Midday Edition

What would it take for one to venture into hell?Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul.Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia.And, hear ye, hear ye! The Old Globe's latest musical comedy, "Huzzah!" follows two sisters as they try to save their father's renaissance faire from financial ruin. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando goes behind-the-scenes to speak with the director and creators.Guests:R.F. Kuang, author, "Katabasis"Nell Benjamin, lyricist, writer and composer, 'Huzzah!'Lawrence O'Keefe, composer, 'Huzzah!'Annie Tippe, director, 'Huzzah!'

For over 50 years, KSDS Jazz 88 has brought jazz music to music fans across the San Diego region and beyond. But that mission is facing new challenges as federal funding cuts hit public radio stations across the country, including at Jazz 88.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we spoke with KSDS' station manager Ken Poston on what makes the San Diego's jazz scene unique, and why preserving jazz music is so essential."I think people need to be aware of jazz and blues in particular, and where it came from," Poston said. "And why it's such an important part of our history."Guest:Ken Poston, station manager, KSDS Jazz 88

A July executive order puts restrictions on how federal funding can be spent by harm reduction programs, which provide assistance to people who use drugs or struggle with addiction.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear how this might impact outreach in San Diego.Guest:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

New research led by the UC San Diego Institution of Oceanography confirmed what residents in San Diego's South Bay have been saying for years: Pollution from the Tijuana River affects not just water, but also air quality.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear more about the research and what it means for the health of South Bay residents.The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission also met a key milestone recently to increase wastewater treatment for the region.Guest:Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Last Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new state task force aimed at clearing encampments from the state's streets.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Newsom's latest effort to address the homelessness crisis and what those efforts could mean for San Diego.Guest:Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters

August is Transgender History Month in California.The Lambda Archive of San Diego works to preserve the history of the local LGBTQ+ community.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear about a project the organization is working on to highlight the history of minorities and the trans community in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.Guest:Gabrielle Garcia, head archivist, Lambda Archives of San Diego

California voters this November will weigh in on Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to redraw U.S. House districts.The goal of the new ballot initiative is to give Democrats a better chance at winning additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. The move would counter an earlier Trump-backed Republican effort in Texas to do the same.Live on Midday Edition, California state Sen. Akilah Weber discusses why she supports the redistricting effort.Plus, UC San Diego political scientist Thad Kousser explains how the redistricting effort could impact the way districts are drawn in San Diego.Guests:Akilah Weber, California state senator representing the 39th districtThad Kousser, professor of political science at UC San Diego