KPBS Midday Edition

Organized labor and community member support shifted to District 9 candidate Sean-Elo Rivera after opponent Kelvin Barrios suspended his campaign last month. Plus, in an ongoing series, KPBS is examining data tracked by the county to monitor coronavirus in the region, including community outbreaks. And our picks for arts and culture events this weekend include the San Diego International Film Fest...

SANDAG has tallied up the total economic losses during the pandemic — and it’s not looking good. Plus, in an interview last week with Defend East County, Ammar Campa-Najjar, the Democrat running for Congress in the 50th District, said he’s not sure if he’ll vote for Biden or Trump. Also, COVID-19 can be found and tracked in sewage, but is there a risk to public health? Next, the new episode of “Po...

The goal of the forum was to help voters understand who the candidates for San Diego mayor are, what they stand for and who best represents their interests and the interests of all San Diegans.

Both Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence dodged questions in last night's debate but drew sharp contrasts in the two parties’ agendas. Plus, the coronavirus pandemic derails California’s plan to deal with its homeless epidemic. Also, a KPBS investigation found Avocado Post Acute nursing homes provided far fewer hours of care from registered nurses than required while raking in mill...

A recent poll by The San Diego Union-Tribune/10News SurveyUSA shows the race for San Diego mayor between Barbara Bry and Todd Gloria is neck and neck but it gives a hint of where voters are leaning on city ballot measures. Plus, Wednesday is Clean Air Day and the recent wildfires and the USS Bonhomme Richard fire gave heightened awareness on the effects of climate change on the air we breathe. Als...

In addition to the state’s color-coded reopening tier, a new metric goes into effect Tuesday to require counties to reduce infection rates in communities harder hit by COVID-19. Plus, a look at the 53rd Congressional District race between Sara Jacobs and San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez, both Democrats vying to replace outgoing Rep. Susan Davis. Also, Californians are asked to reex...

Among the most consequential races in San Diego this election season is the race for San Diego mayor. Assemblymember Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Barbara Bry are both Democrats but their priorities are different. Plus, the November election is just around the corner, but polling sites will be different this year than in the past. We explain the ins and outs of voting. Also, California’s disa...

The 2020 Presidential Election may be unlike any other, but San Diego County Registrar of Voters Michael Vu and his staff seem to have prepared for all contingencies, from balloting to tabulating. Plus, KPBS is examining how data that shows the spread of coronavirus in San Diego County is collected from beginning to end. And infuse your weekend with some voting-themed art in San Diego this weekend...

Gov. Newsom signed a law setting a nine-member task force to come up with a plan for how the state could give reparations to Black Americans. Plus, the county is working on a Climate Action Plan that can satisfy the state and couts. Also, a 102-year-old San Diego law banning seditious language is no more. It has been disproportionately used in recent years to punish Black San Diegans. And, we brea...

The San Diego Police Chief promises a full investigation of an officer's social media post about a fatal police shooting. Plus, President Trump ran roughshod over debate moderator Chris Wallace and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden — and crossed many lines in the process. And our partners at inewsource have created a guide on the major changes happening this upcoming election. Also, California kid...

The first presidential debate is high stakes. Here are six questions ahead of the debate, to be moderated by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace beginning at 6 p.m. Plus, SUVs have been the largest cause of the increase in worldwide carbon emissions over the last decade. And COVID-19 continues to spread through our region, and contact tracers are only contacting on average 2.2 people for each perso...

Santa Ana winds are again bringing increased fire threat in an already tough fire season. Plus, some good news amid the bleak climate change forecast — restoring the climate could cost less than fighting COVID-19. Also, the silver lining for many bicyclists during the pandemic is that there are fewer accidents, but advocates want a new public policy to ensure the trend continues post coronavirus....

San Diego activists argue the database, known as CalGang, includes many people who are not actually gang members and unfairly targets people of color who live in lower-income communities. Plus, ROTC training has been mostly online but some cadets have resumed limited in-person training. And, our arts and culture picks for the weekend.

Shortly after a grand jury declined to indict any of the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s killing, people took to the streets in San Diego to demand justice for her. Plus, California will ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a move that Gov. Gavin Newsom says will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35%. Also, misinformations are swirling around social media on how the wildfires on the W...

It was a welcomed surprise for many businesses in San Diego, the county remains in the red tier Tuesday under the state’s color-coded four-tier reopening plan. It was in danger of slipping into the state’s most restrictive tier. Plus, a local scientist says despite the CDC’s retracted guidance, there is evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air. Also, the coronavirus has slowed the...

For many parents of young children, the pandemic has made childcare the most challenging issue of their lives. For some who have kept their kids home, caregiving has affected their ability to work. For others who don’t have the option to work at home the health risk posed by sending their child to day care has to be weighed against loss of income. And, the childcare centers and the people who oper...

The devastating wildfires around the state are causing environmental groups to lobby for California to move up its timetable for carbon-free energy. Plus, San Diego Zoo officials are changing the way they think about what’s involved when they step in to help endangered species. And this weekend’s arts events around town have a mix of in-person and virtual experiences.

San Diego State’s coronavirus cases will continue to be counted in the county’s total, the state said, because students can contribute to the spread of the disease. Plus, getting the facts right about California’s Senate Bill 145, signed into law by Governor Newsom, which will give judges expanded discretion to determine whether someone must register as a sex offender. Also, the Navy is looking in...

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our public education system. All students and their families are experiencing learning challenges but, the public health emergency is shedding light on a pre-existing crisis in educational equity for vulnerable student groups.

On a trip to California to survey the devastation of the recent wildfires, President Donald Trump ignored the scientific consensus that climate change is playing a central role in West Coast infernos. Plus, California State Senate President Toni Atkins reflects on this year’s legislative session and what lawmakers accomplished and left on the table. Also, a KPBS analysis of the data released by th...

Historically, hate groups have targeted the armed forces, wanting access to the skills and the prestige associated with military service. That threat has been growing in the last couple of years.

The terrible toll of California's wildfires became more evident as 10 were reported dead and others missing. Plus, while much else in San Diego has been allowed to gradually reopen amid the pandemic, playgrounds appear to be closed indefinitely. And our weekend arts and culture picks include the San Diego Blues Fest and North Coast Rep's new production of “Necessary Sacrifices.”

Freak natural disasters — most with what scientists say likely have a climate change link — seem to be everywhere in 2020. But experts say natural disasters could get worse in the future. Plus, an audit of SANDAG alleges problems with hiring, promotions and upper management’s compensation. And a new report by SDSU’s Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies estimates 260,000 COVID-19 cases ar...

In total, the fire has destroyed 20 homes and 17 other structures and resulted in two minor injuries to firefighters CalFire said. Plus, State data released Tuesday shows San Diego County is regressing in its fight against COVID-19. The county is perilously close to slipping into the "widespread" tier like much of the rest of the state. And with the threat of blackouts back in the news, some peopl...

The Valley Fire has burned thousands of acres and destroyed about a dozen homes as new evacuations have been ordered in eastern San Diego County. Also, San Diego State University is reporting hundreds of COVID-19 infections since August 24 and UC students and faculty are protesting the university’s plan to reopen its campus, local scientists are calling out the FDA commissioner saying he ‘cherry p...