Federal officials said Americans are projected to receive larger tax refunds this season.

That's after several changes to the tax code under what the White House calls the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

How much you get back will depend on many factors, though. We break down what to expect and how to navigate your taxes this season.

Guest:

• Mary Beth Storjohann, financial planner and CEO, Allora Wealth

There's a lot to worry about when you're in sixth grade. But what happens when you're asked to represent an entire religion and culture?

That's the main struggle for Mariam, the protagonist of the new middle grade book, "Hail Mariam." When she's transferred to a local Catholic school, she worries that being the only Muslim American girl will put her at odds with her peers.

Thursday on KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the author of "Hail Mariam" to talk about how she drew on her own experiences for this story, navigating religious differences as a young person and the beauty in finding common ground.

Then, the Oceanside International Film Festival launches its 15th year with a day of surf films at the Brooks Theater. KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando previews the festival — and the challenges it faces this year.

And finally, curious about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered. We talk about the arts and culture events to check out and preview the latest episode of "The Finest."

Guests:

• Huda Al-Marashi, author, "Hail Mariam"
• Lou Niles, executive director, Oceanside International Film Festival
• Carly Starr Brullo Niles, artistic director and co-director of programming, Oceanside International Film Festival
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Links:

• Feb. 24 - "Hail Mariam" book launch event

What does it take to live a happier, healthier and longer life?

The city of San Marcos is exploring that question through its recent partnership with the Blue Zones project. The term "Blue Zone" refers to a community where residents live longer.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a San Marcos-based physician about what the initiative entails, what it means to be a "Blue Zone" community and what this approach could mean for wellness and care.

Guest:

• Dr. Jorge Otañez, associate chief medical officer, TrueCare San Marcos

Links:

• March 17 - Blue Zones Ignite San Marcos Community Keynote Event

February is Black History Month.

This year, there's even more reason to celebrate — as we recognize 100 years of commemoration.

Black History Month began in 1926 when Black historian Carter G. Woodson created a week to celebrate the vast achievements of Black men and women.

That week eventually grew into the monthlong celebration we know today.

On Midday Edition, we discuss the evolution and perseverance of Black History Month over 10 decades. And, the importance of celebrating Black history in 2026.

Guest:

• Olutoyosi "Toyo" Aboderin, professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of San Diego

Across the globe, more than one billion people are celebrating Lunar New Year — ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse with good food and good company.

We discuss local celebrations including the upcoming San Diego Tết Festival, featuring traditional performances and cultural activities.

Also, we sit down with two restaurateurs to learn about the culinary traditions of Lunar New Year from a Vietnamese and Chinese perspective.

Guests:

• Tri Luu, board director and chair of partnerships, Vietnamese American Youth Alliance
• Van Nguyen, 2025 Miss Vietnam San Diego pageant queen
• Kim Phan, owner of Kingfisher, Crab Hut and Phở Gà Go restaurants
• Allen Chan, owner of Jasmine Seafood Restaurant

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Over his decades long career in activism and politics, Jackson advocated for disenfranchised communities across a range of issues, building an inclusive "rainbow coalition" in the process.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we take a look back at Jackson's memorable visit to the San Diego-Tijuana border in the summer of 1984, and how issues he highlighted decades ago remain relevant in 2026.

Guest:

• Seth Mallios, professor of anthropology, Kit and Karen Sickels Endowed Chair in University Heritage and Community Engagement, San Diego State University

President Donald Trump last week announced the repeal of a major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on greenhouse gasses — the 2009 "Endangerment Finding."

For the past 16 years, the scientific conclusions that: greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten public health and greenhouse gases from motor vehicles contribute to pollution threatening public health, have guided EPA emission standards under the Clean Air Act. Now, scientists and environmental groups warn that removing the finding could have grave implications for public health.

One of the scientific foundations of that policy is rooted in San Diego research dating back to 1958. We outline the connection and why local scientists are concerned.

Guest:

• Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Throughout Black History Month, we are profiling Black trailblazers with San Diego ties who have made an impact in their respective fields.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a community leader who is fighting for racial and economic justice through her work at the San Diego nonprofit, Center on Policy Initiatives.

Then, photographer Atiba Jefferson has captured some of the biggest cultural icons and moments in skateboarding, sports and music.

On Feb. 18, he will speak at San Diego State University for a retrospective on his career. We hear from both Jefferson and SDSU professor Neftalie Williams about

Jefferson's legacy in skateboarding, and how his work has permeated into other parts of culture.

Guests:

• Kyra Greene, executive director, Center on Policy Initiatives
• Atiba Jefferson, skateboard photographer
• Neftalie Williams, professor, director, SDSU Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change