KPBS Midday Edition

The Trump administration wants more green card applicants to return to their home countries to apply, according to a memo released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last week. The new policy has created confusion for many people navigating the green card process, as well as for immigration advocates. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from an immigration law expert on what the changes mean, and how people affected are responding to the latest shake-up in U.S. immigration policy. Guest: Tammy Lin, professor of practice, supervising attorney at the University of San Diego's Legal Clinics’ Immigration Clinic

After a multi-year hiatus making documentaries exploring the tough questions in America today, W. Kamau Bell is returning to stand-up for a new comedy tour. You might know Bell for his Emmy-winning CNN show, "United Shades of America," his docuseries "We Need to Talk About Cosby," or his HBO documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed." On Midday Edition, we talk with W. Kamau Bell ahead of his tour stop in San Diego at Mic Drop Comedy. Then, a new young adult novel explores the coming-of-age story of Aouli, a young Native Hawaiian teen growing up in the Pacific Northwest, as she navigates faith, family, cultural identity and young love. And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares all her top picks for arts events. Guest: W. Kamau BellKauakanilehua Māhoe Adams"An Expanse of Blue"Julia Dixon Evans"The Finest,"

Last year, an investigation by student journalists at University of Southern California (USC) found the university had sold donors' bodies to the Navy, which then sold the cadavers to the Israeli military for medical training use. Many of the bodies provided were first donated to UC San Diego then moved to USC, according to reports from student outlets Annenberg Media and the UCSD Guardian. The AJ+ documentary series, "Direct From With Dena Takruri" dives deeper into the investigation, working in collaboration with the student reporters who uncovered the donor contracts and tracked down the families. KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon talks with two of the student journalists about the details of the donation program, their experience reporting on the families directly impacted and collaborating with AJ+ on the investigation. Guests: Thomas MurphyJennifer Nehrer,Links: Families left in the dark: UCSD, USC quietly sell donors’ bodies to Navy for Israeli military training — Annenberg Media and the UCSD Guardian

Experts on extremism say the teenagers who opened fire and killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego were motivated by far-right conspiracies and white supremacist networks. Their manifesto includes hateful rhetoric towards Muslims, Jewish people, Black people, the LGBTQ+ community, and women. They also promoted symbols long associated with white supremacists and Nazis. The shooting is the latest in a pattern of violent, right-wing extremism in the United States. On Midday Edition, we unpack some of the ideologies that motivated suspects and what the violence says about the state of extremism in the U.S. We also talk about how journalists should report on the tragedy in a thoughtful way. Guest: Andrew Dyer

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we get the latest details on Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We hear from a leader in the San Diego Muslim American community on how people are feeling one day later. Plus, as police continue to investigate the shooting as a hate crime, we speak with an expert on hate and extremism on the current state of online hate and Islamaophobia. Then, we hear how to foster conversations with children in the wake of trauma and violence. Guests: Kori SuzukiTazheen NizamCAIR San DiegoBrian LevinDr. David SchonfeldResources: Talking to kids about tragediesWays to help or get help in the wake of the Islamic Center shootingHelping children cope and adjust after a disasterNational Center for Crisis and Bereavement

Though often hidden from view under the sea, kelp forests are one of the most important and dynamic marine habitats, supporting numerous species of marine life. But kelp forests are also under threat from pollution, overfishing, and warming ocean temperatures. David Helvarg is the author of the new book "Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp." Helvarg joined Midday Edition Monday to talk about what kelp forests add to our oceans, the history of the Point Loma kelp forest, as well as restoration efforts to bring kelp forests back. Guest: David Helvarg, author, "Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp" Link: Forest of the Sea by David Helvarg - Book Talk & Signing, Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Martin Johnson House- Monday, May 18 from 6-8pm

For Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we are sitting down with community leaders and trailblazers who have made their mark on San Diego. For much of her life, JoAnn Fields has been a major advocate for AANHPI communities, working for every level of elected office and pushing for the continued recognition and representation of Filipino Americans in San Diego. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Fields' journey into advocacy and politics and how she is continuing to bring visibility to Filipino American history and culture in San Diego and beyond. Guest: API Initiative

Those changes could include adding longer term limits, a new ethics commission, and more. If passed, the charter rewrite would go to public vote in November. Monday on Midday Edition, we look at the dueling proposals between Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Joel Anderson and what the proposed changes could mean for how county government is run. Guest: Lucas Robinson Stories: Dueling term limits: Amid criticism of Lawson-Remer’s proposed charter rewrite, Anderson pitches a rival plan

The book, "Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See" is releasing a new edition with updated stories and interviews examining the city's political and social transformation. Then, your weekend arts preview.

As we learn more about how cell phones are impacting kids' health and wellbeing, schools across the country are trying to adapt. More than two-thirds of U.S. states now have some restrictions over cell phone use in public schools. We hear about how efforts are going in San Diego County. Plus, we sit down with an author of a first-of-its-kind study that looked at the effectiveness of cell phone bans in schools. Guests: Katie AnastasHunt Allcott

The San Diego City Council was scheduled to discuss updates to its street improvement plan this week. The city released its original plan two years ago. But cracks in that strategy appeared almost immediately, when residents pointed out concerns about equity and redlining in their neighborhoods. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we look into the changes the city has made since the release of the initial plan and recent efforts to repair roads across the region. Guest: Katie Hyson

It's been nearly three years since the San Diego City Council passed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which prohibited tent encampments on public property when shelter beds are available. The law also set rules for how the city can enforce the ban, leading to increased sweeps of homeless encampments. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new analysis from The San Diego Union-Tribune that digs deeper into the data, revealing the financial costs to the city and the impact of repeated sweeps on those living in the encampments. Guest: Kristen Taketa

For four decades, the California Surf Museum has served as a portal into the world of surfing — capturing the history, art and culture of the sport. On Midday Edition, we talk to the executive director of the Oceanside museum about how it tells the story of surfing. Plus, a world surfing champion, author and motivational speaker shares lessons from a life of surfing, ahead of his event this week at the California Surf Museum. Guests: Jim KemptonShaun Tomson

Longtime civil rights activist and San Diego icon Harold "Hal" K. Brown passed away last week at the age of 92. Born in York, Pennsylvania, Brown came to San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He was heavily involved in San Diego's Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1950's and 60's. In 1971, he became SDSU's first Black administrator, later founding what became the university's Africana Studies Department. Monday on Midday Edition, we commemorate Brown's legacy, his lifelong commitment to racial and economic justice, and the enduring mark he has left on San Diego. Guest: Africana Studies

Passengers of a cruise ship struck by an outbreak of hantavirus have been flown home. Nine cases have been reported from the outbreak, including three deaths. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local medical expert to learn more about hantavirus, how it differs from coronavirus, and why he feels the public health risk remains low. Guest: Dr. Stephen Munday

Every Wednesday for six weeks at a time, adult musicians gather at the Coronado Community Center to practice their instruments. They call themselves the Coronado Terrible Orchestra. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about how the orchestra has provided a space for its members to celebrate the joys of music, and help them to play without judgment. Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at what's new with the San Diego International Fringe Festival as it expands its binational footprint with the World Fringe Congress. And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast Julia Dixon Evans shares all her top arts event picks for the weekend. Guests: Cassie O'HanlonSan Diego International Fringe FestivalSan Diego International Fringe Festival Julia Dixon Evans

The 2026 Point-in-Time Count found a slight decline in homelessness in San Diego County, including an 11% drop in street homelessness. But the number of homeless seniors is growing. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two leaders of local nonprofits addressing homelessness about what's working and the challenges that lie ahead. Then, we sit down with representatives from a local group spreading awareness about mental health needs within San Diego’s Vietnamese community. Plus, a new book from TED Radio Hour's Manoush Zomorodi looks into how our modern tech-filled lives is changing our bodies — and what we can do about it. Guests: Melinda ForsteyGreg AngleaTri NguyenTri LuuManoush Zomorodi"Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Wellbeing"Resources: Vietnamese American Youth Alliance Mental Health ResourcesInternational Vietnamese Mental Health AssociationSan Diego Access & Crisis LineYellow Chair Collective

National Public Radio correspondent Kirk Siegler covers how climate change is impacting the American West. Siegler has covered California wildfires, water scarcity and the financial challenges facing America's farmers. On Midday Edition Tuesday, Siegler shares how his experience growing up in Montana has shaped his reporting and more specifically on how he reports on climate change. Guest: Kirk Siegler, national correspondent, NPR News

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

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: "Hope… In the Aftermath of War"Keshia Javis JonesResources: Foundation for Women Warriors programs