KPBS Midday Edition

Contentions over COVID-19 mandates have school boards dealing with increased hostility to the point where Attorney General Merrick Garland ordered the FBI to look into these incidents. Plus, child and teen obesity is believed to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, what should be done to address it? Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law intended to address racial disparities in maternal...

Much of San Diego experienced hours of thunder, lightning and pouring rain, less than 24 hours after a mild Santa Ana. Another rainstorm may be on its way at the end of the week. Plus, the oil spill in Orange County could have an environmental impact for years. Also, San Diego Nobel Prize-winner Ardem Patapoutian talks about the journey that brought him to the U.S. and a career in science. In addi...

Scripps Research scientist Ardem Patapoutian and his partner David Julius at UCSF won the award for their work in discovering how skin receptors allow people to sense temperature and touch. Plus, San Diego State receives a $15 million grant to research Latinx health disparities across San Diego and Imperial counties. Also, the military often falls short in recognizing how the “wounds of war” can l...

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the nation's first coronavirus vaccine mandate for schoolchildren once they received final approval from the FDA for various grade levels. Plus, legal scholars are calling for the disbarment of a law professor who worked to keep Donald Trump in office after his election loss. And a preview of the arts happenings this weekend.

Health care workers have until today to be vaccinated, but many are not. Plus, an independent investigation into the incident at Valhalla High School where a staff member placed his knee on the neck of a Black student has concluded. The school district is moving forward with the recommendations. Also, “The Wrap” device that the Medical Examiner’s Office said contributed to Earl McNeil’s death cont...

The San Diego Unified school board voted to require COVID-19 vaccinations for school district staff and students 16 and older beginning on Dec. 20. Plus, we speak to Dr. Eric Topol about variants, testing and vaccines. Then, we bring you an interview with San Diego's independent budget analyst, Andrea Tevlin, who announced her retirement this month after working at the city for 16 years. Her offic...

While many Americans are eager to bolster their immunity against COVID-19, questions remain about who’s exactly eligible to receive the booster shot. Meanwhile, time and money is running out for San Diego’s rental assistance program. Plus, while San Diego was spared from the recent wildfires, smoke from western wildfires is causing air pollution problems and health issues far away from fire zones....

Parents of children enrolled in the San Marcos Unified School District were given cause for alarm after being informed that some students had been “attending school with known COVID-19 positive test results.” Meanwhile, COVID-19 outbreaks at schools are having big impacts on families, especially those in rural communities. Plus, both the city and county of San Diego want to right the wrongs from t...

After a year of virtual classes, UC San Diego came roaring back this week in-person, welcoming what could be the largest number of fall semester students in its history. Plus, The biggest professional tennis tournament in San Diego history is being served up next week. And, this weekend in the arts: a 21st birthday party (and exhibition) for Art Produce, Bodhi Tree Concerts, art meets science at L...

The FDA and a CDC panel approved a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and high-risk groups. Plus, care workers who visit people’s homes are not required by the state to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Then, a private prison in Downtown San Diego remains open despite an executive order by President Joe Biden. Also, the San Diego City Council cleared the way for another attempt to revitali...

The San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved increasing water rates and a new set of sewer rates that will increase the fees for single-family homes, but decrease it for multi-family units. Plus, the latest wave of Haitian migrants heading to the United States is centered on a little town in Texas called Del Rio, but its effects could be felt in Tijuana where there’s a sizable Haitian population...

Come November travel restrictions on foreign travellers will be lifted for those who are vaccinated, what will that mean for San Diego tourism? Plus, a recent analysis shows disparities in COVID testing across San Diego Unified schools. Also, summer ends today, but the weather is still warm and many kids don't have places to swim because the city of San Diego has drastically cut back on weekend po...

Pfizer on Monday said its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children ages 5 to 11 and plans to seek authorization for the age group soon. Plus, tensions appear to be rising between city leaders and the San Diego Housing Commision, as a recent conflict-of-interest case has come to light. Also, one man thought he was doing the right thing to become a permanent resident of the United States, but because o...

