KPBS Roundtable

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay on Thursday afternoon after more than 10 months of deployment.

Previous reporting revealed shortages of food and personal hygiene products aboard the ship, along with at least eight suicide attempts.

On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the significance of the homecoming and what we've learned about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Then, a new KPBS investigation looks into soaring temperatures inside Donovan state prison. And, how frequent lockdowns inside the facility make it more challenging to cope with the heat.

Plus, KPBS listeners may have noticed a new voice greeting them for morning newscasts. We sit down with Katie Anastas, who recently stepped into the KPBS Morning Edition anchor role.

Guests:

• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Priya Sridhar, Pentagon reporter, MS NOW
• Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS
• Katie Anastas, Morning Edition anchor, KPBS

Keep reading:

• USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after extended Iran deployment
• San Diego lawmaker visits USS Abraham Lincoln, demands investigation
• Moldy showers and no soap: Military families are outraged by conditions on USS Lincoln
• Report: Relief on the way for San Diego carrier on extended deployment
• As temperatures soared, Donovan state prison confined people to their cells
• Katie Anastas' education reporting

Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing balcony, or "plug-in," solar. It could offer a smaller, relatively inexpensive option for people who cannot afford rooftop solar.

On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the intricacies of plug-in panels. And, whether they can provide relief as electricity bills skyrocket.

Plus, the California Wolf Center in Julian has long played a key role in revitalizing the state's population of gray wolves. We talk about the unique challenges wolves are facing today, from climate change to uncertain federal protections.

Also, the nonprofit's plans to expand and continue promoting coexistence with wolves.

Then, we celebrate the Padres hot streak this week as they gear up for their next challenge — a match against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. We talk about what it will take to keep the momentum going.

Guests:

• Laura Klivans, science reporter, KQED
• Mackenzie Elmer, energy and environment reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS
• Karthik Venkataraman, sports anchor and reporter, CBS 8

Keep reading:

• California Officially Legalizes Balcony Solar, Opening the Market to the New Technology
• California formally legalizes smaller, cheaper 'balcony solar' panels
• Environment Report: Plug-In Solar or Have My Power Cut?
• Environment Report: Is Plug-In Solar Actually Dangerous?
• Julian Wolf Center is expanding care for wolves at a time when federal protections seem uncertain
• Trump order directs officials to consider stripping protections for gray wolves
• Padres rout Cubs 8-0 in emphatic Wild Card opener with Tatis’ leadoff homer, King’s no-hit bid
• The Padres streak into October playing their best ball. They're even ready for the mighty Brewers
• Padres Manny Machado likes San Diego reporter's brown jacket better than the blue one

This week, we learned that tens of thousands of San Diegans may have been overcharged on their property tax bills for trash fees.

The city of San Diego blames the problem on a "technical error."

We talk about the latest with San Diego Union-Tribune City Hall reporter David Garrick, who broke the story.

Plus, the San Diego Padres have clinched a spot in the playoffs — after beating the Dodgers 4-2.

Spanish-language broadcaster Eduardo Ortega joins us to talk about the 2026 regular season and look ahead to the Padres' third straight trip to the postseason. Also, how he's celebrating 40 years behind the microphone.

Then, we sit down with a familiar voice for KPBS listeners — Scott Bass. We hear more about his process behind his signature surf report, and how he describes San Diego surf culture.

Guests:

• David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Eduardo Ortega, Spanish-language broadcaster, San Diego Padres
• Scott Bass, surf forecaster, KPBS

Keep reading:

• San Diego is overcharging thousands of people for trash pickup, some by $1,000 or more
• ‘This is incompetence’: San Diego council members rail against Gloria for city over-billing thousands for trash
• Facing ire for overcharging for trash pickup, San Diego reveals how many households are affected
• Padres beat Dodgers to clinch third straight postseason berth
• Padres clinch 3rd straight postseason berth as they seek 1st World Series title
• Unique radio surf reports attract mostly non-surfers

On Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a new executive order to take action on artificial intelligence safety through a number of efforts, including an "AI kill switch."

The effort comes amid growing concerns about the safety of AI and potential dangers for the future of humanity.

We sit down with a panel of technology reporters about the latest in AI news and what it's like covering the industry today.

Plus, a new series by SDSU college radio station KCR is coming to KPBS. "Basement Beats" highlights local talent through live performances and interviews. We talk with two of the producers behind the series.

Guests:

• Stephen Council, senior tech reporter, Business Insider
• Chase DiFeliciantonio, AI and automation reporter, POLITICO
• Nitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter, The Washington Post
• Keyla Parra Gamiño, director of KCR's Basement Beats; KPBS student assistant
• Sammi Thomas, KCR general manager

Keep reading:

• Newsom signs executive order to explore new AI rules, consider 'kill switch'
• Newsom mulls a special session on AI
• Poll: Americans say there’s a serious risk of AI destroying humanity
• How a fringe AI movement convinced Washington the end is near
• Here's why it's so hard to keep AI agents from going rogue
• AI doom talk is everywhere. At a giant San Francisco tech conference, people have other worries about the tech.

