KPBS Midday Edition

The Biden administration says hundreds of migrant children still separated from their parents under Trump will be allowed to reunite with their families in the U.S. — and the families may have the opportunity to stay. Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have announced a plan to get students back in classrooms in the nation's most populous state. Also, California is spending more than $200 million to stabilize habitat along the banks of the Salton Sea and to keep an unfolding ecological crisis from getting worse. In addition, climate activists want San Diego to follow the lead of other cities and ban the use of natural gas in new construction. And, pandemic restrictions have cut off prison visits from loved ones so letters from home provide a lifeline to inmates. Finally, “Spittin Truth to Power While Light Leaping for the People” was released during Black History Month but its message is timeless.

The role of military veterans in extremist groups has surfaced in disturbing ways recently. It’s not only the public that’s been caught off-guard by these events. Veterans groups have been slow to grasp the impact of extremist and hateful ideology on their fellow vets. KPBS Midday Edition brings you a special program on the issue of violent extremism among America’s veterans with expert panelists who offer suggestions for confronting the problem.

San Diego is notifying residents and property owners of proposed changes to earthquake fault zones within city limits which could potentially impact development and real estate transactions. Plus, San Diego City Council President Jen Campbell is facing a swell of opposition from her constituents due mainly to her position on short-term rentals. But there are also deeper issues at play. And this weekend in San Diego arts: a new exhibition at Bread and Salt, the Symphony's homage to lives lost to police brutality, and the San Diego Ballet and San Diego REP take on Purim.

Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations can begin Saturday. This includes education and childcare workers, law enforcement, food and farm workers. Plus, San Diego Unified School District leaders announced a targeted date of April 12 to allow students of all grade levels to return to the classroom. And San Diego Unified School District has made significant progress toward reducing the longstanding inequities its Black students have faced, but there’s room for growth. Then, Common Ground Theatre's mission is “to produce classics and new works by and about people of African descent.” This weekend it showcases "Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward, who died last Saturday. Finally, San Diego musician Rebecca Jade told KPBS Midday about her influences, her childhood with a jazz singer for a mother, the songs that made her fall in love with music and the artists that shaped her style.

In San Diego County, Black women are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy or delivery complications than white woman and Black infants are also 3 times more likely to die and 60% more likely to be born prematurely than white babies. In a special program on KPBS Midday Edition we hear personal stories from Black mothers about their birthing experience, explore why the problem exists and what is being done to address it.

Community advocates argue for better tracking of Asian American hate crimes. Plus, scientists at UC San Diego will soon see whether a treatment for Alzheimer's they have been working on for over 15 years is as promising as it appears now. And local politicians and some former inmates say they're alarmed about the handling of COVID-19 at Lompoc Prison in Santa Barbara County. Then, marines with PTSD and other wounds of war continue to be involuntarily discharged for misconduct, despite efforts to keep them in the corps. Plus, listen to a preview of Midday Edition’s special program on Black maternal health.

A degree too warm, or a room too bright, could render a COVID-19 vaccine ineffective at a time when shipment delays and shortages mean back-up doses are practically nonexistent. And CDC fails to answer a call from scientists requesting the agency to explain that COVID-19 is spread primarily by people inhaling small tiny virus tainted particles. Then, a new policy implemented by the San Diego Police Department sets parameters on how officers respond during demonstrations. Plus, as the Japanese Americans who experienced imprisonment get older, a California project wants to preserve their memories of what happened, while it's still possible. Finally, Fernando Tatis Jr.'s $340 million, 14-year contract was finalized Monday by the San Diego Padres, the longest deal in baseball history.

Right here at the San Diego-Tijuana border, the Biden administration will officially begin to allow thousands of asylum-seekers to re-enter the United States. Plus, residents of wealthier Zip codes are more likely to have been vaccinated than those in low-income areas. And this weekend in the arts: Hill Street Country Club, Red Brontosaurus Records, a world premiere concert, experimental percussion and a globe-trotting dance film.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed on a $9.6 billion spending deal aimed at aiding some of those hit hardest by the pandemic. Plus, a USD professor and the Democracy Fund Foundation released a report detailing the physical, psychological and economic costs of political violence in the United States. And the new government entity, called San Diego Community Power, will launch March 1 with half of its electricity coming from renewable sources. Then, the first group of West Coast female Marine recruits officially started training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Feb. 10. Plus, KPBS’ “Port of Entry” wraps up its series on cross-border love stories with a tale of kids in need of love, and one woman’s work to turn her own pain into purpose. Finally, academic, author and photographer Caitlin O’ Connell is out with a new book about what we can learn about community from animals.

