KPBS Midday Edition

In the first California recall debate this week, four Republican contenders traded few jabs at each other, but concentrated on a litany of complaints against Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Plus, the phenomenon of breakthrough cases is making people concerned about COVID again. And, this weekend in arts, the San Diego Symphony opens the Shell, an interactive photography exhibit opens at SDMA, and Fern Street Circus goes on a neighborhood tour.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are steadily rising, with unvaccinated individuals making up the bulk of those affected. Also, with the Delta variant also infecting children too young to receive the vaccine, we decided to ask experts in infectious disease and public health how they’re keeping their children safe. Plus, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are moving quickly to vaccinate their vulnerable animals against COVID-19. In addition, an animal sanctuary near Alpine is helping push for national legislation to shut down the exotic animal trade. And, the pandemic exposed many inequities and the city of San Diego is working to fix at least one of them — the lack of parks in many underserved areas. Finally, the latest installment of KPBS' Summer Music Series dives into the high energy of folk band Finnegan Blue as the members talk about growing up in a musical family, music inspirations and more.

The city of San Diego is suing the real estate brokerage firm and broker who advised the housing commission in acquiring two hotels to house unsheltered people during the peak of the pandemic. Plus, the economic divide is showing up in vaccination rates across California. Medi-Cal enrollees have been vaccinated at substantially lower rates than the overall population. Also, the Biden administration and DOD have endorsed major changes in how sexual assaults in the military are handled. In addition, scorching heat continues in San Diego’s backcountry, but at the beaches it’s a different story, as ocean temperatures are colder than usual. Then, Sesame Street has tackled difficult issues in a kid-friendly way, now it’s taking on how military families can talk about racism. And, the new Amazon fulfillment center in Otay Mesa is ready to hire 1,500 people, but low wages and a competitive labor market are creating doubt on whether they will find enough workers. Finally, a Cal State San Marcos professor’s new book looks at the Haitian Revolution in film and video games.

San Diego County Looks To Increase Testing Capacity With Rise Of Delta Variant Description: As demand for COVID-19 testing rises, local health officials and health providers take action. Plus, the San Diego City Council Monday passed an ordinance intended to crack down on firearms without serial numbers, otherwise known as "ghost guns.” Then, the Dark Horse Battalion, based at Camp Pendleton, examines its legacy in Afghanistan. Later, a San Diego sports psychologist weighs in on Simone Biles' mental gymnastics. And, former Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid told KPBS Midday Edition that he was disappointed with a recent Department of Defense report about UFOs.

With 70 percent of eligible San Diego County residents fully vaccinated, the Delta variant continues to spread. Plus, the impending civil sex abuse lawsuit of defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick could lead to more men speaking up about their past sexual trauma. Then, child care centers are trying to figure out how to balance increasing class sizes and flexibility so they can stay in business without making parents uncomfortable. Later, some women say California insurer makes it too difficult to get the proper prescription for postpartum depression. And, the latest episode of KPBS’ Cinema Junkie podcast pays tribute to the men and women who risk their lives as Hollywood stunt performers.

An internal CDC report says Delta variant infections are likely more severe and vaccinated people may spread it just as easily as the unvaccinated. Scripps Research Director Eric Topol weighs in on the report. And, this weekend in the arts: “Twenty Women Artists: NOW” wraps up its exhibition, the 2021 Juried Biennial Exhibition hosts its closing reception, and SD Practice continues at two locations across the county.

The term "Latinx" has been used increasingly in recent years to describe the Latin-American community as a whole within the United States. While these efforts have been applauded by some for the term's intended inclusivity, usage of the word has also been met with strong backlash - with many still unsure exactly what it means and who falls under the identity of "Latinx."

San Diego County officials are now following the lead of the CDC in recommending that all residents, vaccinated or not, wear masks in indoor public spaces. Also, the latest in the 101 Ash Street debacle may lead to the city being evicted from Civic Center Plaza. Plus, North County has a new rehabilitation hospital. Then, a new book showcases the 120 year history of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Finally, we kick off the 2021 KPBS Summer Music Series with Jelani Aryeh whose unique brand of pop music is catching lots of attention.

