Midday Edition

On Sunday, a San Diego-based warship fired on an Iranian cargo ship attempting to run a United States-imposed blockade on Iranian ports.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about the warship's connections to San Diego and what the action could mean for peace efforts between the U.S. and Iran.

Then, one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed in response to the U.S. blockade. We examine the impacts of the war on the global economy and energy supply.

Guests:

• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• David Victor, professor of innovation and public policy, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

April 30 of this year marks the 51st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon. A new podcast shares the story of a Marine's experience in that conflict— and the family connection that helped tell the story.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from the creator of the series on how she balanced her role as both journalist and granddaughter to share retired Marine James Steele's memories of war, survival, and loss.

"Reconnaissance Man" will be premiering on Combat Story beginning Sunday.

Guest:

Ashly McGlone, journalist/creator, "Reconnaissance Man"

April 20 or "420" has long been commemorated as an unofficial holiday for cannabis — but how did it get started? And what place does it hold in popular culture today?

Monday on Midday Edition, we look at how April 20 became the cultural phenomenon it is today, the holiday's activist roots, and the current landscape for cannabis at a national, state and local level.

Then, it's been 30 years since California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. We check in on the state of cannabis research today.

Guests:

• Jackie Bryant, journalism professor, San Diego State University, editor, Leaf Magazines
• Dr. Igor Grant, director, Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego

The owners of the San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing an agreement to sell the team to private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife Kwanza Jones.

The expected $3.9 billion sale, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, would be a record price for a Major League Baseball team.

On Midday Edition Monday, we talk more about who is involved in the sale, and what it could mean for the future of the franchise.

Guest:

Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune

A new exhibition headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego comes from the personal collection of two names you'll recognize — musical icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

The "Giants" exhibit features works from 37 Black American and diasporic artists making waves in the art space.

We sit down with a local curator then arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans to hear more about the exhibit.

Plus, we preview La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls or "WOW" festival by hearing from San Diego artists as well as creators from across the nation and around the globe.

Guests:

• Amy Crum, associate curator, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• 'Without Walls (WOW)' Festival artists - KJ Knies, Sara Biel, Casey Hall-Landers, Jesca Prudencio, Noa Barankin, Bridget Cavaiola Stone, Josette Lépine, Aubrielle Hvolboll, Matthew Sater, Lyra Levin, Michael Feldman, Karen Castelletti, Sandra Portal-Andreu, Jessica Creane

Links:

• Without Walls (WOW) Festival
• San Diego Book Crawl

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday unveiled his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, outlining his plans to help close the city's nearly $150 million deficit.

The wide-ranging cuts proposed by Gloria include cuts to local arts groups, as well as to libraries and recreation centers across the city.

On Midday Edition, we take a closer look at the proposed cuts and talk about what comes next for the budget process.

Guests:

• David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• John Carroll, reporter and anchor, KPBS

It could be a good opportunity to look up at the skies as this week marks International Dark Sky Week.

It's a global movement that aims to explore the celestial night sky, bring awareness to the impact of artificial lighting on communities and wildlife, and curb light pollution.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, we explore more about dark skies and how people can manage their own light use.

Guest:

• Eddie Lain, dark sky advocate, San Diego County Chapter of Dark Sky International

Resources:

• International Dark Sky Week

This week, the President launched a series of social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV. He also offended Catholics and Christians worldwide with an AI-generated photo portraying him as a Jesus-like figure.

He also called the American-born pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy."

The pope responded by saying he will continue to advocate against war and promote peace.

Guest:

• Rebecca Bartel, associate professor, SDSU's Department for the Study of Religion

Air pollution near the Tijuana River Valley is threatening the health of residents who live there.

A new bill by California State Senator Steve Padilla would strengthen regulations around one pollutant — hydrogen sulfide.

We break down the bill and what it could mean for the pollution problem in the South Bay.

Guest:

• Mackenzie Elmer, environment and energy reporter, Voice of San Diego

California's race for governor faces new uncertainty after one of the leading candidates dropped out of the race.

Democrat Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign this weekend after multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were made public. Swalwell also resigned from his seat in Congress on Tuesday.

On Midday Edition, we discuss the allegations and how the race for California's next Governor has changed, as well as what the allegations reveal about politics today.

Editor's note: This interview was recorded before Rep. Eric Swalwell of California submitted more information on his resignation from Congress. We has resigned his seat effective Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Guest:

Jeanne Kuang, Capitol reporter, CalMatters