Earlier this week, immigration agents arrested a student near San Diego City College — at the corner of 16th and C streets.

They chased another student onto campus. Both are Haitian immigrants.

We talk about the reaction from City College students and the local Haitian community. And, what losing TPS means for Haitian immigrants.

Plus, we explore how September 11, 2001 marked a defining moment for our military and border operations.

Then, the presence of Islamophobia before and after 9/11.

Guests:

• Alexander Nguyen, North County reporter, KPBS
• Jacob Aere, general assignment reporter, KPBS
• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Rozina Ali, investigative journalist and author, "Seasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America"

Keep reading:

• ICE agents arrest driver while passenger flees near San Diego City College
• San Diego City College students rally to protest ICE arrest near campus
• Haitian community speaks out following recent ICE arrests in San Diego and across the US
• How the 9/11 attacks changed life in uniform
• Seasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America

A new state law makes it illegal to loiter in an area for the purpose of buying sex.

But data show that here in San Diego, police are mostly citing Latino and Black men for the crime.

We talk about KPBS reporting that raises questions about racial bias and how the new law is impacting sex workers.

Plus, the county of San Diego announced the departure of its behavioral health director just minutes after releasing employee misconduct records. We talk about the story emerging from those documents.

Then, how a recent court decision may change how public records requests are handled in the future.

And, this month's issue of San Diego Magazine celebrates the creatives shaping our local arts and culture community.

Guests:

• Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS
• Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Will Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Aaryn Belfer, editor, San Diego Magazine

Keep reading:

• Critics warned a state law targeting sex buyers could lead to racial bias. Here's how it's playing out in San Diego
• Racist Comments Outed in Voice Records Request; Dept Head Out
• County Nursing Facility Plagued by Racism, Sexual Harassment and Sex Tapes
• Governments May Now Take ‘Months or Years’ to Fill Public Records Requests
• San Diego Magazine Editor’s Note, September 2026: More Than a Postcard
• 31 People Shaping San Diego’s Creative Scene

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a record number of people in July.

In San Diego and Imperial counties, that was 2,000 people — the highest monthly total during President Trump's second term.

We talk about the story behind the data, and what it reveals about immigration enforcement today.

Plus, as concerns grow around e-bikes and safety, experts said San Diego County needs to address its street safety problem. New reporting from KPBS and inewsource explores the issue.

Then, we talk about why this week's extreme heat feels different. What can it tell us about our changing climate?

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Sofia Mejías-Pascoe, border and immigration reporter, inewsource
• Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBS
• Katie Futterman, North County reporter, inewsource
• Lucas Brady Woods, reporter, LAist

Earlier this month, state regulators allowed Waymo to bring its driverless taxi service to San Diego — and throughout much of Southern California.

We give you a taste of what it's like to ride in an autonomous vehicle. Then, we zoom out to discuss how robotaxis are operating in other U.S. cities and the debate around them.

Plus, National City is facing a money problem. The current expenses in the budget are more than the city's expected revenue.

Meanwhile, a major player in National City politics is stepping aside.

Also, as the San Diego Padres kick off a six game home stand, we talk about the significance of new ownership under José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.

Guests:

• Kirsten Korosec, reporter and editor, TechCrunch
• Jim Hinch, South County reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Keep reading:

• Like it or not, Waymo is ready to fully launch in San Diego
• San Diego transit officials fought Waymo and lost. It gets permit to operate here.
• Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three cities
• Self-driving trucks are officially testing on California highways
• National City Is Headed Toward Insolvency. Why?
• Mayor’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Struggling National City
• MLB approves sale of San Diego Padres to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones
• Padres owners to reward employees as club's sale nears completion
• Sweetwater Valley falls to Iowa in Little League World Series opener

The city of San Diego is reopening more than a dozen bathrooms in Mission Bay Park, after months of public backlash.

We break down the potty politics and what the story says about the city's budget process.

Plus, new reporting from NBC News explores the financial struggles of a group of former MLB stars who feel the game has left them behind.

And, local Indigenous horror writer and anthologist Shane Hawk shares his love for dark fiction and discusses his latest work, "Never Whistle At Night Part II: Back for Blood."

Guests:

• Claire Trageser, reporter, Axios San Diego
• Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief, Voice of San Diego
• Gretchen Morgenson, senior financial reporter, NBC News
• Shane Hawk, horror writer and anthologist

Keep reading:

• Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcry
• San Diego’s Public Restroom Problem Goes Far Beyond Our Beaches
• Foul ball: These aging ex-MLB stars say the league is turning its back on them
• Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
• Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II