As vaccine mandates increase, it remains to be seen how successful they will be, and what level of backlash they may provoke. Also, between spiking case rates and a potential return of a mask mandate, some San Diegans are saying they’re experiencing “COVID whiplash.” Plus, a San Diego lawyer said he was discriminated against for “banking while black” when he tried to cash a large settlement check at Bank of America in Pacific Beach. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Jean Guerrero says San Diego-based One American News Network is a hotbed of “white paranoid extremism” and “Trump propaganda.” In addition, as San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer says he did not allow tent encampments and achieved a “double digit” reduction in homelessness, experts say his claims are overstated and incomplete. And, President Joe Biden's decision to end U.S. involvement in Afghanistan has raised questions about the wisdom of leaving and the wisdom of having stayed so long. Finally, The San Diego Writers Festival is wrapping up its virtual event this weekend with Kaitlyn Greenidge, whose second novel “Libertie” is noted as one of the most anticipated novels of the year.

In an effort to slow rising coronavirus infections, California will require state employees and all health care workers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly. Plus, an Encinitas mother who lost her son to opioid addiction reacts to the potential multi-billion dollar settlement with opioid manufacturers. Also, Aaron Harvey was arrested in 2014 under a controversial gang law for crimes he had nothing to do with. The charges were dropped, and now he's a UC Berkeley graduate. And, a preview of San Diego author Chris Baron’s new novel, "The Magical Imperfect,” about the friendship of two young outcasts as they navigate ancestry, illness, magic and the earth cracked open.

San Diego North County Congressman Mike Levin has announced the formation of a bipartisan congressional caucus to explore solutions to the spent nuclear waste problem. Plus, this weekend in the arts: La Jolla Playhouse has a new play series, The Color Forty Nine performs at the Casbah and "On the Move” brings City Ballet back to audiences. And KPBS Roundtable covers the biggest stories of the past week, including Comic-Con returning with another virtual convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A significant increase in COVID-19 cases has prompted San Diego County public health officials Thursday to renew efforts to get county residents vaccinated from the virus. Plus, a judge in California ruled the state insurance commissioner can order the “insurer of last resort” to offer more options for homeowners in high-risk wildfire areas. Then, Oceanside will soon have its first year-round homeless shelter. Later, Pride celebrations are coming to Escondido for the first time. And KPBS’ Port of Entry Podcast explores how a local artist found his voice in Tijuana.

Restrictions on non-essential travel at the United States-Mexico border will continue for at least another month. Then, the median price for a home in San Diego County reached $750,000 in June, that’s another record. Plus, state law requires Coronado to plan for nearly 1,000 new homes to accommodate its workforce, but the city voted on a downsized plan. And, surfing’s debut at the Summer Olympics resurfaces issues over native Hawaiian cultural appropriation. And Cinema Junkie, KPBS' longest running podcast, returned from quarantine break last week with an episode on Marvel and a party on YouTube.

San Diego is seeing a steady increase in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant. Plus, California is poised to become the first state in the nation to experiment with providing residents a guaranteed basic income. Then, an inside look at how one San Diego hospital system is expanding operations to deal with growing numbers of high-risk pregnancies. And, a former employee at the San Diego Museum of Art alleges that museum management fostered a culture that allowed sexual harassment to occur and is discriminatory against women of color employees. And, a new bilingual show produced by The San Diego Union Tribune and Los Angeles Times will cover news, entertainment and sports targeted to the region’s Latino community.

The Biden administration is planning on appealing a Texas judge’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that has allowed young people who were brought illegally to the U.S., or overstayed their visas, to live and work here. Plus, a 50-year tradition of counting bighorn sheep in Anza-Borrego was canceled after a volunteer died from the extreme heat. Also, people in eastern Colorado depend on a system of pumps to deliver water from the Colorado river, but this year there’s less of it to go around. And, as California pursues a zero-carbon emission energy future, there’s a momentum to develop renewable energy projects in San Diego’s backcountry, sometimes pitting residents' interests against developers. And, Comic-Con is forced for a second time to go online. We have a preview of the show happening Friday through Sunday.

In the face of steadily increasing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, Los Angeles County residents will again be required to wear masks in indoor public settings beginning Saturday night. San Diego has seen its daily case rate double in recent weeks, but officials say they are sticking with state and CDC guidelines which don’t require masks for the fully vaccinated. Plus, gay bars have re-opened and are again providing safe havens for many in the LGBTQ community as Pride Week is set to kick off in San Diego County. And, a look ahead to some weekend arts events, including the North Park Book Fair, Sidro Saturdays and an exhibition at the Front, Pride, Guillermo Galindo's found object sonic devices and the iPalpiti Festival.