A federal judge has ruled the government must stop using a public health order to refuse entry to immigrant families at the border. Plus, critical race theory is now front and center in the ongoing culture war over what our children are learning in K-12 schools. And, this weekend in the arts: the Broadway musical that inspired “The Birdcage,” “The Rebellious Miss Breed” reopens the downtown librar...

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Sawyer joins us for an update on COVID in San Diego County. Plus, the board of supervisors approved beginning the process to allow people to legally sell food from their home kitchens here in San Diego County. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 10 to decide whether to sign a bill that softens production quotas for warehouse workers. And, a new gene...

Gov. Gavin Newsom racked up a major win in the recall, with more than 60% of voters supporting the Governor. The question remains: what will Newsom do with this show of support and what happens to his recall challengers? Plus, as the nation grapples with a rise in hateful rhetoric and activity within its own borders, law enforcement and intelligence agencies are beginning to acknowledge domestic t...

Today is Election Day in San Diego County and the last chance for voters to choose whether they want Gov. Gavin Newsom recalled from office. Plus, an employment expert weighs in on what protections are in place for workers experiencing mental illness and what workplaces can do to help those experiencing mental health challenges. Also, the redistricting process is happening right now and some UC Sa...

Despite a federal and state mandate that health care workers get vaccinated against COVID-19, an estimated 3% of San Diego hospital staff still aren’t persuaded to get vaccinated and are requesting exemptions. Plus, whether Gov. Gavin Newsom wins or loses on Tuesday, the recall election's outcome is likely to have big impacts on public health policies and the balance of power in Sacramento and Was...

President Joe Biden announced a new COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate yesterday, for private businesses with 100 or more employees. We talk to legal analyst Dan Eaton about the legal ramifications. Then, KPBS’s Amita Sharma explores the collective trauma of 9/11 and how it might inform this moment in our history. And, San Diego Design Week continues with a region-wide celebration of all things...

While cases of the mu variant continue to be documented across California, health officials say that the delta variant is still the primary cause for concern as the pandemic continues. Plus, the threat of wildfire is increasingly leading insurers to drop the policies of San Diego homeowners, a trend most prominent in the county’s rural areas but also affecting some city neighborhoods. Then, on Sat...

Scripps Health recorded its highest daily COVID-19 death count over the weekend, while new cases seem to be slowing. Are we nearing the end of the delta wave? Plus, San Diego’s eviction ban ended in mid-August and despite the statewide moratorium still in place, some San Diegans are still getting pushed out as investors look to capitalize on the area’s rising rents. Also, Chula Vista officials say...

With one week left for voters to weigh in on whether or not Gov. Gavin Newsom will complete his term, we talk to UCSD Political Science Professor Thad Kousser about the current outlook. Plus, in Imperial Valley, the mostly Latino electorate swung for Donald Trump in the last election, what does that mean for Newsom’s recall election? Plus, land-use planners from Southern California and Tijuana are...

Debate over what is called "critical race theory" continues to be a charged topic at school board meetings across the country. There are even bans that limit what can be taught in some classrooms across the country about the history of racism in America. The term has been hijacked, rebranded and weaponized as a political boogeyman. So today we will cut through myths with facts about what critical...

#AfghanEvac, a private group of veterans who served in Afghanistan, continues to help get former interpreters and allies out of the country, despite the U.S. withdrawal. We speak to the founder of the group, San Diegan Shawn VanDiver. Plus, the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park reopens to the public this weekend after a significant remodel. And, Nicolas Valdez's play "Conjunto Blues" will...

As the more transmissible delta variant continues to spread, San Diego County’s death toll from COVID nearly doubled in one week. We bring you an update on the impact the virus is having in San Diego County. Plus, one of the most contentious housing measures to come out of the California legislature is now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk — Senate Bill 9, which allows up to four units to be buil...