Midday Edition

One-third of San Diego households don't earn enough to cover basic needs, like housing food and transportation.For a lot of people, money is a constant source of anxiety — especially during challenging economic times. We sit down with a financial planner to talk about how to stretch your dollar where it counts. Plus, local community leaders outline how they're showing up to nurture, feed, and protect one another when government systems fail to deliver. We also discuss the power of mutual aid and resource sharing amid delayed paychecks and funding cuts.Guests: Mary Beth Storjohann, financial planner and CEO, Allora WealthDiane Moss, founder and CEO, Project New VillageBrisa Johnson, executive director, San Diego Black Worker CenterAndrea Guerrero, executive director, Alliance San Diego

The special election for Proposition 50 is underway.

If passed, the measure could change several Congressional districts in California, flipping five U.S. House seats from Republican to Democratic control.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we preview the potential impact of Proposition 50 on districts in San Diego and what else voters need to know.

Guest:

• Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBS

Resources:

• KPBS Voter Hub

The federal government shutdown is now in its second month, and may become the longest in history later this week.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear about how it is impacting food aid and public health.Guests:Andrea Caldwell, director of government affairs and advocacy, San Diego Food BankRichard Garfein, PhD, Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, UC San Diego

In October, San Diego State University senior and student athlete Alicia Guerrero stepped up to the podium twice at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, winning bronze in discus and shot put.For the past year, Guerrero has trained with SDSU's Adapted Athletics program. It is the first elite collegiate adaptive sports program in California.Monday on Midday Edition, Guerrero talks about her own journey through adaptive sports and her road to the Paralympics.Guest:Alicia Guerrero, student athlete, Adapted Athletics

Artificial intelligence is everywhere — from our office buildings, to schools and government agencies.The Chula Vista Police Department is joining cities to use AI to write police reports. Several San Diego County police departments also use AI-powered drones to support their work.Civil liberties advocates are concerned about privacy, safety and surveillance.On Midday Edition, we sit down with an expert in AI ethics to discuss the philosophical questions of responsible AI.Guest:David Danks, professor of data science, philosophy and policy at UC San Diego

On Día de Muertos, the ofrenda — or altar — honors loved ones who have passed away.In Tijuana, one group is raising awareness with a special ofrenda honoring journalists who have been killed from Mexico to Gaza. The ofrenda is on display now at CEART Tijuana. We discuss the details with a long-time Tijuana journalist.Then, we check in with our resident film critics for a special Halloween edition of Midday Movies.Guests:Vicente Calderón, journalist, Tijuanapress.comBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas

Spooky stories aren’t all about the fear factor. They often teach us something about our region’s history, too.This Halloween season, Midday Edition revisits an archive episode exploring the history behind some of the places considered to be the most haunted in San Diego County, from The Whaley House to the Hotel del Coronado. We also learn about the ghosts rumored to live there.Then, a paranormal expert shares his fascination with the spirit world.Guests:Victor Santana, operations manager for The Whaley House MuseumGina Petrone, heritage manager for the Hotel Del CoronadoDavid Hanson, founder of the San Diego Ghost and Paranormal Group

Three Palestinian American alumni and students from UC San Diego will share their family stories and close connections to Gaza in a panel, "We Are Tritons: From Gaza to UCSD," Tuesday evening.On Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the panelists to hear about their roots in the region, how they stayed connected to Palestinian culture and identity, and how war has impacted their families.Guests:Dania Zanaid, alum, UC San DiegoAli Elfarra, third-year student, UC San Diego

The cheapest housing option in San Diego has long been dorm-style rooms.

Those single-occupancy units, or SROs, can be life-changing — for the tenants lucky enough to get placed in them.

But they're rapidly disappearing, and the city can't seem to turn that around.

• Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

CalFresh recipients will not be getting their November benefits on time. The delays for California's food assistance program are a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now nearing the 30 day mark. The delays also come as the region has seen a rise in food insecurity.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear how the delays will impact the nearly 400,000 San Diegans who depend on food benefits, and provide resources for those imapacted.Guest:Joseph Kendrick, research manager, San Diego Hunger CoalitionResources:San Diego Hunger Coalition's food assistance resources2-1-1 San DiegoFeeding San DiegoSan Diego Food BankServing SeniorsSalvation Army