Midday Edition

The White House recently published a list of artworks in Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. that it deems objectionable or “divisive,” calling out artworks or museum programs that cover themes of race, immigration and sexuality.One of the works on the list was created by local cross-border artist Hugo Crosthwaite. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery commissioned him to create a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, which was unveiled in 2022.The portrait, a stop-motion animation, tells the story of Fauci’s long career, bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 public health crises.KPBS spoke to Crosthwaite about the portrait and what’s at stake when governments control art.GUEST:Hugo Crosthwaite, artist

Aug. 26 marks Women's Equality Day. On this day in 1920, the passage of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote — in theory.For women who weren’t white, it took several decades longer to gain access to the polls.Now in 2025, women are still fighting for equality, from reproductive rights to workplace protections — especially women of color.On Midday Edition, we discuss the complicated history of Women's Equality Day, which was not and is still not equal.Guest:Angela D. Coker, associate professor of Women's Studies at San Diego State University

San Diego city planners recently released a draft update to the Clairemont Community Plan.The changes would rezone many of the neighborhood’s strip malls and shopping centers to allow for higher-density housing.In western Clairemont, near the Blue Line trolley stations, however, the neighborhood would remain largely unchanged.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we discuss the changes and the attitudes around them.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

New reporting shows a significant portion of new homes in San Diego County are being built near freeways.We discuss concerns over pollution and congestion as the county attempts to build more housing and address the affordability crisis.Plus, we discuss San Ysidro Health's social prescribing initiative, which uses a U.K.-based strategy to encourage patients to embrace arts and culture as medicine.Then, we dive into a functional medicine doctor's new manual on hormonal wellness and treating women's health through a holistic lens.Guests:Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSDr. Priti Ojha, chief behavioral health officer, San Ysidro HealthDr. Julie Taylor, functional medicine doctor and author of "The Hormone Manual: A Straightforward Guide for Every Woman at Every Stage of Life"

The Tijuana River Estuary carries both historic and cultural significance for the indigenous Kumeyaay people.But for decades, the river has suffered from environmental degradation, rampant pollution and an ongoing sewage crisis.A new Kumeyaay play called "Shuuluk Wechuwvi – Where Lightning Was Born” debuts this Saturday. It uses theater and comics to tell the story of the Tijuana River Valley, highlighting the resilience of the land and what restoration — both ecological and cultural — might look like.Then, San Diego's LGBTQ+ film festival FilmOut celebrates 25 years. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with FilmOut's current director and the original founder to look back at its history.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationShanasia Sylman, Margaret A. Davidson graduate fellow, Tijuana River National Estuarine ResearchMichael McQuiggan, program director, FilmOutJoe Ferrelli, founder, FilmOut

Bob Marley's 1977 song "Jamming" isn't just a catchy tune — it's a celebration of togetherness, community, peace and mutual respect.MarleyZiggy ap1 c.jpg (3912x4890, AR: 0.8)The iconic song is also the inspiration behind the latest children's book by Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy Marley.The book is called "Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family."Ziggy Marley is a nine-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian and author. He'll also headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday.He joined Midday Edition to discuss the process behind writing the book and his love for family tradition and playfulness.Guest: Ziggy Marley, award-winning musician and author of "Pajammin: A Reggage Pajama Party for the Whole Family"

California's attorney general says police agencies that share license plate reader data with out-of-state and federal law enforcement agencies may be violating a state sanctuary law.But in El Cajon, the police department continues to share data with out-of-state agencies.That's led to a disagreement between the police department and the state over how to define a "public agency."On Midday Edition, we sat down with KPBS investigative border reporter Gustavo Solis to hear about the clash over license plate data. And, why El Cajon has become a flashpoint in the fight over immigration.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

A new youth-led podcast called "Voices del Valle" features stories about growing up in the rural border region of Imperial Valley.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from some of the young people behind the series as they reflect on what makes "el Valle" so unique.“Voices del Valle” is part of the KPBS Explore Local Content Project.Guests:Evan Harper, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Grace Estelle Navarro, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Dominick Ramos Felix, co-host, "Voices del Valle"

San Diego County's unemployment rate hit a four-year high, according to state labor data released last week, all while the region has the highest inflation rate in the United States.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from a local economist on what that means for the regional economy heading into the fall months.Guests:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

The fight for redistricting continues in California and Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he will move forward with his proposed ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, could temporarily redraw California's congressional maps.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local political scientist who breaks down what this measure means for the state and for the future of American politics.Guest:Phil Saenz, political science professor, Southwestern College