Californians are facing what could be another historic wildfire season. From the North State to Southern California, the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada, this special broadcast show will answer your most pressing questions about wildfires, explore solutions and look at ways to keep safe.

San Diego county health officials announced 355 new infections on Monday and the likely culprit is the more contagious Delta variant of the virus. Plus, a new survey finds that 54% of unvaccinated San Diego County residents are unlikely to get vaccinated. The group most unlikely are white, educated and have higher incomes. And, as America's war in Afghanistan winds down, one San Diego couple is still coping with the loss of their son in a helicopter crash there 15 years ago. Also, California is in the grip of a drought and some experts think regional water restrictions might be a good idea to allow for a targeted approach to water waste. And, an infectious disease expert weighs in on masking in schools. Finally, San Diego author Anisha Bhatia talks about writing about culture. She will be part of the San Diego Writers Festival this weekend.

Last year was a record-breaking year in terms of wildfire. So far, 2021 is on track to break that record and officials say climate change is a huge factor. In addition, San Diego has an ambitious climate change plan but an audit shows the city isn’t doing a good job at tracking its progress. Plus, as climate change heats up cities, a new study finds that low-income and neighborhoods with higher Black, Hispanic and Asian populations experience significantly more summer heat. Also, veteran homelessness has many causes and few solutions, but Kansas City is hoping tiny homes might be one solution. And, childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country and Latinx children are affected the most. A new study suggests childhood trauma might be to blame. Finally, the All-Star Game is happening Tuesday and two-way player Shohei Ohtani is being compared to Babe Ruth — some even going as far as saying he’s better than the Great Bambino himself.

Father Joe Carroll, a San Diego icon for his work helping the unsheltered, died this weekend at 80. Plus, the pandemic impacted the Latinas workforce harder than any other groups and a new report highlights the inequities that San Diego Latinas face in the workplace. Also, the Colorado River is tapped out. A prolonged warming and drying trend has pushed the nation’s two largest reservoirs to record lows. In addition, a newly completed rock barrier through the Delta in Contra Costa County is expected to help preserve water for millions as drought conditions worsen in the state. And, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued new guidelines that he hopes will strengthen accountability and transparency in investigations of shootings involving law enforcement. Finally, a preview of the relaunched “Cinema Junkie” podcast, which took a quarantine break.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on residents to voluntarily cut back on their water consumption by 15% as California continues to face unseasonably high summer temperatures. Plus, more than a year into the COVID-19 crisis, seven million tenants across the country are behind on rent and many small landlords are struggling to pay their bills as well. And this weekend in the arts: the culmination of a pandemic-era program from the city's Commission for Arts and Culture, live performances of a haunting dance production, an outdoor music, art and food festival in Oceanside and it’s the closing weekend of a very timely virtual play.

As the delta variant of the coronavirus becomes the dominant strain in the U.S., 54 cases have been reported in San Diego County. Plus, the results come despite California losing a congressional seat for the first time in history due to slow population growth and some high-profile technology companies and billionaires leaving the state. And increasing numbers of asylum seekers are being allowed to enter the United States. But with the asylum system still severely curtailed, thousands remain stuck in dangerous conditions in Tijuana. Finally, “Say Their Names” is a new memorial exhibit coming to San Diego honoring Black Lives lost to police brutality and systemic racism.

Scientists are using data from Apple Watches and Fitbits to measure the impacts of COVID-19 on the body. Plus, San Diego saw a sharp increase in fentanyl-related deaths during the region's COVID lockdowns. And with the passing of the state budget on June 28, UC San Diego, UCLA and UC Berkeley are going to have to cut back on out-of-state student admissions. Then, San Diego County Supervisors voted to create an office of environmental and climate justice by fall. District 1 supervisor Nora Vargas pushed to make that happen. Also, a recent report by the American Planning Association and Scripps Institution of Oceanography emphasizes the need for better coordination from the region's institutions in preparing for worsening climate change. Plus, Sandbox VR opened shortly before the pandemic hit and has now fully reopened. The VR gaming facility allows groups of players fight zombies, alien bugs or each other. Finally, five songs to discover in July from Jelani Aryeh, Julianna Zachariou, Irenie, SD State of Mind anthology and Rain on Fridays.

Substantial, long-term funding has eluded local public health departments and with a spotlight on the pandemic, some argue now is the time to change that. Then, San Diego County supervisors last week approved a $7.2 billion budget with funding for mental health services and the pandemic recovery. And for the first time, an Indigenous woman has been appointed to serve on California’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Plus, a national homelessness expert says San Diego needs to coordinate efforts among agencies and find more permanent housing solutions if it wants to see fewer unsheltered people on the streets. Finally, a new arts campaign intended to boost vaccination rates among Latinos in California’s Central Valley.

Hate crime in California reached its highest reported level in more than a decade last year. Plus, a group of peer counselors in City Heights are trying to heal the community, by both connecting people to much needed resources and mental health services. And as we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we’re going to take a closer look at some art exhibitions in San Diego that tell the wider story of who we consider to be American and what it means to have an identity linked with the land.

The city of San Diego announced Tuesday that it is suing to void its lease-to-own agreements in the 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza building deals due to an advisor allegedly receiving millions in undisclosed compensation for negotiating the transactions in violation of state law. And, the new state budget removes the asset rule that restricted Medi-Cal eligibility for older and disabled Californians. Plus, a Carlsbad community member is stepping up to run and fund a shelter in a motel for people experiencing homelessness. Then, a new city parks proposal to revitalize the city's overlooked parks also will incentivize developers to build more affordable housing in the process. Finally, in the season finale of KPBS podcast the Parker Edison Project, host Parker Edison explores how family legacy contributes to culture.

Health officials in Los Angeles county are urging people to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. Plus, one way for urban areas to beat the heat is to consider the power of shade. However, there’s an unequal distribution of shady, tree-lined streets in our cities, including here in San Diego. And fireworks could be returning to La Jolla on July Fourth, if organizers can overcome a legal challenge from people concerned about sea lions. Then, in 2019, San Diego County approved a $1.5 million program to help homeowners pay for vent retrofits to cut down on wildfire risk. But now that program has been abandoned and the money diverted elsewhere. Also, a recent study says San Diego has some of the most cost burdened homeowners in the U.S. Plus, one of California’s most well-known LGBTQ voices is Harvey Milk. KQED spoke to some young San Franciscans about what he means to them today. Finally, Rosebud’s Cafe in Jackson, California has become a refuge for people that don’t always feel accepted, including those in the LGBTQ+ communities.

Sweltering conditions will persist in the San Diego County mountains and deserts Monday, but cooler weather is expected the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Plus, many people have been working remotely for the past year or so and now that things are opening back up, only 10% of surveyed San Diego businesses expect the bulk of their staff to work remotely three or more days a week. And Afghans that worked with Americans are in danger of retribution as U.S. troops leave their country. The White House and Congress are vowing to help them. Then, former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer is seen by many political observers as the most formidable opponent in the recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom. He explains why he believes he's the right person for the job. Finally, self-described geeks Matthew Klickstein and Christopher Tyler created a new podcast about the origin story of Comic-Con.

Following strong outcry over a number of loopholes and potential red flags, the San Diego City Council’s Public Safety & Land Use Committee has agreed to send its new ordinance on police practices back to the drawing board. Plus, while early pandemic predictions of a tsunami of evictions seem unlikely, advocates are worried that there could still be a steady stream. And this weekend in the arts: Kelsey Brookes and Nicholas Galanin at Quint, drag artist Jaye Piper Rosewell, a City Heights music festival, and outdoor music at The Old Globe.

A championship San Diego County high school basketball game-turned tortilla hurling fracas continues to make national headlines. It’s what happened after the game that continues to dumbfound observers. Plus, the San Diego Unified School Board voted unanimously to fund an expansion of ethnic studies and anti-racism training, prompting some debate in the community over how much racism should be confronted in the classroom. And a joint effort by the city and county of San Diego to address homelessness is set to begin next week. Then, while early pandemic predictions of a tsunami of evictions seem unlikely, advocates are worried that there could still be a steady stream. Finally, Madrid-based contemporary artist Ana de Alvear’s colored-pencil drawings call reality into question at San Diego Museum of Art.

