Midday Edition

During a surprise visit to Ukraine Monday, President Joe Biden said the U.S. will back the country for as long as it takes. Nearly a year after the Russian invasion, a group of retired U.S. military personnel has been volunteering to help Ukrainian authorities disarm mines and other explosives. Then, San Diego County is set to experience some of its wettest, coldest weather of the year this week. A preview of what to expect. Next, we tag along for a boat ride on Lake Tahoe with researchers studying the threats to the lake's famous crystal clear water. And, a preview of some of the films screening at the Oceanside International Film Festival which returns this week to The Brooks Theater in Oceanside. Finally, a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr about writing and more ahead of his appearance Tuesday at the Writers Symposium by the Sea at Point Loma Nazarene University.

We look at the psychology of police brutality with a UC San Diego researcher who studies violence. Then, it’s been two years since San Diego County rolled out its Mobile Crisis Response Teams. The groups of mental health experts and care providers offer specialized assistance to people experiencing mental health difficulties across the county. And, while Valentine’s Day may be over, one local hotel’s love story with San Diego endures. Plus, we talk about the legacy of a San Diego football legend - Coach Don Coryell, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Finally, Diversionary Theater will statge the U.S. premier of the "The High Table," a play that follows an engaged LGBTQ couple, who face rejection from their family while their ancestors, "suspended in the stars,” are deciding on the fate of the wedding.

The announcement that longtime California Senator Dianne Fienstein will not seek reelection in 2024 marks the end of an era in California politics and governance. Then, a group of California state lawmakers are proposing to enshrine marriage equality into the state’s constitution. Next, for Black History Month, we introduce you to a San Diego scientist who discovered a new opportunity to help his curly haired young nephew and many other children who look like him. And, the San Diego Symphony is the oldest in California. Now, its historic home is undergoing a major renovation. Finally, we hear from the director of a new musical "The Outsiders," which will soon have its world premiere opening at The La Jolla Playhouse.

Antisemitism and hate crimes are on the rise. Inewsource reporter Jill Castellano tells us about how one right-wing extremist group is impacting San Diego. Then, the need for more housing and sustainable transportation has North County’s transit agency exploring ways to best use their available land. And, the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival kicks off its 33rd year on Wednesday. Finally, we speak with the creators of "Under a Baseball Sky,” a new play about baseball inspired by the Logan Heights community in San Diego.

The Catholic Diocese of San Diego says it may file for bankruptcy as it faces hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits. The legal claims date back as far as the 1940s. Then, the future of the Imperial Valley’s largest hospital is in jeopardy. A string of financial challenges have left multiple departments of El Centro Regional Medical center shuttered. Plus, the military is now allowing troops to serve even if they don't get vaccinated for COVID-19. Congress passed a law late last year that overturned the Pentagon's previous vaccine mandate. Also, we take a look into one of the state’s biggest upcoming political battles: the fight over labor conditions for fast food workers. Later, a new app looks to prepare and train people in CPR before an actual emergency. Finally, a local chef offers some tips and recommendations for a special Valentine’s Day dinner at home.

The earthquake that hit the Middle East Monday is creating a humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria, an area already struggling from a decade-long civil war. Then, cold blooded animals that require heating lamps are jacking up the heating bill for a local nonprofit that helps rescue the reptiles. Finally, in our weekend arts preview, we have a play about birding, new classical music, some Black History Month-inspired artmaking and more.

For the first time, the Mexican government is formally opposing the controversial Trump-era program known as Remain in Mexico. Then, an in-depth look at what California is spending to address homelessness, and if it’s made a difference. And, a story about how police officers at one South Bay college are working to create a community for change. Then, in California we've grown accustomed to power outages. But what if you could live in a community where your lights always stayed on, no matter what happened to the grid? Next, one way to honor Black History Month is by celebrating Black culture. San Diego chef Quinnton Austin does that every day in the food he cooks. Finally, San Diego Opera is presenting four performances of “The Puccini Duo” starting Saturday. We have a preview.

The devastating earthquake and aftershocks in Turkey and Syria have now claimed more than 11,000 lives. Turkish expats in San Diego are raising money to help. Then, search and rescue teams from around the world are helping with the rescue efforts. What does that work entail? Next, three years into the pandemic, what do we know about long COVID? Next, a recent Los Angeles Times investigation found some Tijuana pharmacies are selling fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illicit substances disguised as legitimate pharmaceuticals. And, San Diego researchers have identified a new species of fish in the deep ocean waters near Costa Rica. Finally, Black Com!x Day returns to the World Beat Cultural Center this weekend for its fifth year.

San Diego’s largest healthcare provider, Sharp, began notifying more than 60,000 patients this week that cyber criminals may have their personal information. Then, how community outcry sank a plan for a cement factory on a Port of San Diego terminal. Plus, long-time Ocean beach resident Jay Kahn, who died in 2022, left the San Diego Foundation a surprise $100 million gift in his estate. How the money is being used to help some small San Diego music nonprofits. Next, choreographerJeremy McQueen is bring his ballet company, The Black Iris Project, to his hometown for the first time. We hear about the two original ballets the company will perform Wednesday at the Balboa Theater. And finally, San Diego State University graduate Lesley Paterson heard her name read as an Oscar nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay for, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” She discusses the long journey to have her work adapted and ultimately recognized by the academy.

The state law requires any records showing discrimination by law enforcement be released to the public. The questions remains: is the public seeing everything it should? Then, Amtrak weekend services returned on Saturday for the first time since operations were suspended in October to repair a section of track along the San Clemente coast that was damaged during a storm surge. Next, California just enacted a law that requires employers to post the pay range of jobs they’re seeking applicants for. But does making salaries public empower low wage workers, or does it just put privacy at risk? And, when storms battered California last month, the streets of Planada became rivers. Hundreds of homes flooded and the whole town was evacuated. Now people in this rural Central Valley community are trying to put their lives back together. Next, a new book from local journalist Dean Calbreath uncovers the forgotten history of an African immigrant who became a hero in the Civil War in “The Sergeant: The Incredible Life of Nicholas Said.” Finally, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando speaks with University of South Carolina professor Qiana Whitted about her Eisner Award-winning book, “EC Comics: Race, Shock and Social Protest.”