KPBS Midday Edition

Elizabeth Gilbert is one of the featured authors in Point Loma Nazarene University's "Writer's Symposium By the Sea" series.

KPBS Garden Guru, Nan Sterman, answers all your plant and pest questions, and sets us up for a successful growing season.

San Diego chef Tara Monsod was selected as semifinalist for best chef in California. We hear about her nomination, her culinary journey and her restaurant, Animae.

Point Loma Nazarene University will host the 29th annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea Feb. 19 through Feb. 23, where the art of writing will be explored with renowned authors. We hear from one of this year's featured writers, Nick Hornby.

Ballots are being sent out and early voting has begun for California's 2024 Primary Election. Plus, we hear how judicial candidates are evaluated by the San Diego County Bar Association. And finally, we speak to the author of a book on what we can do to save democracy.

The year 2023 proved to be a difficult year for the tech industry, which saw over 260,000 job losses. San Diego’s tech workers have not been spared from the trend. Meanwhile, the layoff trend continues into 2024, resulting in over 25,000 layoffs so far this year.

How did last week's historic rainfall affect the recently designated San Diego Black Arts and Culture District? Plus, the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival returns. And, this weekend's arts preview.

The 14th annual Human Rights Watch Film Festival will have in-person and virtual film screenings that explore various social issues, from the rights of LGBTQ+ youth to press freedom.

Plus, a new book

This month marks 35 years since the beloved music venue opened its doors in San Diego. Also, Malashock Dance is putting on its annual "Everyday Dances" concert. And a preview of Black Com!x Day.

January is "National Train Your Dog Month." On Midday Edition Wednesday, we answer your questions about dog training and behavior. Plus, local animal shelters are at capacity. We talk about what you need to know if you want to adopt a new pet.

The Palestinian Youth Movement continues to organize protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Plus, we hear how two young women are reclaiming Kumeyaay traditions and passing it onto the next generation.

Chamber music group Camarada will present "In Search of Time," a concert experience that explores the nature of time through both music and visual art. Plus, our Midday Movies critics share their top 10 lists ahead of Oscar nominations.

A new book, "Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian Identity," dives into the cycle of intergenerational and racial trauma that many Asian Americans face and how the community can heal.

New Year's resolutions can fall off by spring, leading to a decline in ambition. Professor Paul Stillman's research has lessons for ways to stay on track and achieve goals.

Despite investments in STEM education and the surge in STEM majors, many aren't working in STEM industries. Plus, a look into pop culture's fascination with aliens. And, a NPR science reporter is out with her debut book.

What can we expect from San Diego's flourishing food scene this year? Plus, a year-long celebration of an iconic monster. And, Project [BLANK] and other arts events to check out this weekend.

Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we discuss our progress toward achieving economic justice and the theme of this year's All Peoples Celebration, claiming dignity.

California lawmakers will soon debate reparations for Black Americans descended from enslaved ancestors. Plus, a San Diego County grant program aims to help small nonprofits working in social and racial justice.

Gabrielle Korn's queer science fiction novel, "Yours for the Taking," explores how one billionaire's vision for a feminist utopia turns into a dystopia. Plus, a look at a local water tower nearly 30 years later. And a preview of 2024 arts events coming to San Diego.

San Diego's affordable housing agency has a new CEO. She steps in during a severe housing shortage and a growing homelessness crisis.

The United Nations latest climate conference aimed to reduce emissions and minimize climate change impacts, with nearly all countries agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels.

For decades, China has used giant pandas as a diplomatic tool to build better relations with other countries.

Public libraries are an amazing resource for books, but they also have a lot to offer in terms of services and their physical and digital collections.

Spare Pen presents "Every Day Vanilla," a play about one Filipino American woman's relationship with her hometown. Plus, "Slow Horses" premieres its third season on Apple TV+. And the return of a local adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," plus other weekend arts events.

The Temecula Valley Unified school board is drawing national scrutiny for a slew of controversial policies, including a ban on critical race theory. Plus, how racism can increase Black women's risk of stroke and other health conditions.

The holidays can be a time of celebration with friends and family. But they can also bring about feelings of loneliness and stress, and can be especially challenging for those coping with their mental health or recovering from substance abuse.

We speak with two local retailers about how its going for small businesses this holiday season. Then, we get gift ideas from some of San Diego's independent booksellers.

An original holiday musical returns to the stage for its third year. Plus, a beloved arts center is celebrating its 15th anniversary. And, the top events to check out this weekend.

Kumeyaay Community College is one of three tribal colleges in California. Teaching Kumeyaay history and language is priority for the college. Plus, we follow up on San Diego State's efforts to serve Native students on campus.

On Thursday, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom faced off against Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in a prime-time debate. KPBS Midday Edition discusses the potential impact of the debate on the presidential election.

This weekend arts preview looks at Kitschmas, a festive art installation. And a new memoir explores one unlikely scenario: a Jewish woman working for a Muslim government.

Across the state and country, maternity wards are shutting down. Pregnant women are being compelled to travel further, putting pressure on the maternity units that remain open. The closures are particularly affecting low-income and Latino populations.

In recent years, medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic have become popular tools for weight loss. Meanwhile, the reasons why we eat have changed over the generations. Food has become more accessible and plentiful than in the past, but it may not be healthier.

Andrea Beatriz Arango's debut novel in verse "Iveliz Explains It All" is the 2023 One Book, One San Diego selection for teens.

A recent survey found 5% of middle schoolers and 10% of high schoolers reported using e-cigarettes or vapes in the last 30 days.

Pandemic aid for food assistance ended in February. Rising rates of food and nutrition insecurity show that San Diegans are feeling the impact.

The San Diego City Council rejected San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's Housing Action Package 2.0 last week. We hear from the mayor on the next steps for his housing initiative. Plus, San Diego has started searching for its next police chief.

San Diego International Airport is undergoing a multibillion-dollar transformational renovation project. Where do things stand now and what impact will it have on holiday travel? Then, train tracks in parts of North County will need to move due to coastal erosion.

We preview some arts and culture events to check out ahead of Thanksgiving. Plus, Midday Movies critics discuss the films they’re thankful for.

As we get set to reunite with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday, we get a temperature check on where things stand with COVID-19, as well as other viruses like the flu and mpox.

There are greater efforts to put Indigenous voices at the forefront when it comes to protecting the environment and taking action against a worsening climate crisis.

A beloved music venue is celebrating 15 years. Plus, we revisit an interview with Native American author N. Scott Momaday. And the Coronado Island Film Festival is back.

Advances in artificial intelligence, many coming from California companies, have led to new possibilities for life and work. However, concerns about its potential power persist as tech companies expand its capabilities.

The latest war between Israel and Hamas is entering its second month. We go back over 100 hundred years to explore the historical roots of the ongoing conflict.

How does the Latino community in San Diego celebrate Día de Muertos? Plus, the return of a statewide music festival and a showcase of Asian cinema.

Genome scientist and UC San Diego professor Keolu Fox uses genomic studies to decode Indigenous history, from migratory patterns to disease in these communities.

San Diego's high cost of living, especially for housing, has many millennials and Gen Zers struggling to build a life in the region.

Want kids to run screaming from your house next Halloween? KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando has some tips.

A closer look at Kehinde Wiley's work and its influence on the art world. Plus, what this weekend has in store for the arts. And Midday Movies is back with some frightening Halloween picks.