Advertise on podcast: KPBS Roundtable

On Roundtable, we sit down with journalists to discuss the stories they tell and how they go about telling them. This year, we've also been celebrating other types of storytellers through a series we call "San Diego Storytellers." On the show this week, we revisit some of our favorite conversations from the series. Guests: Scott Bass, surf forecaster, KPBSShane Hawk, horror writer and anthologistBobby Rubio, animator, comics creator, "Neighborhood Legend"Keithan Jones, comics creator, "Power Knights," founder of KID Comics

On Oct. 9, ICE agents arrested a 43-year-old Guatemalan man during an operation in Escondido. He died two weeks later in the Otay Mesa Detention Facility, inside an "assigned safety cell." While ICE says his death is under investigation, San Diego county officials are demanding an outside probe into his death. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the state of immigration detention and enforcement ahead of the midterm election. Then, we break down the arguments for and against Proposition 38 — which would create an $8 billion bond to fund immunology and immunotherapy research. Plus, we talk about local celebrations for Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, including a KPBS digital ofrenda to honor community members' loved ones. Guests: Kate Morrissey, immigration reporter, Daylight San Diego co-founder, "Beyond the Border"Elliot Spagat, U.S. Immigration News Editor, Associated PressJonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech and life sciences reporter, STAT NewsMarielena Castellanos, South Bay engagement producerJacob Aere, general assignment reporter, KPBS Keep reading: ICE detainee dies at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San DiegoFamily of man who died at Otay detention center says he had no previous medical conditionsGuatemalan man who died inside Otay Mesa Detention Center was misidentified by ICE‘We can’t become desensitized': Día de Muertos vigil mourns deaths in ICE custodyTortured in El Salvador, injured in the U.S. and deported to MexicoHow AP obtained and analyzed data on 4.5 million migrants released in the US at the borderTop immunology association divided over $8.4-billion California ballot measure to fund the field, emails showDía de Muertos Digital OfrendaWhere to celebrate Day of the Dead in San Diego 2026

New reporting from Voice of San Diego has revealed that a developer is exploring plans to build a large-scale data center in San Diego. We talk about how city leaders and community members are responding, and break down Mayor Todd Gloria's executive order to establish a temporary moratorium on new data centers in the city. Then, an investigation from inewsource finds that San Diego's Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the highest lead-polluting general aviation airport in the United States, according to federal data. We discuss why the process to transition away from leaded fuel has seen many delays, despite community members calling for action. Plus, a new day center has opened in downtown San Diego, after the Neil Good Day Center was closed last month due to city budget cuts. We talk about the value of day centers and how they fit into San Diego's overall efforts to address homelessness. Guests: MacKenzie Elmer, environment and energy reporter, Voice of San DiegoPhilip Salata, environment and energy reporter, inewsourceEmmy Burrus, Gloria Penner Fellow and audio producer, KPBS Keep reading: Manchester Group Pitches Massive Data Center at NAVWAR SiteManchester Group Promises Housing Will Be ‘Major Part’ of NAVWAR DevelopmentThis San Diego airport is the nation’s worst lead polluter. Its planes fly past 30 schoolsFather Joe’s opens new day center for people experiencing homelessness, filling critical needStudent homelessness is on the rise in California, including San DiegoCity of San Diego Inclement Weather Shelter Program

We discuss changing attitudes from local leaders surrounding ALPRs, as police departments look to incorporate more AI tools. Plus, how a number of new state housing laws may be felt in San Diego. And, we sit down with MLB and Padres legend, Dave Winfield, to discuss his career and new memoir.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay on Thursday afternoon after more than 10 months of deployment. Previous reporting revealed shortages of food and personal hygiene products aboard the ship, along with at least eight suicide attempts. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the significance of the homecoming and what we've learned about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Then, a new KPBS investigation looks into soaring temperatures inside Donovan state prison. And, how frequent lockdowns inside the facility make it more challenging to cope with the heat. Plus, KPBS listeners may have noticed a new voice greeting them for morning newscasts. We sit down with Katie Anastas, who recently stepped into the KPBS Morning Edition anchor role. Guests: Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBSPriya Sridhar, Pentagon reporter, MS NOWKori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBSKatie Anastas, Morning Edition anchor, KPBSKeep reading: USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after extended Iran deploymentSan Diego lawmaker visits USS Abraham Lincoln, demands investigationMoldy showers and no soap: Military families are outraged by conditions on USS LincolnReport: Relief on the way for San Diego carrier on extended deploymentAs temperatures soared, Donovan state prison confined people to their cellsKatie Anastas' education reporting

Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing balcony, or "plug-in," solar. It could offer a smaller, relatively inexpensive option for people who cannot afford rooftop solar. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the intricacies of plug-in panels. And, whether they can provide relief as electricity bills skyrocket. Plus, the California Wolf Center in Julian has long played a key role in revitalizing the state's population of gray wolves. We talk about the unique challenges wolves are facing today, from climate change to uncertain federal protections. Also, the nonprofit's plans to expand and continue promoting coexistence with wolves. Then, we celebrate the Padres hot streak this week as they gear up for their next challenge — a match against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. We talk about what it will take to keep the momentum going. Guests: Laura Klivans, science reporter, KQEDMackenzie Elmer, energy and environment reporter, Voice of San DiegoTammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBSKarthik Venkataraman, sports anchor and reporter, CBS 8Keep reading: California Officially Legalizes Balcony Solar, Opening the Market to the New TechnologyCalifornia formally legalizes smaller, cheaper 'balcony solar' panelsEnvironment Report: Plug-In Solar or Have My Power Cut?Environment Report: Is Plug-In Solar Actually Dangerous? Julian Wolf Center is expanding care for wolves at a time when federal protections seem uncertainTrump order directs officials to consider stripping protections for gray wolvesPadres rout Cubs 8-0 in emphatic Wild Card opener with Tatis’ leadoff homer, King’s no-hit bidThe Padres streak into October playing their best ball. They're even ready for the mighty BrewersPadres Manny Machado likes San Diego reporter's brown jacket better than the blue one

This week, we learned that tens of thousands of San Diegans may have been overcharged on their property tax bills for trash fees. The city of San Diego blames the problem on a "technical error." We talk about the latest with San Diego Union-Tribune City Hall reporter David Garrick, who broke the story. Plus, the San Diego Padres have clinched a spot in the playoffs — after beating the Dodgers 4-2. Spanish-language broadcaster Eduardo Ortega joins us to talk about the 2026 regular season and look ahead to the Padres' third straight trip to the postseason. Also, how he's celebrating 40 years behind the microphone. Then, we sit down with a familiar voice for KPBS listeners — Scott Bass. We hear more about his process behind his signature surf report, and how he describes San Diego surf culture. Guests: David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneEduardo Ortega, Spanish-language broadcaster, San Diego PadresScott Bass, surf forecaster, KPBS Keep reading: San Diego is overcharging thousands of people for trash pickup, some by $1,000 or more‘This is incompetence’: San Diego council members rail against Gloria for city over-billing thousands for trashFacing ire for overcharging for trash pickup, San Diego reveals how many households are affectedPadres beat Dodgers to clinch third straight postseason berthPadres clinch 3rd straight postseason berth as they seek 1st World Series titleUnique radio surf reports attract mostly non-surfers

On Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a new executive order to take action on artificial intelligence safety through a number of efforts, including an "AI kill switch." The effort comes amid growing concerns about the safety of AI and potential dangers for the future of humanity. We sit down with a panel of technology reporters about the latest in AI news and what it's like covering the industry today. Plus, a new series by SDSU college radio station KCR is coming to KPBS. "Basement Beats" highlights local talent through live performances and interviews. We talk with two of the producers behind the series. Guests: Stephen Council, senior tech reporter, Business InsiderChase DiFeliciantonio, AI and automation reporter, POLITICONitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter, The Washington PostKeyla Parra Gamiño, director of KCR's Basement Beats; KPBS student assistantSammi Thomas, KCR general managerKeep reading: Newsom signs executive order to explore new AI rules, consider 'kill switch'Newsom mulls a special session on AIPoll: Americans say there’s a serious risk of AI destroying humanityHow a fringe AI movement convinced Washington the end is nearHere's why it's so hard to keep AI agents from going rogueAI doom talk is everywhere. At a giant San Francisco tech conference, people have other worries about the tech.

Earlier this week, immigration agents arrested a student near San Diego City College — at the corner of 16th and C streets. They chased another student onto campus. Both are Haitian immigrants. We talk about the reaction from City College students and the local Haitian community. And, what losing TPS means for Haitian immigrants. Plus, we explore how September 11, 2001 marked a defining moment for our military and border operations. Then, the presence of Islamophobia before and after 9/11. Guests: Alexander Nguyen, North County reporter, KPBSJacob Aere, general assignment reporter, KPBSGustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBSRozina Ali, investigative journalist and author, "Seasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America"Keep reading: ICE agents arrest driver while passenger flees near San Diego City CollegeSan Diego City College students rally to protest ICE arrest near campusHaitian community speaks out following recent ICE arrests in San Diego and across the USHow the 9/11 attacks changed life in uniformSeasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America

A new state law makes it illegal to loiter in an area for the purpose of buying sex. But data show that here in San Diego, police are mostly citing Latino and Black men for the crime. We talk about KPBS reporting that raises questions about racial bias and how the new law is impacting sex workers. Plus, the county of San Diego announced the departure of its behavioral health director just minutes after releasing employee misconduct records. We talk about the story emerging from those documents. Then, how a recent court decision may change how public records requests are handled in the future. And, this month's issue of San Diego Magazine celebrates the creatives shaping our local arts and culture community. Guests: Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBSLisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoWill Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoAaryn Belfer, editor, San Diego MagazineKeep reading: Critics warned a state law targeting sex buyers could lead to racial bias. Here's how it's playing out in San DiegoRacist Comments Outed in Voice Records Request; Dept Head OutCounty Nursing Facility Plagued by Racism, Sexual Harassment and Sex Tapes Governments May Now Take ‘Months or Years’ to Fill Public Records RequestsSan Diego Magazine Editor’s Note, September 2026: More Than a Postcard31 People Shaping San Diego’s Creative Scene

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a record number of people in July. In San Diego and Imperial counties, that was 2,000 people — the highest monthly total during President Trump's second term. We talk about the story behind the data, and what it reveals about immigration enforcement today. Plus, as concerns grow around e-bikes and safety, experts said San Diego County needs to address its street safety problem. New reporting from KPBS and inewsource explores the issue. Then, we talk about why this week's extreme heat feels different. What can it tell us about our changing climate? Guests: Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSSofia Mejías-Pascoe, border and immigration reporter, inewsourceJake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSKatie Futterman, North County reporter, inewsourceLucas Brady Woods, reporter, LAist

Earlier this month, state regulators allowed Waymo to bring its driverless taxi service to San Diego — and throughout much of Southern California. We give you a taste of what it's like to ride in an autonomous vehicle. Then, we zoom out to discuss how robotaxis are operating in other U.S. cities and the debate around them. Plus, National City is facing a money problem. The current expenses in the budget are more than the city's expected revenue. Meanwhile, a major player in National City politics is stepping aside. Also, as the San Diego Padres kick off a six game home stand, we talk about the significance of new ownership under José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. Guests: Kirsten Korosec, reporter and editor, TechCrunchJim Hinch, South County reporter, Voice of San DiegoRyan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-TribuneKeep reading: Like it or not, Waymo is ready to fully launch in San DiegoSan Diego transit officials fought Waymo and lost. It gets permit to operate here.Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three citiesSelf-driving trucks are officially testing on California highwaysNational City Is Headed Toward Insolvency. Why? Mayor’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Struggling National City MLB approves sale of San Diego Padres to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza JonesPadres owners to reward employees as club's sale nears completionSweetwater Valley falls to Iowa in Little League World Series opener

The city of San Diego is reopening more than a dozen bathrooms in Mission Bay Park, after months of public backlash. We break down the potty politics and what the story says about the city's budget process. Plus, new reporting from NBC News explores the financial struggles of a group of former MLB stars who feel the game has left them behind. And, local Indigenous horror writer and anthologist Shane Hawk shares his love for dark fiction and discusses his latest work, "Never Whistle At Night Part II: Back for Blood." Guests: Claire Trageser, reporter, Axios San DiegoScott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief, Voice of San DiegoGretchen Morgenson, senior financial reporter, NBC NewsShane Hawk, horror writer and anthologistKeep reading: Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcrySan Diego’s Public Restroom Problem Goes Far Beyond Our BeachesFoul ball: These aging ex-MLB stars say the league is turning its back on themNever Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction AnthologyBack for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II

On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the impact of state and federal Medicaid cuts that could double California's uninsured rate over the next four years. Plus, why San Diego caregivers are owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen wages. And, why communities are rallying against data center development in Southern California.

San Diego lost a legend this week. Billy Ray Smith passed away at 64 after a long journey with dementia. His family said it was caused by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). On KPBS Roundtable, we remember the iconic San Diego Chargers linebacker and sportscaster with his long-time radio co-host, Scott Kaplan. Then, we unpack why voters rallied against a union-backed initiative to overhaul local government in Chula Vista. Plus, how pollution from the Salton Sea is impacting a nearby Little League in Calipatria. And, what high rates of childhood asthma in the region reveal about the problem. Guests: Scott Kaplan, sportscaster and former co-host of "Scott and B.R." on The Mighty 1990Jim Hinch, South county reporter, Voice of San DiegoZoe Meyers, freelance photo and video journalistRebecca Plevin, freelance journalistKeep reading: Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64Scott Kaplan Remembers Billy Ray SmithHow a Union-Backed Bid to Overhaul Chula Vista’s Government Unraveled Near the Salton Sea, Little League Players Struggle to BreatheCalifornia’s Lithium Valley Dreams Meet Reality at the Only Restaurant in Town