KPBS Midday Edition

Acclaimed writer George Saunders is one of the featured authors at this week's 31st annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea in Point Loma. Known for groundbreaking works like "Lincoln in the Bardo" and "Tenth of December," Saunders joined Midday Edition Wednesday to reflect on his writing process, and how he approaches teaching the art of writing to a new generation. Guest: George Saunders , author,...

Nearly 50% of all cancer deaths are considered preventable , according to the American Association for Cancer Research. However, there remains a general lack of awareness about early detection and screening. This Cancer Prevention Month, doctors are spreading the word about how to be more proactive about your health. We talk to one local researcher to hear more. Guest: Dr. Svasti Haricharan , prof...

We hear reaction from local Congressmember Mike Levin following President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.

This Black History Month, we're celebrating local Black leaders across every field — from art, to community organizing and wellness. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we feature two Black women making waves in San Diego's education and food justice scenes. We hear about their lifelong commitments to social justice and equity and the philosophies that motivate them to continue their work. Guests: Ashanti...

Officials say at least 62 people have died in Mexico, but none in Tijuana or elsewhere in Baja California. On Midday Edition, we discuss where the violence stands now and what the operation says about the state of U.S.-Mexico relations. Guest: Ev Meade , director of Proceso Pacífico , a peace building group in Culiacán

In commemoration of Black History Month, we are continuing to sit down with local Black trailblazers who are continuing to leave their mark on the community. Brisa Johnson has spent much of her life advocating for social justice in many different capacities, from leading civic engagement initiatives to spearheading the creation of the San Diego Black Worker Center. Monday on Midday Edition, we hea...

Voice of San Diego has released its annual Parent's Guide to San Diego Schools . The 2026 guide, available in both English and Spanish, reviews San Diego private schools, in addition to public and charter schools in the region. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about what new information is included in this year's guide, and advice for parents on how to best use it. Then, California has expan...

There's a lot to worry about when you're in sixth grade. But what happens when you're asked to represent an entire religion and culture? That's the main struggle for Mariam, the protagonist of the new middle grade book, "Hail Mariam." When she's transferred to a local Catholic school, she worries that being the only Muslim American girl will put her at odds with her peers. Thursday on KPBS Midday...

Federal officials said Americans are projected to receive larger tax refunds this season. That's after several changes to the tax code under what the White House calls the "One Big Beautiful Bill." How much you get back will depend on many factors, though. We break down what to expect and how to navigate your taxes this season. Guest: Mary Beth Storjohann , financial planner and CEO, Allora Wealth

What does it take to live a happier, healthier and longer life? The city of San Marcos is exploring that question through its recent partnership with the Blue Zones project. The term "Blue Zone" refers to a community where residents live longer. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a San Marcos-based physician about what the initiative entails, what it means to be a "Blue Zone" community and...

February is Black History Month. This year, there's even more reason to celebrate — as we recognize 100 years of commemoration. Black History Month began in 1926 when Black historian Carter G. Woodson created a week to celebrate the vast achievements of Black men and women. That week eventually grew into the monthlong celebration we know today. On Midday Edition, we discuss the evolution and perse...

Across the globe, more than one billion people are celebrating Lunar New Year — ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse with good food and good company. We discuss local celebrations including the upcoming San Diego Tết Festival , featuring traditional performances and cultural activities. Also, we sit down with two restaurateurs to learn about the culinary traditions of Lunar New Year from a Vietn...

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84. Over his decades long career in activism and politics, Jackson advocated for disenfranchised communities across a range of issues, building an inclusive "rainbow coalition" in the process. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we take a look back at Jackson's memorable visit to the San Diego-Tijuana border in the summer of 1984, and how is...

President Donald Trump last week announced the repeal of a major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on greenhouse gasses — the 2009 "Endangerment Finding." For the past 16 years, the scientific conclusions that: greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten public health and greenhouse gases from motor vehicles contribute to pollution threatening public health, have guided EPA emission...

Throughout Black History Month, we are profiling Black trailblazers with San Diego ties who have made an impact in their respective fields. Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a community leader who is fighting for racial and economic justice through her work at the San Diego nonprofit, Center on Policy Initiatives. Then, photographer Atiba Jefferson has captured some of the biggest cultura...

The city of San Diego has officially recognized Feb. 13 as Sew Loka Day. Founded in 2013, the sewing shop and studio has been at the helm of San Diego's growing slow fashion movement. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Sew Loka's founder to talk about the significance behind the recognition, what Sew Loka means to the community, and her own journey through fashion. Then, Black Comix Day...

The psychological impacts of President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign are far and wide. On our Wellness Wednesday show, we hear from a local psychologist on the mental health impacts she is seeing in immigrant communities. Then, a recently filed lawsuit alleges Costco misled shoppers about ingredients used in its popular rotisserie chickens. We hear more about what people need to know to...

The 2026 midterm elections are nine months away. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the federal government should " nationalize " or "take over" some state elections. California officials are resisting those calls. They say they're ready to fight back. We sit down with California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to hear about state officials' plans to counter federal interference. Guest: S...

Writer Jamaica Kincaid joins Midday Edition Tuesday to talk about her work, and how her childhood in Antigua continues to impact her writing. She will be appearing at the 31st annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea on Feb. 26.

Each year, the Prebys Foundation recognizes local leaders who are making a lasting impact on the community, from arts and culture and youth success to health and wellbeing. Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Carmen Chavez, executive director of the nonprofit Casa Cornelia Law Center and one of the 2026 Prebys Leadership Award recipients. She talks about her work providing legal aid to thos...

Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show brought us 13 minutes of lively music , bold dancing, vibrant storytelling — and even an actual wedding . The performance provided a history lesson of his home, Puerto Rico. It was also a celebration of all Americans, beyond borders. We break down the significance of the show and what it means in today's political climate with Jean Guerrero, award winn...

In November, a whistleblower within the San Diego Association of Governments — or SANDAG — was awarded millions of dollars after being fired in 2023. Lauren Warrem was a former finance official who raised questions about flaws in SANDAG's toll collection system. Now, SANDAG is being ordered to pay Warrem's attorneys more than $1.7 million. We break down the latest in the toll collection saga and w...

The convention Indigi-Con is returning for its second year, with a focus on connecting Native creators and celebrating Indigenous-led stories past, present and future. Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear about how Indigi-Con is amplifying Indigenous stories across all disciplines and bringing together tradition and futurism. Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews The Old Globe Theatre's...

As Black History Month kicks off, we are sitting down with San Diego trailblazers making an impact in their communities. Wednesday on Midday Edition, Cheryl Morrow, daughter of Black hair care pioneer Willie Morrow , talks about how she has championed her family's legacy and paved a path of her own in the world of hair, beauty, and media. Guest: Cheryl Morrow, CEO of California Curl, owner of Morr...

In San Diego County, Black murder defendants are charged with a special circumstance at a higher rate than white murder defendants. Data show that the gap grew significantly wider when the current district attorney took office and is bigger than in nearby counties. New reporting from KPBS dives deep into the data and highlights how California's controversial special circumstance murder law has imp...