At issue in the case was a California law that allows union organizers to enter farms to speak to workers during non-working hours for a set number of days each year. Plus, the Coronado Unified School Board voted unanimously to fire its head basketball coach just days after an incident where tortillas were thrown at players from a rival, predominantly Latino school. And AB-104, a bill that aims to address learning loss suffered by students during the pandemic, is now awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature. Then, a case against one of California’s gun reform laws - which could be a bellwether for the fate of many such laws - was heard by the full panel of judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday. Also, Newsom signed a sweeping executive order that he said would overhaul the state's approach to wildfire prevention in 2019. But, did it? Plus, a little slice of classic Southern California habitat is getting long-term protection in San Diego’s North County. Finally, Phil Beaumont, the director of the Museum school in San Diego, is stepping down to focus on music full time. On KPBS' border podcast, Port of Entry, host Alan Lilienthal taps into border region music that’s inspiring Beaumont’s new cross border projects.

Saturday's game between Coronado and Escondido's Orange Glen High School reportedly ended with unidentified people throwing tortillas at the Orange Glen team, which is predominantly Latino. Plus, Democratic lawmakers in California unveiled legislation this month that would fast track the normally lengthy process to prepare for a recall election. And a new Biden administration policy gives hope for protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants waiting for U visas to be processed. Then, as San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll prepares for retirement at the end of the month, she looks ahead to some of the key issues that face community colleges. Also, a report finds many California students were counted present and engaged when they did little more than log-in during remote learning. Plus, in just two years, Not Me SD has helped 320 women become gun owners and that number is expected to grow. Finally, a San Diego author turned his Facebook posts into a book during quarantine.

The Supreme Court has decided unanimously that the NCAA cannot enforce rules limiting education-related benefits that colleges offer to student athletes — things like computers and paid internships. Plus, San Diego affordable housing advocates are applauding Mayor Todd Gloria's decision this week to restart the process of redeveloping the Pechanga Arena in the Midway District. And the KPBS Investigates podcast explores the difficulties San Diego businesses faced accessing the loans and resources aimed at helping them survive the brutal cycles of shutdowns and reopenings.

A report released Thursday by a Yale University-based research organization found distinct racial disparities in police contacts — including searches, traffic stops and arrests — over a recent five-year period in San Diego. Plus, identities are complicated, messy and often incredibly personal. San Diegans weigh in on how they identify and their thoughts on the term Latinx. And this weekend in the arts: classical music honors the planet, a fictional band comes to life (live!), SDMA gets the floral treatment, a new San Ysidro art crawl and a Black playwright’s world premiere on Juneteenth.

President Biden on Thursday signed a bill to recognize Juneteenth — the celebration to commemorate the end of chattel slavery in the United States — as a federal holiday. Plus, in a victory for survivors of domestic and gang violence seeking asylum in the U.S., the Department of Justice on Wednesday vacated the controversial Trump-era decisions. And San Diego climate scientist Ram Ramanathan was given two distinguished international awards this week honoring his pioneering work on climate change. Then, it’s been painful to lose so many of our elderly to COVID-19. But there are also many families, especially Latinx families, grieving the deaths of those who are younger. Also, San Diego Catholic schools saw an uptick in demand because of their in-person options. Finally, Angelika Film Center at Carmel Mountain, like all cinemas, reopened Wednesday at full capacity under the new relaxed pandemic guidelines from the state. We’ll tell you what to expect if you go to the movies.

Following the end of most of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, many Californians are beginning to drop their masks as they go about their daily lives. But the threat of COVID-19 still remains. Plus, the city of San Diego will soon have a new resource for families to turn to for support. City Councilmember Raul Campillo talks about the goals of the new Office of Child and Youth Services. And after more than 160 years Black independence day, otherwise known as Juneteenth, is on its way to becoming a Federal holiday. How San Diego is commemorating the day that the last enslaved Americans learned they were free. Then, how has the San Diego County sports landscape fared since the Chargers left San Diego in 2016? Also, tips to help your dog adjust as you head back into the office after remote working. Finally, “In the Heights” opened last week. It serves up a rare commodity: a big budget Hollywood musical created by a Puerto Rican American, directed by an Asian American and featuring a racially diverse cast. Could this herald a change in Hollywood?

