As we embark on a new year, we are talking with two re-elected officials to hear about their priorities for their next terms.

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat, represents California’s 49th District. That includes parts of San Diego’s North County and South Orange County. He’ll join us to talk about how he plans to achieve his policy goals with both houses and the presidency being controlled by Republicans.

Plus we’ll hear from San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson- Remer on her priorities for the next term, which include homelessness, housing and behavioral health.

Guests:

• Mike Levin, U.S. Representative, 49th District
• Terra Lawson- Remer, San Diego County Supervisor

What are your New Year's resolutions? For many, exercising regularly and improving physical health often top the priority list. One great way to do just that is by venturing into the great outdoors and taking advantage of what San Diego has to offer.

On Midday Edition Thursday, we talk about how you can get started on your outdoor resolutions and maintain them.

Plus, last September, four local high school students traveled to a remote village in rural Alaska and produced a film about the experience. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sat down with the students to talk about the trip, Carlsbad High's film program, and their biggest takeaways.

And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares all the top arts and culture events to check out in January, from classical music to new art exhibits.

• Sydney Williams, author of “Hiking Your Feelings,” co-founder of Hiking My Feelings
• Shelby Stanger, host of REI podcast “Wild Ideas Worth Living," author of “Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life"
• Doug Green, former Carlsbad High School broadcast journalism teacher
• Maddie Mulligan, student, Carlsbad High
• Tava Valenti, student, Carlsbad High
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

On the last day of 2024, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations from the show this year.

KPBS Midday Edition producers Andrew Bracken, Ashley Rusch and Julianna Domingo sit down to discuss some of their favorite segments and shows from the year.

Guests:

• Andrew Bracken, Midday Edition producer and Roundtable host/producer
• Julianna Domingo, Midday Edition producer
• Ashley Rusch, Midday Edition producer

Our favorite episodes of 2024:

• Andrew - Building connection through fatherhood
• Julianna - Celebrating Pride Week with San Diego drag queens
• Ashley - The love/hate relationship with dating in San Diego
• Jade - Christian nationalism and the movement of 'ex-vangelicals'

Honorable Mentions:

• Jade's picks:
• Celebrating Black Music Month with NPR Music's Tiny Desk
• Ashley's picks:
• Ghost hunting in San Diego
• The value of 'third places'
• Andrew's picks:
• San Diego declares June 21 'Slow Jams Day'
• Finding yourself and others in older adulthood
• Julianna's picks:
• How Filipino farmworkers revolutionized the labor movement
• San Diego athletes gear up for the Paralympics

On Midday Edition Thursday, we look at various art exhibits you can pop into this weekend, no paid ticket necessary.

Then, we invite you to our Christmas Smackdown edition of Midday Movies, starting with an annual holiday debate: Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?

Then, we look beyond "Die Hard" to pick the warmest and fuzziest, as well as most action-packed Christmas movies.

• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas