KPBS Roundtable

KPBS
  • 4.4 (19)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

KPBS Roundtable offers perspectives from those who tell San Diego’s stories. Join host Andrew Bracken for a weekly discussion with reporters, adding depth and context to the headlines driving the news in the San Diego region. KPBS Roundtable airs each Friday at 12 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. across San Diego on 89.5 FM and Imperial County on 97.7 FM. You can also catch the show on all podcast apps. New episodes drop every Friday afternoon.

  1. 11h ago

    New law targets sex buyers; public records requests; San Diego Magazine arts issue

    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

  2. Aug 28

    ICE arrests surge; e-bikes and road safety; heat wave

    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

  3. Aug 22

    Waymo is coming; National City financial woes; Padres sale

    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

  4. Aug 14

    Mission Bay bathrooms; ex-MLB players push for benefits; Indigenous horror anthologist

    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

  5. Aug 7

    Medi-Cal cuts; San Diego caregivers owed stolen wages; Public backlash to data centers

    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.

  6. Jul 31

    Remembering Billy Ray Smith Jr.; Chula Vista government overhaul; Salton Sea pollution

    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

  7. Jul 24

    'Friendship, community, comics': Roundtable goes live at San Diego Comic-Con!

    Friday marks the second official day of San Diego Comic-Con, with celebrities, cosplayers, creators and pop culture fans continuing to descend on downtown. Whether you have a badge or not, KPBS Roundtable is bringing you closer to the pop culture convention. We check in with local journalists about their experience covering the convention so far and what you need to know, from the latest news to off-site activations. Then, we look into the world of pop culture podcasting and how fans talk about the shows, books and movies they love. And finally, we continue our San Diego Storytellers series by highlighting two local comics creators whose friendship and journey in the arts is the subject of a new panel. Guests: Philip Molnar, senior business reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJulianna Domingo, producer, KPBSMallory Rubin, director of content for The Ringer, co-host of "House of R" podcastBobby Rubio, animator, comics creator, "Neighborhood Legend"Keithan Jones, comics creator, "Power Knights," founder of KID Comics Keep reading: Comic-Con agrees to stay in San Diego through 2030 — The San Diego Union-Tribune Comic-Con activations take over downtown San Diego. Here’s how to get in — The San Diego Union-Tribune Comic-Con library card honors San Diego libraries as a place for everyone — even space aliens — KPBS

  8. Jul 17

    Fight over Emerald Hills park; social media in schools; remembering Kelly Davis

    Community members in Southeastern San Diego have lost a decades-long fight over a hilltop in Emerald Hills. They had been pushing for a park there. But now, a housing development is coming. We sit down with KPBS reporter Katie Hyson to hear the story, from the beginning. Plus, California school districts are suing social media companies. And, a tribute for Kelly Davis, an important voice in San Diego journalism and frequent guest on KPBS. Guests: Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBSVani Sanganeria, student health and wellbeing reporter, EdSourceJeff McDonald, watchdog and accountability journalist, San Diego Union-Tribune

See All (300)

4.4
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

KPBS Roundtable offers perspectives from those who tell San Diego’s stories. Join host Andrew Bracken for a weekly discussion with reporters, adding depth and context to the headlines driving the news in the San Diego region. KPBS Roundtable airs each Friday at 12 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. across San Diego on 89.5 FM and Imperial County on 97.7 FM. You can also catch the show on all podcast apps. New episodes drop every Friday afternoon.

Information

  • Creator
    KPBS
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 KPBS Public Media
  • Show Website
    KPBS Roundtable

More From KPBS

You Might Also Like