The state is officially back open on Tuesday, with most Covid-19 restrictions gone -- for now, at least. We take a survey of the new rules and the new situation. Plus, while many have chosen to not get a COVID-19 vaccine, there are a few among us who desperately want to be vaccinated, but can’t due to medical issues. And the San Diego city Council Monday voted unanimously to pass Mayor Todd Gloria’s $4.6 billion budget for the next fiscal year. Then, some critics claim critical race theory advocates discriminating against white people. Where does that idea come from and how is the understanding of this curriculum so vastly different among people? Also, we look at the transition back to in-person arts events, new challenges as venues start welcoming audiences back, and whether or not you'll be seeing masks on the people next to you. And, we hear from some San Diegans on whether they will be going to in person concerts, plays and other arts events in the coming weeks and months.

A detailed report from The San Diego Union-Tribune has revealed a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and discrimination among some of the county's largest employers. Plus, Rady Children's Hospital officials are reporting 25% increase in mental health visits to their emergency room of children experiencing mental health issues. And over the past several decades, hundreds or maybe thousands of U.S. military veterans have been deported after being convicted of crimes, sometimes decades after they left the service. Then, for some Asian women who were on the fence about buying guns for protection, the racist violence of the past year pushed them over the edge. Finally, OnStage Playhouse reopened last week for in-person performances. And the first play at the Chula Vista-based company is timely. "Sheepdog." deals with race and policing issues.

California’s workplace regulators have withdrawn a controversial pending mask regulation while they consider a rule that more closely aligns with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s promise that the state will fully reopen from the pandemic on Tuesday. Plus, a recent study found minority students are underrepresented when members of Congress nominate people to attend the nation’s elite military academies. Advocates are calling on Congress to make the 200-year-old nomination system more equitable for students of color. And the arts world is taking advantage of this perfect weather with plenty of performances beneath the stars, and the start of a week-long Juneteenth festival celebrating Black theater, poetry and music.

California Appeals San Diego Judge’s Ruling Overturning Assault Weapon Ban Description: State leaders announced Thursday that an appeal has been filed in response to a San Diego federal judge's ruling that overturned California's three-decade-old ban on assault weapons. Plus, the San Diego Unified School District announced on Tuesday a new principal for Lincoln High. Melissa Agudelo will serve as co-principal with the current principal, Stephanie Brown. And while parents await further guidance on vaccinating children under 12, many are wondering what social precautions must be taken as California prepares to reopen on June 15. Then, the loss of taste and smell is now widely known as a telltale sign of COVID-19. But fewer people are aware of another potential lingering side effect: when scents and flavors become distorted. Also, more than 12,000 American Legion posts closed for at least part of the pandemic. Those closures left some posts in financial trouble. Finally, in a new episode of the KPBS Explore podcast, "The Parker Edison Project," we talk with a photographer who's worked on everything from album covers to popular movies like "Friday" and "Exit Through the Gift Shop."

San Diego County is officially in the yellow tier as of today, thanks to big drops in the rate of new COVID-19 infections. Plus, a San Diego-based FBI-led operation was centered around the creation of an encrypted phone company. And Breakfast Block, a grassroots San Diego group founded early this year, works to feed, clothe and provide other essential items to San Diego's growing unsheltered population. Then, the city council approves changes to the city’s housing plan after the state asks for tweaks. Also, while most climate news is bleak, UC San Diego scientists point to niches like electric vehicles, batteries and the solar and wind industries that are seeding a decarbonization revolution. Finally, a story about a plus-size model who’s proud of her body, but has health issues that lead her to undergo weight-loss surgery in Tijuana, where it's more affordable.

While children continue to come to the U.S. unaccompanied, the Biden Administration announced it has accounted for 3,900 children separated during the Trump administration's zero-tolerance policy on illegal crossings. Plus, the San Diego Police department has unveiled a new list of procedures for its interactions with transgender and non-binary individuals. And the move to close a North County group home for foster children has put a spotlight on foster care in San Diego County. KPBS looks at how the system is changing. Then, two small water districts in North County think they can get water cheaper by breaking away from San Diego County Water Authority. Also, some teenagers stuck at home during COVID-19 reflected on traumatic experiences in highschool, with hundreds sharing their stories on social media. Finally, has “cancel culture” gotten away from accountability and is it being used as a weapon? A San Diego Union Tribune columnist says it’s time to retire the phrase.

