KPBS Midday Edition

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:Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State

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 those who have suffered human rights and civil rights abuses.Guest:Carmen Chavez, executive director, Casa Cornelia Law CenterResources:All in for San Diego: 2026 Prebys Leadership Awards Celebration

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 winning journalist and author.Guest:Jean Guerrero, investigative journalist and author of "Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda”

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 what it means for SANDAG moving forward.Guest:Jeff McDonald, investigative reporter, San Diego-Union Tribune

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 latest iteration of the play Hedda Gabler, starring Katie Holmes in the eponymous role.And finally, curious about what's going on in the arts this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered. We also preview the latest episode of "The Finest" featuring hometown hero Jessica Sanchez.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationChag Lowry, executive director of Indigenous Futures Institute, comic book creator and publisherBarry Edelstein, artistic director, The Old GlobeJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest" podcastLinks:2026 Indigi-Con programming2026 Indigi-Con registration

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 Morrow Publishing and San Diego Monitor News Network

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 impacted one San Diego family.On Wednesday, KPBS reporter Katie Hyson joined Midday Edition to talk about the history of special circumstances that can lead to life without parole, what local data reveals and what advocates believe is meaningful reform.Guest: Katie Hyson, KPBS Racial Justice and Social Equity ReporterEDITOR’S NOTE: San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan is disputing this story. KPBS’s story relied on a data analysis from a researcher who attributed cases to DAs based on disposition date. The DA’s office provided an analysis that attributed cases to DAs based on filing date. It showed no racial disparity in making these special charges against Black and white defendants when looking only at multiple murder cases during DA Stephan’s tenure. KPBS has clarified the story to include more detail about the analysis and the data it used. Go to the story to learn more.

As the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown continues, local therapists say that community members are feeling mental health impacts as a result, including right here in San Diego.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a South Bay-based therapist about the impact she is seeing on her clients, and how she and other mental health care professionals are responding to the moment.Guest:Lizeth Ma, licensed marriage and family therapist

San Diego is a special place for whale watching. Blue whales, humpbacks, and gray whales are among the species San Diegans can see at various times of year. The waters off San Diego serve as a migratory corridor for many whale species, as well as a place for others to feed.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from local whale experts Nicole Schriber and Domenic Biagini to learn more about some of these giant marine mammals that San Diegans can experience.Right now, gray whales are passing through San Diego, and can be seen from shore."This has been a really exciting gray whale season because it's the first one where the whales have looked healthy in about half a decade," Biagini said.Guests:Domenic Biagini, captain and owner, Gone Whale WatchingNicole Schriber, graduate student, UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography

"Race: Power, Resistance & Change" at the Museum of Us in Balboa Park opened late last year and is expected to remain on display on a semi-permanent basis.A group of artists, researchers, community members and museum staff began working on the exhibit nearly a decade ago. It centers on how race has shaped laws and daily life in San Diego.Brothers Einar and Jamex De La Torre, who live and work in San Diego and Baja California, joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss "Castaways," a mixed media piece they created for the exhibit. They also share why they believe San Diego is an important place to tell stories about race and what responsibility they believe the exhibit places on visitors.Guests:Einar and Jamex De La Torre, artists

Last week, San Diego County leaders approved the use of nearly $9 million in county reserves for new Tijuana River sewage fixes.The funds will pay for a pipeline extension project in the Tijuana River Valley designed to mitigate airborne contaminants, provide additional air purifiers for households exposed to the pollution, and support long-term public health studies.Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, whose District 1 includes the affected communities and who spearheaded the spending plan, joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss a detailed breakdown of the funding and the need for an epidemiological study.Guest:Paloma Aguirre, San Diego County Supervisor

Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it is seeking interest from states to host sites that would support the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including reprocessing spent fuel and storing nuclear waste.The department is seeking input through April 1.U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, D-CA-49, has been urging the federal government to establish a safe and long-term management program for spent nuclear fuel, of which 3.5 million pounds are stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.Levin joined Midday Edition last Thursday to discuss the department's call for input, whether the initiative will accelerate the removal of nuclear waste at San Onofre and the $100 million he secured for this issue.Guest:Mike Levin, U.S. Representative for California's 49th District

