Midday Edition

San Diego voters could decide to raise the sales tax by a half cent this November.

The measure would generate funding to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, to make healthcare and childcare more affordable and for wildfire prevention.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down the proposed measure and how it would fit into other efforts to address the sewage crisis.

Guest:

• Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult — especially when navigating trauma and loss.

But, how can the emotional aftermath affect those closest to you?

The documentary short, "Hope… In the Aftermath of War," which will have its world premiere at the 11th annual GI Film Festival. It looks at one veteran's struggles with trauma and addiction and how her familial relationships changed.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the filmmaker and an advisory committee member involved with the festival to talk about the challenges women veterans face when coming home — and the journey towards healing.

Guests:

• Daniel Bernardi, director, "Hope… In the Aftermath of War"
• Keshia Javis Jones, advisory committee member, GI Film Festival; programs director, Foundation for Women Warriors

Resources:

• Foundation for Women Warriors programs

Racial bias in healthcare surrounds us everyday, from misdiagnosis and pain mismanagement to pediatric care.

That bias is also embedded in our mental healthcare system, leaving Black patients without essential resources.

Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of "The Cost of Healing in Silence: Navigating Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care" about the emotional costs of racial bias and the stories that often go overlooked.

Guest:

• Ashley McGirt-Adair, licensed therapist, author of "The Cost of Healing in Silence: Navigating Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care"

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court voted last week to weaken the federal enforcement of the Voting Rights Act in the landmark case, Louisiana v. Callais.

The court found that Louisiana's congressional map was an "unconstitutional racial gerrymander" because it included two majority-Black districts.

On Midday Edition, we explore what this ruling means for voter representation in the U.S. We also unpack the consequences for voting rights ahead of the midterms.

Guest:

• Khiara Bridges, professor of law at UC Berkeley, author of "Expecting Inequity: How the Maternal Health Crisis Affects Even the Wealthiest Black Americans"

Growing up in San Diego, Allison Adams Tucker started singing before she could speak.

Over the years, she's done it all: pop, folk, gospel, punk and jazz — a genre she sings in six languages.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Tucker ahead of her International Jazz Day performance at Dizzy's Jazz in San Diego to talk about her musical journey.

Then, our Midday Movies critics highlight films they feel reflect America in different ways, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Plus, our weekend preview of local arts and culture events around town.

Guests:

• Allison Adams Tucker, jazz vocalist
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, host, Moviewallas
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

A new study found a decline in suicide deaths among young adults since the launch of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We talk about the crisis line and the study.

Then, we hear about how cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs are having worldwide impacts.

Plus, ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects 1 in 9 children in the U.S., but it often goes undiagnosed in older adults. We hear from the host of the podcast "Grandma has ADHD."

Guests:

• Erynn Macciomei, lead clinical psychologist of the Child and Adolescent Program at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
• Jon Cohen, senior correspondent, Science
• Jami Shapiro, ADHD coach, podcast host, "Grandma has ADHD"

Links:

• 988 California
• The Trevor Project
• "Is Trump killing the heralded U.S. effort to help the world battle HIV?" by Jon Cohen
• "Stepping Away" from "With and For” Substack
• "Grandma has ADHD" podcast

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, there have been many debates over the use of the term genocide in describing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we weigh that question with historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov, who is in San Diego to discuss his latest book, "Israel: What Went Wrong."

Then, it’s been over six months since a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hamas. But the need for aid in Gaza and in the Israeli-occupied West Bank remains urgent.

We hear from a local nonprofit coordinating humanitarian efforts in the region about what conditions are like on the ground.

Guests:

• Omer Bartov, professor of Holocaust and genocide studies, Brown University; author, "Israel: What Went Wrong"
• George Kapataies, Assistant Country Director for Programs and Strategic Growth, Global Communities

April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to recognize and celebrate what it means to live with autism.

It's an experience that looks a little different for everyone.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we highlight local groups creating space and sharing resources in San Diego.

We hear from people with the Autism Society San Diego and Revision, an inclusive art space in Hillcrest and La Mesa.

Plus, an excerpt from the youth-led podcast, Voices del Valle. The podcast tells coming-of-age stories from the Imperial Valley.

Guests:

• Tim Gobran, board member, Autism Society San Diego
• Jessica Boranian, creative mentor, Revision
• Zoe Berl Hahn, resident artist, Revision
• Angela Sanchez, podcast host and student, Voices del Valle
• Yelin Ojeda, poet and student

Local arts advocates are protesting a proposed city budget that would slash hundreds of programs and eliminate $11.8 million in funding. That's an 85% decrease from the previous year.

Organizations from San Diego Comic-Con to cultural centers and museums are affected.

We sit down with arts advocate and professor Alessandra Moctezuma to understand how the community is responding.

Then, our weekend preview of upcoming events — from big festivals and books, to theater and Chicano Park.

Plus, a preview of the 17th annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, with TCM's Charles Tabesh.

Guests:

• Alessandra Moctezuma, professor of art, gallery director at San Diego Mesa College; chair of city's volunteer Commission for Arts and Culture
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS
• Charles Tabesh, senior vice president of programming and content strategy, Turner Classic Movies

Earth Day invites us to pause, appreciate and celebrate the planet we all call home. It's also a moment to talk about environmental conservation and climate solutions.

Marine biologist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores those solutions in her book, "What if We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures."

We sit down with Johnson ahead of an event this Friday at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography to celebrate the launch of a new paperback edition.

Plus, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center promotes community gardening and sustainability through hands-on education in National City. We sit down with two specialists involved with the program.

And, local organization Red Earth Movement draws on Indigenous wisdom to teach community members about permaculture and sustainable farming through their "Seed to Spirit" program. We hear from its founder.

Guests:

• Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist and author of "What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures"
• Miah Tatola, environmental education specialist, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
• Birdy Rivera Almansa, garden and nutrition education specialist, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
• Adam Uribe, indigenous permaculturist and founder of Red Earth Movement