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

The media landscape in San Diego is changing.As broadcast giants Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group purchase American media outlets, conservative ownership is taking over local television in San Diego.Sinclair Broadcast Group is now bidding to buy E.W. Scripps, which owns 10News — San Diego's ABC affiliate.On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications of local news consolidation and how it impacts information access.Guest:Dean Nelson, professor of multimedia journalism, Point Loma Nazarene University

Since Donald Trump's reelection, hundreds of scholars have warned that the United States is sliding from a democracy toward some form of authoritarianism. Experts point to the erosion of democratic values, from civil liberties to free and fair elections.This is not the first time the United States has confronted authoritarianism on its own soil. Scholars argue that it is rooted in the racist policies of the Jim Crow era in the 19th and 20th centuries.On Midday Edition, we discuss the significance of that history and lessons for the present political moment. Plus, a San Diego trailblazer offers a personal perspective on the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination.Guests:T.J. Tallie, professor of history, University of San DiegoDee Sanford, board member for the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast

At least 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia when two gunmen opened fire Sunday.In the wake of the attack, San Diego law enforcement are ramping up security measures at Hanukkah events and places of worship.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local rabbi on how the recent attack in Australia is impacting him and his congregation.Guest:Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, director, Chabad at La Costa and Coastal Chabads

Documentaries expose us to slices of history that may be overlooked by traditional media.Jordan Peele's new "High Horse: The Black Cowboy" docuseries explores the real history of Black cowboys in the American West.We talk about the significance of the series and defining influence of Black cowboys and cowgirls — from the rodeo to fashion and music. We also hear from one of the "Compton Cowboys" on keeping that legacy alive in Southern California.Then, we take a visit to Warwick's Bookstore in La Jolla, which has won Publishers Weekly's Bookstore of the Year award for playing an active role in the community through vibrant literary events.Plus, a preview of arts and culture events happening this weekend.Guests:Olutoyosi Aboderin, professor of History and Africana Studies, University of San DiegoRandy Savvy, founder and CEO of Compton CowboysNancy Warwick, owner, Warwick's BookstoreJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Every student has unique learning needs, and meeting those needs is key to success. That's especially true for students who receive special education services.In the San Diego Unified School District, 1 in 5 students use those services — one of the highest rates in California.This week, district leaders announced plans to address "systemic issues" in the district's special education program. That includes advocating for more funding from the state and federal government.We discuss the details with the superintendent of the district.Guest:Fabi Bagula, superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District

It's the holiday season, which is primetime for scam artists — especially those who target the elderly.San Diego County's Elder Justice Task Force found that over a one-year period, seniors in the county were scammed out of more than $130 million.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan talk about her office's efforts to curb these scams and what seniors and their loved ones need to know.Guest:Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney