Midday Edition

The Supreme Court this week sided with President Donald Trump's executive order to restrict mail-in voting — at least for now.

The high court's ruling wasn't about the legality of President Trump's order; rather, the legal path that states took to try and block it.

A new lawsuit filed Wednesday by Democratic states challenges a new U.S. Postal Service rule, which limits who may receive mail ballots.

However, it remains unclear what changes will go into effect before the fast approaching midterm election.

We sit down with a law expert to break down the electoral confusion and chaos.

Guests:

• Bertrall Ross, professor of law, UC Berkeley

Concerns over food safety are growing this summer after a massive cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce.

There have been recent reports of other food safety scares, including salmonella in eggs and jalapeños, E. coli in frozen blueberries and more.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the outbreaks and what it reveals about our current food system.

Then, new research from UC San Diego and the University of Freiberg in Germany shows that one month on a vegan diet can alter how your body interprets DNA markers associated with aging and inflammation. We dive into the study.

Guests:

• Aaron Gross, director, Center for Food Systems Transformation at University of San Diego
• Jerome Mertens, associate professor of neurosciences, UC San Diego

What is your relationship to the ocean?

Here in San Diego, we are lucky to be in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. But you don't have to live close to the water to be impacted by it.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with one of the speakers at this year's TEDxSanDiego, to discuss our connection to the ocean and what we can do to protect it.

Guest:

Christina Connett Brophy, president and CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego

In many Latinx households, "la chancla" or "the flip flop" is an iconic cultural symbol of parental punishment. For many adults who grew up with that style of discipline, it's something to laugh about.

In a new book, "Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting," author Leslie Priscilla asks if we should take chancla culture more seriously and offers a personal and historical look at parenting behaviors.

Priscilla will also be a featured author at the 2026 KPBS Book Festival.

Then, have you ever heard of the phrase, "yes, and?" It is a core tenet of improvisation, also known as improv. KPBS' Beth Accomando previews a new convention in town that is entirely devoted to improv.

Plus, thinking about what to do this weekend? Hear about all the arts and culture events on our radar, from a celebration of Filipino culture to a free punk music festival.

Guests:

• Leslie Priscilla, founder of Latinx Parenting; author of Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture Through Nonviolent Parenting
• Chris Colthurst, founder and executive producer, ImprovCon
• Jackie Bookstein, improviser
• Brandon Hensgens, improviser
• Julianna Domingo, producer, KPBS

The KPBS San Diego Book Festival is returning Saturday to the University of San Diego, featuring more than 145 authors.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two authors who will be in attendance. We get tips for mindful motherhood, and learn about the power of humor to cope with everyday life.

The KPBS Book Festival is open to the public and general admission is free.

Guests:

• Cassidy Freitas, licensed marriage and family therapist, author of "Mom Needs a Moment: How to Stop Your Reaction Before It Starts...and Become a Calmer, Happier, More Connected Parent"
• Chris Duffy, comedian and podcast host of "How To Be a Better Human," author of "Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected and Happy"

San Diego is known for its consistent weather. But that may change this winter, as the El Niño intensifies.

Forecasters are dubbing it the "Super El Niño." We check in with our resident weather expert about what this could mean for temperatures, rainfall and conditions in San Diego County.

Then, is the city prepared for the potential impacts of a Super El Niño? We hear about a new effort that officials are setting in motion.

Guests:

• Alex Tardy, founder of Weather Echo, former meteorologist at the National Weather Service
• David Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Links:

Bracing for a ‘super El Niño,’ San Diego plans aggressive storm channel clearing, public awareness campaign — San Diego Union-Tribune

California has long been known as a place where people come to remake their lives and look to achieve big dreams. But the postcard image of California doesn't tell its full history.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with award-winning journalist and author Michael Hiltzik about the more complex history he writes about in his book "Golden State: The Making of California."

Hiltzik will be at this year's KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the University of San Diego.

Guest:

• Michael Hiltzik, journalist and author, "Golden State: The Making of California"

Link:

KPBS San Diego Book Festival

In recent weeks, at least seven U.S. states have been hit with cyberattacks that appear to be targeting critical infrastructure — like water and wastewater utilities.

The FBI is investigating the attacks and has not publicly identified a culprit. However, many experts say Iranian-backed hackers are responsible.

We sit down with a cybersecurity expert about what makes water systems vulnerable to attacks and what message hackers are trying to send.

Guest:

• Nikolas Behar, cybersecurity leader and educator

Over two decades ago, California voters passed a law that opened the way for the criminalization of people with connections to gangs.

The documentary “California Story” unravels the impact of those laws and gang documentation — the practice of tracking suspected gang members by law enforcement — on communities across the state, including Southeast San Diego.

We hear from two people involved with the film about how their personal experience shaped its making, the community members at the core of this story and what they see as potential solutions.

Guests:

• Khalid Alexander, executive producer of "California Story," founder and president of Pillars of the Community
• Laila Aziz, director of operations of Pillars of the Community