Last week, independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested by federal agents after covering an anti-ICE protest Jan. 18.Fort and Lemon were released from custody Friday. But journalism organizations and free speech advocates are sounding the alarm."It's an unprecedented assault on freedom of speech and freedom of the press to say that reporting the news is a crime," said David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition. "Journalism is not a crime."Monday on Midday Edition, we look at what these arrests signal about press freedom and the First Amendment in the current political moment.Guest:David Loy, legal director, First Amendment CoalitionResources:"Know Your Rights" page — The First Amendment Coalition

San Diego economist Daniel Enemark joins Midday Edition to talk about the state of the economy, as new data highlights the difficulties many San Diegans face in getting by.One major concern for Enemark is the disconnect between median income and housing costs."The real challenge is will incomes rise faster than housing prices?" he said. "If that's the case, then we could see some relief, albeit slowly over many years."Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

Acclaimed author and activist Don Winslow thought he would retire from writing after his last novel, "City in Ruin" came out in 2024.But this year, he marks his return to fiction with a collection of six novellas, "The Final Score."Thursday on Midday Edition, Winslow talks about exploring identity in his latest work, his decision to return to writing, and his advocacy in the current political moment.Then, KPBS' Beth Accomando sits down with the co-founder of Riot Productions to talk about their latest play, "Audition Sides," which tells a love story between two actors stuck in a callback audition.And finally, there is plenty to do in the arts this weekend. KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans shares all the events to check out, plus a preview of what to check out in "The Finest."Guests:Don Winslow, author and activist, "The Final Score"Sarah Alida LeClair, playwright and actress, "Audition Sides;" artistic director and founder, Riot ProductionsJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Roughly 31,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers in California and Hawaii went on strike this week. The union alleges unfair labor practices amid prolonged contract talks.Workers on the picket lines are fighting for safe staffing levels and fair wages for caregivers.We discuss what healthcare workers are fighting for, how Kaiser Permanente is responding, and what patients need to know.Guests:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

Over 42 million Americans have student loan debt, with a total of more than $1.6 trillion owed.Late last year, the Trump administration announced plans to begin garnishing the wages of borrowers in default on student loans, but backtracked earlier this month. The result has created confusion for many facing student loan debt.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we breakdown some of the biggest changes in the federal student loan system and what borrowers need to know.Then, a new book chronicles the origins of the U.S. student loan system and looks at student debt as an issue of civil rights.Guests:Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director, Protect BorrowersJamal Watson, higher education journalist, professor and associate dean of graduate studies at Trinity Washington University, author of “The Student Debt Crisis: America’s Moral Urgency"

Mass protests against the current regime in Iran have been ongoing since late December.Iranian security forces have killed thousands. Many more have been arrested. It's been called the deadliest unrest in the country since the 1979 revolution.A near-total internet blackout continues, limiting communication and adding to uncertainty.We sit down with one Iranian American in San Diego, concerned about the safety of her friends and family in Iran and grappling with anxiety about the future.Guest:Bibi Kasrai, Iranian American entrepreneur who has lived in San Diego since 1996

For more than a year, plans for a $10 billion data center have been quietly moving forward in Imperial County.By some estimates, it could rank among the largest data centers in the world.The center would use immense amounts of energy and water. But the developer is openly trying to avoid California's environmental review process.We sit down with KPBS reporter Kori Suzuki to discuss his three-part investigation digging into the controversy.Guest:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS

San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer ordered flags on county property to be flown at half-staff in response to recent violence involving federal immigration enforcement agencies in Minnesota.Lawson-Remer joins Midday Edition Monday to talk about her reaction to the killing of Alex Pretti by a federal officer Saturday, and what local leaders are doing to try to prevent similar violence in San Diego County.Guest:Terra Lawson-Remer, District 3 county supervisor and chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors

Two years ago today, historic flooding devastated neighborhoods and displaced communities across San Diego.The destruction also left many arts and culture spaces in ruin.Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with two local arts groups — Graffiti Gardens and PASACAT — to talk about the hardships that came from the flooding and how they have rebuilt since.Then, Oscar nominations are out! Our Midday Movies critics share their reactions to everything, from new record-setting nominations to the biggest snubs of the year.Guests:Maxx Moses, graffiti artist, owner of Graffiti GardensAnamaria Labao Cabato, executive director, PASACATBeth Accomando, arts reporter, Cinema Junkie host, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas

San Diego's Rady Children's Hospital this week announced that it will stop offering gender-affirming care under the threat of losing federal funding.The hospital is the only in San Diego County dedicated solely to pediatric care.On Midday Edition, we speak with the leader of a prominent transgender advocacy group ahead of a planned protest this weekend.Guest:Kathie Moehlig, founder and executive director, TransFamily Support Services

On Jan. 22, 2024, floods devastated San Diego neighborhoods in the Chollas Creek watershed.Thousands of residents were forced out of their homes that day. Videos show cars completely submerged in water. Some escaped on kayaks, while others gathered on their rooftops.On Midday Edition, we talk about San Diego's ongoing effort to fix its stormwater system. And, where litigation stands between the city and flood survivors.We also check in with Jessica Calix, who continues fighting for her community two years after losing her Southcrest home.Plus, the story of a flower shop that flooded again this month for the second time in less than two years.Guests:Maura Fox, communities reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJessica Calix, survivor of the 2024 floodsMeg Blancato, co-owner, Native Poppy

The U.S. government released new dietary guidelines earlier this month. The guidance adds greater emphasis on proteins and healthy fats, and limits processed and ultra-processed foods.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we get reaction from health and food experts to the new guidelines, and what families should take away from them.Guests:Cheryl Anderson, dean, professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, UC San DiegoTraci Roberts, nutritionist, UC San Diego Health

One year ago, Donald Trump was sworn into office for the second time.Experts agree that his first term was largely unpredictable. But his second term has been marked by an even greater sense of volatility, unprecedented action and seismic shifts in both domestic and foreign policy.We break down the major policies that defined the first year of Trump's second term. And, what we should expect heading into the midterms.Then, we sit down with organizer of San Diego's "Free America" Walkout, joining a national demonstration protesting Trump's policies.Guests:Casey Dominguez, professor of political science and international relations, University of San DiegoLisa Doell, organizer, "Free America" Walkout San Diego

Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look back at the reverend's legacy and how his fight for racial and economic justice resounds today.But the holiday comes during a politically and socially turbulent time in the United States and amid recent efforts to undermine King's legacy — like the Trump administration's removal of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as free entry days to national parks.Monday on Midday Edition, we reflect on what we can learn from King's teachings and values in 2026, and how it continues to inspire community leaders in San Diego and beyond.Guests:Montague Williams, professor of church, culture, and society; director of the Pilgrimage Innovation Hub, Point Loma Nazarene University; author of “Church in Color: Youth Ministry, Race, and the Theology of Martin Luther King Jr.”Leonard Thompson III, president and CEO, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. RecordsMartin Luther King III, eldest son of Martin Luther King Jr., global human rights advocate

25 years ago, Point Loma’s Liberty Station began its transformation from military base to arts center.It was renamed Arts District Liberty Station — and soon became a cultural hub for the city.In fact, it was recently designated as a California Cultural District for its contribution to the arts.Thursday on Midday Edition, we talk about the place Liberty Station has in San Diego's arts and culture scene.Then, KPBS' Beth Accomando previews a documentary being screened at the 36th annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival.Then, the KPBS arts and culture podcast "The Finest" premieres its second season. We get a special sneak peek at what is to come — from risograph printing to hometown heroes.Guests:Lisa Johnson, president and CEO, Arts District Liberty StationRachel Laing, assistant deputy director in economic development, city of San DiegoAbby Ginzberg, filmmaker, "Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBSResources:Emerging Artist Residencies — Arts District Liberty Station

A local Indigenous-owned company is making waves in the beauty industry.N8iV Beauty is a skincare brand that draws from ancestral traditions, infusing that knowledge and plant-based ingredients — like acorn oil — into its products.Last year, the company won a 2025 “Best of Beauty” award from Allure, making them the first Indigenous-owned brand to receive that recognition.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from its founder about how N8iV Beauty is reclaiming space for Native representation in the beauty world.Guest:Ruth-Ann Thorn, tribal member of Rincon Indian Band of Luiseño Indians, founder and CEO of N8iV Beauty

Many parents worry about their kids talking to strangers on the internet. What if those strangers are not human, but bots?Concerns over kids’ exposure to artificial intelligence have led to growing efforts to regulate that exposure. We sit down with one San Diego lawmaker who authored a law to put guardrails on toys with AI chatbot capabilities. Guest:State Sen. Steve Padilla, California's 18th District

