KPBS Roundtable

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

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.

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 ComicsKeep reading:Comic-Con agrees to stay in San Diego through 2030 — The San Diego Union-TribuneComic-Con activations take over downtown San Diego. Here’s how to get in — The San Diego Union-TribuneComic-Con library card honors San Diego libraries as a place for everyone — even space aliens — KPBS