Imperial Valley CollegeGaidi Finnie, executive director, San Diego African American Museum of Fine ArtSheri Jones, co-founder, Black San DiegoIMG_7581.jpg (3024x4032, AR: 0.75)

The San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFFF) kicks off Thursday with a four-day celebration of Filipino cinema. The festival includes films exploring themes of family, climate change, LGBTQ+ identity and more.Monday on Midday Edition, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at how the festival is continuing to celebrate film and community.Guests:Benito Bautista, founder, SDFFFSami Andico, programmer, SDFFF

The California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon on Friday over its controversial license plate surveillance program.The lawsuit comes after KPBS reported that the El Cajon Police Department is openly defying a 2023 legal bulletin, which prohibits sharing data from license plate reader systems with outside agencies.We discuss the latest and how the lawsuit fits into the larger conversation around immigration enforcement in San Diego.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Hispanic Heritage Month is well underway and we are highlighting leaders in our region who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.We sit down with the CEO of MAAC San Diego, a nonprofit that runs education, health and housing programs and much more, all with a focus on economic mobility.Guest: Arnulfo Manriquez, president and CEO, MAAC

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