It’s been nearly two weeks since lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill, and a possible health care compromise is still on the table to bring federal health care subsidies back.Last week, the House passed a bipartisan proposal that could extend the subsidies.In the meantime, health care premiums are soaring for many Americans — including right here in California.This Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about how rising health care premiums are impacting Californians and what you need to know if you're looking for coverage.Guests:Jessica Altman, executive director, Covered CaliforniaResources:Covered California main websiteFederal Changes to Your Health Insurance — Covered California

Child care providers are bracing for impact amid the Trump administration's efforts to freeze roughly $10 billion in child care and family assistance funding — $5 billion of which are allocated to California.This comes amid allegations from conservative activists of fraud in the child care industry.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from two child care experts about the domino effect this could have on California's child care sector and what protections exist for both families and providers.Then, Somali child care providers are reporting incidents of harassment and surveillance by strangers — including right here in San Diego.Guests:Max Arias, chair person, Child Care Providers UnitedStacy Lee, chief learning officer and senior managing director of early childhood, Children NowKatie Hyson, racial Justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

Take a walk through Balboa Park, and you'll find dozens of historic cottages celebrating cultures around the world.The volunteer-driven "houses" are officially called the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. They promote education, community and cultural understanding.Now, the House of Somalia is joining them to become the first African country represented by the Balboa Park cottages. We talk about its significance and the Somali community in San Diego.Guest:Rahmo Abdi, president and co-founder, House of Somalia

In recent years, San Diego County jails have seen a sharp increase in overdose deaths. One recovery program in the Vista jail is trying to change that through medication-assisted treatment.More jails are embracing the approach amid the growing fentanyl crisis.We discuss the medication-assisted treatment program and what it could mean for drug rehabilitation in San Diego jails.Guest:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidelines for childhood vaccines last week. That advice, however, runs counter to recommendations from California and San Diego County public health officials. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local infectious disease expert on the CDC's changes, and why guidance remains unchanged for families in San Diego County.Guest:Dr. Pia Pannaraj, infectious disease specialist, Rady Children’s Hospital

Under a new state law, a statewide board has designated 31 California colleges as Black-Serving Institutions.Two San Diego community colleges made the list — San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the presidents of the two colleges to talk about what the designation means and how they're serving Black students in San Diego.Guests:Ashanti Hands, president of San Diego Mesa CollegeRicky Shabazz, president of San Diego City College

“Chaotic, dusty, loud—and perfect.”That’s how writer Mariano Velez describes life in Calexico in his short story collection, “Mostly Made-Up Stories from a Small Town Nobody,” based on his own upbringing in the region during the 1970s and 1980s.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from Velez about the inspiration behind the book.Then, KPBS' Beth Accomando sits down with comics curator Caitlin McGurk to talk about her Eisner Award-winning book detailing the legacy of cartoonist Barbara Shermund.And finally, in your weekend preview, KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans shares her top event picks and pays tribute to San Diego musician Tim Lowman, who passed away late last year.Guests:Mariano Velez, author, “Mostly Made-Up Stories from a Small Town Nobody” Caitlin McGurk, curator of comics and cartoon art at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, author, "Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

The city of San Diego is suing the federal government over their construction of wire fencing on city-owned land in Marron Valley, near the U.S.-Mexico border.The lawsuit accuses federal agencies of trespassing and causing environmental damage on protected land. "They are taking city property without telling us, without paying for it, without even communicating about it," said San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert. "They have to comply with the Constitution, even though they're the federal government. They're not exempt from that."On Midday Edition, we breakdown the lawsuit and the allegations.Guest: Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Five years ago, insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol.Four died during the attack, including Ashli Babbitt from San Diego. In the days and weeks that followed, five police officers died — some by suicide. Today House Democrats held a special hearing to observe what happened that day. They called for accountability and accused President Donald Trump and his supporters of attempting to "whitewash" history. "Even five years later, there are things that I can't shake," said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, who represents San Diego's 51st District. "Thinking through what I could use as a weapon if I needed to: pens, my high heels. Being sure that the elevator doors were going to open and someone with a machine gun was going to be right there."On Midday Edition, we discuss the legacy of Jan. 6 and the lack of repercussions for insurrectionists. Plus, San Diego connections to the violence. Guests:Will Carless, USA Today reporter covering extremism and emerging issuesCarl Luna, professor emeritus of political science, San Diego Mesa College

