A new exhibition headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego comes from the personal collection of two names you'll recognize — musical icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

The "Giants" exhibit features works from 37 Black American and diasporic artists making waves in the art space.

We sit down with a local curator then arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans to hear more about the exhibit.

Plus, we preview La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls or "WOW" festival by hearing from San Diego artists as well as creators from across the nation and around the globe.

Guests:

• Amy Crum, associate curator, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• 'Without Walls (WOW)' Festival artists - KJ Knies, Sara Biel, Casey Hall-Landers, Jesca Prudencio, Noa Barankin, Bridget Cavaiola Stone, Josette Lépine, Aubrielle Hvolboll, Matthew Sater, Lyra Levin, Michael Feldman, Karen Castelletti, Sandra Portal-Andreu, Jessica Creane

Links:

• Without Walls (WOW) Festival
• San Diego Book Crawl

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday unveiled his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, outlining his plans to help close the city's nearly $150 million deficit.

The wide-ranging cuts proposed by Gloria include cuts to local arts groups, as well as to libraries and recreation centers across the city.

On Midday Edition, we take a closer look at the proposed cuts and talk about what comes next for the budget process.

Guests:

• David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• John Carroll, reporter and anchor, KPBS

It could be a good opportunity to look up at the skies as this week marks International Dark Sky Week.

It's a global movement that aims to explore the celestial night sky, bring awareness to the impact of artificial lighting on communities and wildlife, and curb light pollution.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, we explore more about dark skies and how people can manage their own light use.

Guest:

• Eddie Lain, dark sky advocate, San Diego County Chapter of Dark Sky International

Resources:

• International Dark Sky Week

This week, the President launched a series of social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV. He also offended Catholics and Christians worldwide with an AI-generated photo portraying him as a Jesus-like figure.

He also called the American-born pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy."

The pope responded by saying he will continue to advocate against war and promote peace.

Guest:

• Rebecca Bartel, associate professor, SDSU's Department for the Study of Religion

Air pollution near the Tijuana River Valley is threatening the health of residents who live there.

A new bill by California State Senator Steve Padilla would strengthen regulations around one pollutant — hydrogen sulfide.

We break down the bill and what it could mean for the pollution problem in the South Bay.

Guest:

• Mackenzie Elmer, environment and energy reporter, Voice of San Diego

California's race for governor faces new uncertainty after one of the leading candidates dropped out of the race.

Democrat Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign this weekend after multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were made public. Swalwell also resigned from his seat in Congress on Tuesday.

On Midday Edition, we discuss the allegations and how the race for California's next Governor has changed, as well as what the allegations reveal about politics today.

Editor's note: This interview was recorded before Rep. Eric Swalwell of California submitted more information on his resignation from Congress. We has resigned his seat effective Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Guest:

Jeanne Kuang, Capitol reporter, CalMatters

Food costs are continuing to squeeze San Diegans' pocketbooks, and that means accessing healthy food is getting harder for families.

The San Diego Hunger Coalition found that as of December 2025, more than 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure.

Local community gardens have helped fill in that gap, giving people the space to grow their own fresh produce while also giving it back to the community.

Monday on Midday Edition, we talk about how one local community garden has shaped fresh food access in southeast San Diego — and what you might need to know to start growing your own produce in your backyard.

Guest:

• Diane Moss, founder and managing director, Project New Village

Resources:

• Mt. Hope Community Garden
• Community Garden resource page — Master Gardener Association of San Diego County

At least 48 people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since President Donald Trump returned to office last January.

Last year, 33 people died while in ICE custody — the highest since the agency was created in 2003.

A new investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle poured through detention data, ICE death reports, autopsies and more to reveal a series of medical delays and misdiagnoses while detained.

We talk about their findings and what they reveal about medical treatment within immigration facilities.

Guest:

• Ko Lyn Cheang, reporter, San Francisco Chronicle