After years of rising overdose deaths led by opioids like fentanyl, the U.S. saw its steepest drop in overdose deaths ever in 2024. Here in San Diego County, drug overdose deaths declined by nearly 28% in 2024 compared to 2023, with opioid-related deaths dropping by almost 35%, according to county officials.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear about what public health strategies have worked to lower the high number of deaths in the county, and what challenges remain going forward.

Guests:

Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, public health officer, County of San Diego

Dr. Erik Berg, assistant medical director for epidemiology and immunization services, County of San Diego

Dr. James Dunford, medical director, McAlister Institute

Is social media making kids depressed? It is a question many parents and researchers have been asking in recent years.

A new study has found a connection between social media use and an increase in depressive symptoms in children.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear more about the study's findings, as well as the impact cyberbullying has on youth mental health.

Dr. Jason Nagata, researcher and associate professor of adolescent and young adult medicine, UC San Francisco

stopbullying.gov

AAP’s Family Media Plan

Our celebration and exploration of AAPI Heritage Month takes us to San Diego’s Chinese community, which has a long history tracing back to the 1850s.

In fact, San Diego once had a thriving Chinatown that was eight blocks long. That area is now known as the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, which is located in downtown San Diego and overlaps with the Gaslamp Quarter.

CCBA.jpg (3000x2832, AR: 1.0593220338983051)On Tuesday's Midday Edition, we hear about the history of San Diego's historic Chinatown and ongoing efforts to revitalize the district it once existed in.

Guest:

Jacinta Wong, former executive director of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

As San Diego marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we're highlighting arts organizations and artists who are amplifying AAPI stories and voices throughout the region.

Curator Carmela Prudencio has put together many arts spaces, exhibits and films to celebrate AAPI heritage and identity in San Diego.

Midday Edition Tuesday, we talk about her work with Pacific Arts Movement, also known as Pac Arts, and how she has built community in the arts.

Guest:

Carmela Prudencio, director of marketing and communications at Pacific Arts Movement

Many dance organizations in San Diego are feeling the pressure from funding cuts and other changes to the arts landscape.

On Midday Edition on Thursday, we hear from two leaders in the local dance community who are navigating these challenges, and what it could all mean for San Diego’s dance scene.

Plus, Oceanside Theatre Company is putting on its production of "Latin History for Morons." Originally a one-man show by actor John Leguizamo, the play recaps 3,000 years of Latin history with a comedic twist. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the play.

And finally, the Tony Award-winning play "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" is currently on stage at the La Jolla Playhouse. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans chats with the playwright about the West African hair braiding shops in Harlem that inspired her, and bringing the production out of New York.

Guests:

• Matt Carney, executive director, San Diego Ballet
• Zaquia Mahler Salinas, founder, Disco Riot
• Herbert Sigüenza, director, "Latin History for Morons"
• Jocelyn Bioh, playwright, "Jaja's African Hair Braiding"

For many women, menopause — in all of its phases — draws a big question mark.

While most women will experience this phase of life, it can be a challenge getting answers to questions and finding appropriate care.

Right now, state lawmakers are pushing legislation to make menopause care more accessible. And, to spread awareness about the transition.

We sit down with a panel of local physicians to discuss the proposed legislation. They also answer listener questions about menopause.

Guests:

• Cynthia Stuenkel, clinical professor of medicine at UC San Diego
• Kathryn Macaulay, clinical professor of medicine, OBGYN and director of the menopause program at UC San Diego
• Lisa Lipschitz, OBGYN with Sharp Grossmont Hospital

The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the Trump administration to ban transgender troops from serving in the military.

The administration has now set a deadline for trans active duty personnel to “separate voluntarily.” That date is set for early next month.

Following the deadline, trans troops are expected to be forcibly removed, and the ban on future enlistments is also expected to take effect.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a San Diego sailor who is experiencing the impacts of the ban firsthand, and what it could mean for trans servicemembers and aspiring recruits locally.

Guest:

Paulo Batista, active duty sailor, board member of SPARTA Pride and Trans Family Support Services

The results from the annual Point-in-Time Count are in.

The count, conducted in January, is census of how many people are experiencing homelessness in our region in a single day.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down the results, where progress is being made and some of the biggest takeaways.

Guest:

Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness

Here on Midday Edition, there's a few local experts that we consider regulars on our show. One of them, without a doubt, is Dr. Eric Topol.

He’s given us real, practical information about COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic.

Now, Dr. Topol is out with a new book. It’s called “Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.” We discuss the book and hear his advice on how to expand longevity through science-backed methods.

Guest:

• Dr. Eric Topol, professor of medicine and executive vice president, Scripps Research Translational Institute

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating San Diego County juvenile halls for alleged civil rights abuses.

The county has two of those facilities: the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in Otay Mesa and the Youth Transition Campus in Kearny Mesa.

Reporting in The San Diego Union-Tribune has highlighted longstanding problems within the facilities. We discuss the investigation with a member of the U-T's watchdog team.

Guest:

• Kelly Davis, reporter with The San Diego Union- Tribune's watchdog team