The signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act symbolized a turning point for American democracy.It wasn't until then that discrimination in voting was banned. It meant outlawing policies like literacy tests and poll taxes. It meant racial gerrymandering could be challenged in court.But now, the Supreme Court is questioning whether to keep Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — which prohibits discrimination in voting practices and procedures. We discuss the potential implications.Plus, a scholarship for Black students at UC San Diego has been rebranded for all students after a lawsuit by a right-leaning nonprofit. We hear an analysis from a scholar of race and law.Then, we sit down with long-time San Diego civil rights icon Harold (Hal) K. Brown to hear his message for the moment.Guests:Casey Dominguez, professor of political science at the University of San DiegoKhiara Bridges, professor of law at UC BerkeleyHarold "Hal" K. Brown, co-founder and previous chair of the San Diego chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), co-developer of the SDSU Afro-American Studies Program/Black Studies (now the Department of Africana Studies), civil rights leader and educatorIMG_4331.jpg (3632x2909, AR: 1.2485390168442765)UT85_D9955-1 Hale - Brown - C.O.R.E's march and Protest - 196 (3000x3000, AR: 1.0)
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Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP in San Diego County received their benefits Friday, after a delay due to the government shutdown.Of the about 400,000 people in the region who use SNAP, nearly one-fourth are older adults.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from two local organizations about the impacts the uncertainty is having on the county's senior community.Guests:Brent Wakefield, president and CEO, Meals on Wheels San Diego CountyDeborah Martin, executive director and CEO, ElderHelpResources mentioned:Meals on Wheels San Diego CountyElderHelpSan Diego Food BankFeeding San Diego211 San Diego

Scientists at Scripps Research recently launched a new clinical trial that will test if a repurposed GLP-1 drug, tirzepatide, can provide possible relief for long COVID symptoms.Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol to hear more about the trial and the state of long COVID research and treatment today.Guest:Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president, Scripps Research Translational InstituteResources: Long COVID Treatment Trial — Scripps Research

In today's fast-paced world, and with all that's happening around us, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Feelings of stress and burnout, though common, can also have long-term impacts on our health.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Portia Preston, author of the book "Hustle, Flow, or Let it Go?," about her shame-free and inclusive approach to wellness.Guest:Portia Preston, author, "Hustle, Flow, or Let it Go?"

For private defense attorneys in San Diego and across the country, the ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated their funding situation and left many — specifically those with the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) program — without pay for more than four months.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we dig into how CJA attorneys and other experts are navigating a precarious funding situation and the impacts on the court system at large.Guest:Alex Riggins, federal courts and federal law enforcement reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

The results are in: California voters have passed Proposition 50. The measure will allow the state to redraw its congressional districts to open up more seats for Democrats, countering Republican moves in Texas.Reactions are pouring in from California Democrats and Republicans. Some call the effort a partisan campaign, while others say its a step toward preserving democracy.We discuss the details and what Democrats need to do to connect with voters prior to the midterms.Guest:Scott Shafer, senior editor with the politics and government desk, KQED