The American-Israeli war on Iran has entered its second week.

More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Many fear this could be another "forever war," like the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. We speak to a local professor who recently published an op-ed exploring that question.

He also outlines San Diego's connections to the war.

Plus, reports emerged last week alleging that military commanders are framing this war as part of "God's plan" and invoking Christian "end times" rhetoric.

We discuss the relationship between Christian nationalist theology and U.S. politics, and what that looks like today.

Guests:

• Ibrahim Al-Marashi, associate professor of Middle East History, Cal State San Marcos; visiting lecturer in journalism and media studies, San Diego State University
• Rebecca Bartel, associate professor of religion, San Diego State University

Longtime Rep. Darrell Issa announced Friday he will not seek reelection in 2026 after serving in Congress for more than two decades. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond also announced last week that he will run for Issa’s seat in the 48th Congressional District, reshaping a race with national implications.

Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis joins Midday Edition Monday to talk about the role new congressional maps played in Issa's decision, and to reflect on his political legacy as a Republican leader in Southern California.

Guest:

Scott Lewis, CEO, editor-in-chief, Voice of San Diego

Each year, the San Diego Public Library honors former children's librarian Clara Breed's legacy through its annual Clara Breed Civil Liberties lecture.

Breed is known for advocating for Japanese American youth who were incarcerated during World War II.

Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall will be delivering this year's address. She joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration through the lens of her family's experience and the state of book bans and censorship today.

Then, a new play looks back to the night the United States launched the Vietnam War draft lottery. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando brings us a preview.

And finally, looking for things to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top arts and culture picks for the weekend — plus, a preview of the latest episode of "The Finest."

As fighting in Iran and beyond continues into its fifth day, many military families in San Diego are grappling with new stress and uncertainty. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the impacts on local military families.

Then, the Department of Veterans Affairs released new data last month on veteran suicides. Though the report did see a minor decline in deaths by suicide between 2022 and 2023, the numbers remain high.

Over 17 veteran suicide deaths were reported on average each day in 2023.

We take a look into how one local military clinic approaches providing mental health care for veterans, military members and their families.

Guests:

• Maggie Meza, executive director, the San Diego Chapter of Blue Star Families
• Shuna Ball, regional clinic director, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at VVSD

Resources:

• Blue Star Families Food Insecurity Resources
• Blue Star Families Deployment Resources
• Veterans Crisis Line
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

San Diego's population continues to grow older. That demographic shift brings concerns over how to best help seniors thrive in their later years. Exercise remains an essential element to maintaining health as we age.

In his book "Move for Life," San Diego personal trainer Damien A. Joyner shares advice for older adults on ways to stay active and strong, and have fun while exercising.

Guest:

Damien A. Joyner, fitness expert, author, "Move for Life"

For many in San Diego's Muslim community, Ramadan is a time to pray, fast and reflect on one's faith.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan and how it is being honored locally.

Guest:

• Imam Taha Hassane, imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Monday has put a California state law on gender privacy in schools on hold.

The SAFETY Act, passed into law in 2024, prohibits schools from sharing information on student gender identity without student approval.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about what the ruling means for California schools, students and parents.

Guest:

Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBS

Israel and Iran continued to trade airstrikes Tuesday, four days into a war that U.S. President Donald Trump would last several weeks but perhaps longer.

Iranians in San Diego are grappling with mixed emotions as they celebrate the death of Ayotallah Ali Khamenei while processing what may come next.

On Midday Edition, we sit down with one Iranian organizer who helps us put this week's events in historical context.

We also talk about his hopes for Iran moving forward.

Guest:

• Shahram Homayounfar, organizer with the Coalition for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran