Midday Edition

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Maura Fox, communities reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Jessica Calix, survivor of the 2024 floods
• Meg 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 Diego
• Traci 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.

• Casey Dominguez, professor of political science and international relations, University of San Diego
• Lisa 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. Records
• Martin Luther King III, eldest son of Martin Luther King Jr., global human rights advocate

This week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria delivered his annual State of the City speech. We talk about where the city is and where it's headed.

Plus, a former San Diego sailor is sentenced for selling Navy secrets to China.

And, we check in on the state of San Diego sports ahead of San Diego FC's upcoming season.

• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Mariana Martínez Barba, City Hall reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune