KPBS Midday Edition

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

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...