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled Monday that thousands of people living in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons are ineligible to apply to become permanent residents. Plus, new data shows that grades went down and absenteeism was up with about 14% of San Diego Unified students skipping a significant number of online classes. And San Diego city Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe is a member of California’s newly formed Reparations Task Force. She spoke to Midday Edition about what she hopes to accomplish. Then, the county's Building Industry Association, which represents developers, is in a transition — to a new CEO. Lori Holt Pfeiler will be taking over that job on July 6. Plus, the California Senate passed a bill last week that would dramatically change the way bottle recycling works in the state. Finally, Ed Vodrazka captured some of his most exceptional experiences and stories from his fellow lifeguards as a testament to life on the beach in a new book, “Stories from Sea Level: The Heroic and Humorous Adventures of California's Ocean Lifeguards.”

California employees will soon be able to skip masks in the workplace, but only if every employee in the room is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Plus, CapRadio’s PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols fact-checked Kamala Harris’ statements on small business closures. And this weekend in the arts: Cataphant at Swish Projects, Word Up in-person, cello virtuoso Zlatomir Fung livestream, a folk performance from the Philippines, Trolley Dances and Omar Pimienta at Lux.

California’s net metering regulations, which determine how residential solar users are paid, are the subject of a bill in the Assembly. Plus, San Diego County started a pilot program to increase access to free tampons and pads to address "period poverty" — a person's inability to access or pay for menstrual products. And a Honduran family flew a Biden 2020 flag at the migrant encampment, saying it gave them hope. Now they're safely in the United States. Then, inspector vacancies at the state agency in charge of protecting workers from health and safety hazards only increased during the pandemic, crippling the agency’s ability to protect millions of workers who faced new risks from COVID-19. Plus, "_____ While Black" interrogates the fraught notion of Black identity in San Diego through the firsthand testimony of several San Diegans. Finally, the San Diego Arab Film Festival kicks off in-person and online events Saturday, opening with Palestinian drama "Between Heaven and Earth.”

Scripps said it was working to notify 147,267 people so they can take steps to protect their information, though there's no indication at present that any data has been used to commit fraud. Plus, UC San Diego’s RIMAC arena vaccination superstation has delivered its last dose. The superstation closed its doors on Tuesday. And state officials are considering changing the watchdog role of nursing home inspectors. Critics argue it would weaken oversight by turning the state’s inspectors into consultants. Then, a new report from The San Diego Union-Tribune's Social Justice Reporting Project explores the role colorism has played within communities of color. Plus, San Diego is in the process of rolling out a whole extra layer of waste pickup — food waste will soon need to be combined with yard waste and placed in new green bins. Finally, discover new music from bands in the region, including 10-19 and the Number Men, Accidents, The Verigolds, Maura Rosa and Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra.

As thousands of asylum seekers await their chance to argue why they should be allowed to stay in the U.S., a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday could impact the outcome of some of their cases. Plus, out of the $200 million in rental relief San Diego received, only 2% of the money was spent as of May 2021. And California may see bigger, more destructive wildfires earlier in the summer because of the extreme drought hitting the state right now. Then, why the Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego feels their hard work has been erased by the city and county as they move to make police reforms in light of George Floyd’s murder and summer protests. Plus, some police reform advocates think Senate Bill 2 is a chance to hold police accountable. And, in continuing coverage of The San Diego Union-Tribunes Social Justice Reporting Project, we hear some of the stories from what the migrant caravan that traveled from Central America through Mexico in 2018. Finally, Arnett Moore is launching a one-man campaign: to get his aunt, the actress Juanita Moore, a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Memorial Day ceremonies at Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries were again paired down this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. And, the National Parks Service has issued new guidance on how best to prioritize conservation efforts in the face of intensifying climate change. Plus, details continue to surface about the gunman who killed nine people at a Valley Transportation Authority light rail yard in San Jose on Wednesday. Then, a North County San Diego farming family of Japanese descent has overcome legal barriers, internment camps, and most recently, the pandemic. Also, a new multimedia series by The San Diego Union-Tribune spotlights social justice reporting across San Diego. Finally, a La Mesa author releases her debut novel in a post-catastrophic world where human memories are erased every four years to preserve peace.

Memorial Day ceremonies at Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries were again paired down this year. The state is beginning to reopen due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases and an increase in the number of people vaccinated statewide.

Californians will be eligible for $116.5 million in prize money for getting coronavirus shots, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday. We talk to a behavioral scientist about whether or not it could help get millions more vaccinated before California fully reopens next month. Plus, days before Memorial Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs is easing restrictions at the cemeteries it manages. And our weekend arts picks: Malashock Dance, a new Indian film, an AAPI group show, and La Jolla Playhouse’s POP Tour.