KPBS Midday Edition

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday over access to the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Last month, federal and county officials were turned away when they tried to inspect the center. They issued an ultimatum to DHS last week — let them into the facility, or face legal action. We discuss where the lawsuit stands and what happens next. G...

What does it take to heal from the past and build a life and future you actually want? Licensed therapist and author Katherine Woodward Thomas digs into personal transformation, manifestation and more in her most recent book, “What’s True About You: 7 Steps to Move Beyond Your Painful Past and Manifest Your Brightest Future.” Thomas will be at the San Diego Writer's Festival later this month . She...

As the Iran war stretches into its second week, concerns are growing around the impact the conflict will have for the global economy. Much of that attention has been on energy prices — particularly, the price of oil and gas . But its impacts can go far deeper. Plus, processing the news and reality of war in the Middle East and immigration enforcement here in the U.S. can weigh on anyone's psyche....

UC San Diego is hosting the 25th Annual Kyoto Prize Symposium this week. The esteemed award is given for lifetime achievement in the fields of technology, science and the arts. One of this year's honorees is Carol Gilligan. Her groundbreaking work highlights how women and girls were excluded in psychological research. In books such as " In a Different Voice ," Gilligan explored women's and girls'...

The American-Israeli war on Iran has entered its second week. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Many fear this could be another "forever war," like the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. We speak to a local professor who recently published an op-ed exploring that question . He also outlines San Diego's connections to the war. Plus,...

Longtime Rep. Darrell Issa announced Friday he will not seek reelection in 2026 after serving in Congress for more than two decades. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond also announced last week that he will run for Issa’s seat in the 48th Congressional District, reshaping a race with national implications . Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis joins Midday Edition Monday to talk about the role new...

Each year, the San Diego Public Library honors former children's librarian Clara Breed's legacy through its annual Clara Breed Civil Liberties lecture . Breed is known for advocating for Japanese American youth who were incarcerated during World War II. Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall will be delivering this year's address. She joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about exploring the history of Japane...

As fighting in Iran and beyond continues into its fifth day , many military families in San Diego are grappling with new stress and uncertainty. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the impacts on local military families. Then, the Department of Veterans Affairs released new data last month on veteran suicides. Though the report did see a minor decline in deaths by suicide between 2022 an...

San Diego's population continues to grow older. That demographic shift brings concerns over how to best help seniors thrive in their later years. Exercise remains an essential element to maintaining health as we age. In his book "Move for Life," San Diego personal trainer Damien A. Joyner shares advice for older adults on ways to stay active and strong, and have fun while exercising. Guest: Damien...

For many in San Diego's Muslim community, Ramadan is a time to pray, fast and reflect on one's faith. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan and how it is being honored locally. Guest: Imam Taha Hassane, imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Monday has put a California state law on gender privacy in schools on hold. The SAFETY Act, passed into law in 2024, prohibits schools from sharing information on student gender identity without student approval. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about what the ruling means for California schools, students and parents. Guest: Katie Anastas , education reporter, KP...

Israel and Iran continued to trade airstrikes Tuesday, four days into a war that U.S. President Donald Trump would last several weeks but perhaps longer . Iranians in San Diego are grappling with mixed emotions as they celebrate the death of Ayotallah Ali Khamenei while processing what may come next. On Midday Edition, we sit down with one Iranian organizer who helps us put this week's events in h...

Despite recent record-high temperatures across the San Diego region this weekend, the official start of spring is still weeks away. Gardening expert Nan Sterman joins Midday Edition Monday to talk about planting for spring in the wake of our warmer winter. Sterman gives tips on everything from how to choose the right citrus tree to plant, to how to help young children develop a passion for gardeni...

The Epstein files include the names of many of the world's most rich and powerful. One of them is a prominent figure in San Diego: bestselling author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra . He's mentioned in the files more than 4,000 times. UC San Diego told CNN that Chopra's association with Epstein was "regrettable" and said his affiliation with the school will end at the end of June. “UC San Diego is...

The United States and Israel's coordinated attacks on Iran that started over the weekend continue to escalate. Among the ships involved in strikes include a San Diego-based aircraft carrier — the USS Abraham Lincoln . At least four American soldiers have died in the conflict so far . President Donald Trump says the conflict could take four to five weeks, or far longer. On Midday Edition, we break...

Olympic bobsledder Kaillie Humphries is coming home to Carlsbad with two new medals after the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, bringing six medals total. She's widely considered one of the best bobsledders in the history of the sport. We sit down with Humphries to hear more about her journey through the sport and motherhood. Plus, a local student magazine highlighting arts and culture reports back aft...

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