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.

Guests:

• 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

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 Station
• Rachel Laing, assistant deputy director in economic development, city of San Diego
• Abby Ginzberg, filmmaker, "Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold"
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Resources:

• 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 California

Resources:

• Covered California main website
• Federal 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 United
• Stacy Lee, chief learning officer and senior managing director of early childhood, Children Now
• Katie 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