In new her new novel, "A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez," San Diego author María Dolores Águila writes about community efforts to combat segregation of Mexican-American students in Depression-era Lemon Grove.Midday Edition on Tuesday explores more about the Lemon Grove Incident, Águila's writing process, as well as her reaction to the book being selected for the longlist of the National Book Awards 2025 for Young People's Literature.Guest:María Dolores Águila, author

Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.This year marks the 215th anniversary of that day — now celebrated widely as Mexican Independence Day.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made history this year as the first woman to lead Mexico's "El Grito," also known as the "Cry of Independence."Midday Edition discusses the enduring meaning of Mexican Independence Day in 2025. And why some groups scaled back celebrations this year over concerns about immigration enforcement.Guest:Alberto Díaz Ramírez, professor of history, Autonomous University of Baja California

The San Diego City Council approved new parking fees for Balboa Park on Monday. The plan for Balboa Park is the latest effort by city leaders to increase parking revenue across San Diego.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear how much drivers will pay, what resident discounts look like, and what the changes mean for the city's budget challenges.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

The killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah last week has shocked the nation. While authorities are still trying to determine motive, leaders across the political spectrum are taking hard stances on how to respond.On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications for our democracy moving forward.Plus, we look into how journalism can play a role in amplifying extremism — locally and nationwide.Then, we feature a program giving community members a participatory role in local media through the Public Matters initiative.Guests: Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA TodayBrian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San BernardinoNik Usher, professor of communication at the University of San DiegoIsaac Brambila, community news coordinator, inewsource

A new exhibit, "Clothes Story" highlights the stories of African American women over a period of nearly 80 years, with a focus on the interconnection between fashion, identity and history.Plus, FilAm Creator Con returns for its second year, showcasing artists, workshops and performances that highlight Filipino American voices in the arts.Lastly, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans tells us about some weekend arts events and exhibitions across San Diego County. You can find details on these and more arts events on our website.Guests:Kenneth Green, cultural event director, curator, "Clothes Story"Aaron Nabus, founder, FilAm Creator ConZard Apuya, artistArthur Ebuen, artistBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to expand the authority of the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, also known as CLERB.The now-approved measure allows CLERB to investigate jail health care workers and contractors in cases of in-custody deaths. Live on KPBS Midday Edition, we breakdown what that means for law enforcement accountability.Then on Midday Edition, fewer and fewer avocados are being grown in San Diego County. We hear about the challenges for avocado production in the region.And it's been 50 years since community leaders worked to preserve Cowles Mountain. We look back at the history of the peak.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJohn Carroll, general assignment reporter and anchor, KPBSDavid Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

New research from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is raising questions about the response to toxic air and water from the Salton Sea, and for the communities who live near it.The research highlights gaps in how pollution is measured and addressed, and how it is impacting the health of residents around the Salton Sea.Guest:Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCLA

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal immigration agents could resume aggressive street sweeps or "roving patrols" in Los Angeles.That means, for now, immigration officials are no longer restricted from stopping and detaining people based on factors like race, accent, employment and location.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig deeper into what this ruling could mean for immigration enforcement in our region and beyond.Guests:Wendy Fry, California Divide reporter, CalMattersSergio Olmos, investigative reporter, CalMatters

What would it take for one to venture into hell?Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul.Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia.And, hear ye, hear ye! The Old Globe's latest musical comedy, "Huzzah!" follows two sisters as they try to save their father's renaissance faire from financial ruin. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando goes behind-the-scenes to speak with the director and creators.Guests:R.F. Kuang, author, "Katabasis"Nell Benjamin, lyricist, writer and composer, 'Huzzah!'Lawrence O'Keefe, composer, 'Huzzah!'Annie Tippe, director, 'Huzzah!'