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Broadcast Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 at Noon on KPBS Radio: This year Robin Hilton and Stephen Thomson head back to the snowy cabin in the woods where the annual "All Songs Considered" get-togethers began many years ago. Join us as we attempt to throw another party for the ages, with one simple, fate-tempting question: What could possibly go wrong?

The entrancing story of an innocent Japanese girl who gives her heart to a fickle American naval officer, there's a reason why this opera is one of the most performed around the world. It's a moving tale of love, loss, and longing, captured by operatic beauty at its most melodramatic. Giacomo Puccini's sweeping score features some of the most beautiful melodies ever written, with soaring vocal lines expressing every human emotion. This unique production brings the story to life in a new, magical way by incorporating ballet into this classic Italian opera. The title character gets her wings as a butterfly by dancing on her toes. Leading lady Cio-cio-san (Japanese for "butterfly") is represented by a ballerina butterfly in a dream ballet, fluttering and soaring as she tries to escape her fate of being pinned in a box. This production is presented by Cinballera Entertainment, a non-profit performing arts company based in San Diego County which is now entering its third season. This company was founded by prodigious artist sisters Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan, who both specialize in opera and ballet. Cinballera (pronounced cheen-ball-er-a) specializes in performances which blend classical opera and original ballet with retro Hollywood inspiration. In their first two seasons, they have produced over a dozen original productions throughout Southern California, bringing fresh yet tasteful creativity to timeless tales. This production will be performed in Italian with silent film-style title cards projected for translation. Cinballera Entertainment on Facebook / Instagram

The city’s master plan for parks is supposed to address inequalities found to negatively impact disadvantaged communities – but with $8.5 million in settlement funds dedicated to park improvements only going to a short list of parks, one Otay Mesa community park is left wondering why they are still waiting for repairs.

Free Art Classes for Teens (13–18 years old) Free Teen Art is a free program for teens, who are interested in art-making as an enrichment activity that goes beyond making crafts. The aim of the program is to provide a space for youth to create art, share stories, collaborate, explore, and identify new ways to use art in their lives. The Athenaeum offers facilities, resources, guidance, instruction, and support. The open studio program includes a rotation of multidisciplinary art instructors offering workshops in their respective fields, as well as curricular activities that involve the use of the Athenaeum library resources as a starting point for projects. Activities include drawing, painting, research, and introduction to various media. Nancy Walter’s approach to art making flows out of design, illustration, photography, travel and self-inquiry. She has taught graphic design, arts & crafts, book arts, art journaling and hand stitching. Over the last few years she has done art residencies in Morocco, Twenty-Nine Palms and Los Angeles. She has trained as an Expressive Art Therapy coach and a Soul Collage facilitator. Nancy co-founded Art Lounge, in Encinitas CA. She’s a member and former publications Chair of SDBA (San Diego Book Arts). Currently her daily art practice incorporates slow-stitching, book arts, collage, drawing and gelli printing!

Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.,and John Curtis, R-Utah, want to hold social media companies accountable for the negative impacts their algorithms have on people. They spoke to NPR about their bill.

Ian Calderon joins a crowd of Democrats jockeying in a wide-open race for governor. The former assemblymember left the Legislature in 2020 to focus on his family.

The federal grand jury indictment accuses Williamson and four other co-conspirators, including Becerra’s former chief of staff, of funneling $225,000 in money from a dormant campaign account.

The Metropolitan Transit System is asking the public for help in prioritizing spending as it faces a looming budget deficit. Then, border and immigration reporter Gustavo Solis checks in to talk about the impact of ICE arrests near schools. And, part two of our story on the challenges faced by Afghans four years after the fall of Kabul. Plus, why some North County residents are disappointed that a new housing development was approved. Finally, a settlement between the city and the owners of the derelict California Theater — sell it or tear it down.

This tiny disc of zinc with just a smidge of copper has played an outsized role in our national (and international) discourse. The U.S. Mint ended production of the one-cent coin last week.

Signs are pointing to deeper discounts this Black Friday, as stores try to coax anxious shoppers into splurging.