For people who live and work near the Tijuana River, raw sewage-turned-airborne pollution is a facet of daily life.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new reporting series from inewsource diving into the impact of the sewage crisis on more than 100 community members.Plus, what could Medi-Cal cuts mean for the San Diego healthcare system? We dig into the possible impacts.Guests:Philip Salata, energy and environment reporter, inewsourcePaul Sisson, healthcare reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

With the new year comes new resolutions, from self-care and beauty to exercise — all of which feed into this broader idea of wellness. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local yoga instructor and the founder of the Block Club to talk about their respective approaches to achieving wellness and how they are starting those conversations in the community.Guests: Sally Morgan, yoga instructor, founder of Seeking Satya La Raza Webb, co-founder and chief operating officer, The Block Club

Democratic Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., joined Midday Edition on Monday to discuss why he objects to recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, and what role he sees for Congress going forward.Guest:Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., 50th District

On the last day of 2025, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations from the show this year.In this second episode of Midday Wrapped, KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon is joined by KPBS Roundtable host and Midday Edition producer Andrew Bracken to talk about a few of their favorite segments from the year.Guests:Andrew Bracken, Midday Edition producer and Roundtable host/producer

As 2025 comes to a close, the Midday Edition team is reflecting on some of our favorite conversations from the year — and we're splitting it into two parts.In this first episode of Midday Wrapped, producers Julianna Domingo and Ashley Rusch take listeners behind the scenes and share some of their favorite segments from 2025.Guests:Julianna Domingo, Midday Edition producer, KPBSAshley Rusch, Midday Edition producer, KPBS

For the past five years, crews have been dismantling the San Onofre Nuclear Plant — which was shut down in 2013.The plant is easily recognizable by its iconic twin domes along Interstate 5. But now, the domes' days are numbered, as crews prep to remove them.We discuss the decommissioning effort and what this all means for the San Diego County landmark.Guest:Alexander Nguyen, multimedia producer, KPBS

Slop. Rage bait. Gerrymandering. Aura farming.Those are just some of the top words of 2025, according to Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary.Every December, these dictionaries release lists of the top words that defined the year. In 2025, terms related to technology and artificial intelligence took center stage.On Midday Edition, we talk with word expert Martha Barnette about the most popular phrases of 2025. And, the importance of touching grass.Guest:Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way With Words" and author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland"

The Kumeyaay creation story is the subject of a new piece of sculpture art on San Diego State University's Imperial Valley campus.The piece is part of the university's "Living Land Acknowledgement" series, which brings the words of the Kumeyaay land acknowledgement to life through art.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from the artist behind the piece.Then, roll out the red carpet! Filmmakers and studios are campaigning for the chance to be recognized at awards ceremonies this year. Our Midday Movies critics share their favorites for your consideration.And finally, the holiday season is chockful of things to do and events to check out, especially in the arts. We share our top picks then celebrate the best of 2025, according to KPBS staff.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, critic, Moviewalla podcastJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest," KPBSResources:What made our year: KPBS 2025 staff picks

The holiday season is in full swing, and it's a time when everyone is expected to be jolly and celebrate.But some people may not feel that way. Maybe you are stressed, depressed or just thin on patience.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local therapist about navigating all the stress that can come with the season.Guest:Jacob Sadan, associate marriage and family therapist, Sharp Mesa Vista

Last spring, California voters narrowly passed Proposition 1 to reform behavioral health care across the state.It calls for a $6.4 billion bond to fund behavioral health beds and housing, and hands more money to the state to focus on treating serious mental illnesses and addiction.Now, county officials say they've been forced to cancel 21 contracts with agencies that provide preventative services.We talk about what this means for behavioral health services and community members in San Diego County.Guest:Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego

Last week, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a $3.5 million increase to the sheriff's budget to phase out triple bed bunks.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the latest reporting on conditions in San Diego County jails and in-custody deaths across the region.Then, a new book explores the role coroners, death investigators and state institutions have played in covering up the circumstances around deaths in custody.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneTerence Keel, author of "The Coroner's Silence: Death Records and the Hidden Victims of Police Violence," professor of Human Biology & Society, and African American Studies, UCLA