The San Diego Union-Tribune analyzed data that show that San Diegans of Latino, Black and Asian descent are being vaccinated at lower rates than their white counterparts. Plus, the Santee city Council calls out Nathan Fletcher, chair of the San Diego Board of Supervisors, for his remarks over the movement to recall Gov. Newsom. And the state of California has started a commission to study reparations for African Americans. Then, remembering Trunnell Price, co-founder of the San Diego Black Panther Party. Finally, author David F. Walker discusses his newest work, “The Black Panther Party,” and the film “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

San Diego County is expected to receive a vaccine shipment today that will allow the Petco Park Vaccination Super Station to reopen on Wednesday after being shuttered for three days. Plus, no clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines were done on pregnant or breastfeeding women, standard practice for any new drug or vaccine, but some doctors and medical experts now say this was a mistake. And the city of San Diego is looking for ways to mitigate the most dire effects of climate change in our future. Then, how our education in black history shapes policy. Plus, the progress that newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón was elected to make is facing obstacles, including a lawsuit filed by his own prosecutors. Finally, get to know San Diego jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson and the works that shaped him and continue to drive his music.

San Diego Unified officials announce the possibility of a partial return to campuses while the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced updated guidance for in-person schools. Plus, nearly 5,000 registered Republicans in San Diego County left the party last month. And pregnant women aren’t getting clear guidance on COVID-19 vaccines. Then, California launches a restoration effort to reshape the Salton Sea’s southern edge. Plus, the Diversionary Theatre has decided to take advantage of having to be closed for the pandemic by beginning long-overdue building improvements. Finally, a new podcast dives deep into what makes up modern culture in the San Diego community, through the Black lens.

The goal is to vaccinate 1.8 million people in San Diego County by July 1. That’s about 70% of the region’s population over age 16. Currently, about 2% of the county's population is fully vaccinated. So, what does the county need to do to reach that goal?

The Super Bowl is often a time for gathering, but this year health officials warn it could lead to the spread of COVID-19. Plus, the Navy has come out with its long-awaited report on racial bias. Task Force One Navy was created in June, after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. Then, this weekend in the arts, the experimental Vietnamese music of Vân-Ánh Võ, 1960's women's lithography, Human Rights Watch Film Festival and the Met Opera's "Ariadne Auf Naxos."

For 40 years researchers have been working to unlock the key to HIV prevention, now the success of a clinical trial is a first step in realizing that goal. Plus, to address the disparities in health care and to create better outcomes for Black families, San Diego County is launching the “Black Legacy Now” campaign. And, two parents say San Diego Unified wrongly denied their son special education services — now he’s fallen behind. And, in an excerpt from the latest episode of the “Port Of Entry” podcast: Separated by deportation, how a family’s love kept them connected despite the border wall between them. Finally, a look at a century of Black cinema that’s both problematic and inspiring.

The new administration says it wants to join efforts to reunite families that were separated under President Trump. Plus, outdoor dining is resuming in California, but some restaurant owners and workers are wary of reopening their patios and parking lots. And a UC San Diego lecturer says San Diego’s history with extremism raises the terror threat locally. Then, several BLM supporters say rallies against police brutality have become lessons in law enforcement’s indifference to aggressive behavior by Trump and MAGA followers. And the city of San Diego is calling for community input on a plan to address environmental inequalities in different neighborhoods. Finally, Redwoods Music founder and songwriter Alfred Howard made us a playlist of music that influenced him as he kicked off a new year-long songwriting challenge.

KPBS spoke to San Diego County public health officials about the availability of vaccines, the current difficulty in scheduling a vaccine appointment and the issue of equitable distribution of the vaccine. Plus, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is running for California governor. He says that California has become a failed state under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. And women seem to have borne the brunt of the economic impact of COVID-19, something that may continue to affect their careers and lives for years to come.. Finally, "Through the Night,” a film screening this week as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, spotlights the essential workers, mostly women of color who require 24-hour childcare centers.

San Diego Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has co-sponsored a censure resolution against Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Plus, San Diego County’s zero-carbon policy plan could reduce the burden on working families. Also, COVID-19 cases at Yuba County Jail have infected almost half of all inmates and ICE detainees. Next, how the coronavirus pandemic affected Port Of San Diego struggled last year, and where it plans to go from here. Additionally, new federal laws seeking to improve mental health care for veterans and their families hit some setbacks. Finally, celebrate Black History Month with the San Diego History Center.

A Coronado man is facing misdemeanor charges for his alleged participation in the Capitol riot. Plus, Gov. Gavin Newsom dreamed of a high-tech, efficient government, and Capital News Radio looks back on his performance so far. Finally, our weekend arts events include new performance work, an outdoor sculpture and a San Diego Symphony livestream.

Age before profession — that’s the change California health officials announced about the vaccine rollout this week. Plus, using public records, inewsource uncovered reporting mistakes and delays in Southern California and at the state level in tracking inmate deaths from COVID-19. And the police agencies are violating a landmark state law passed in 2018. A new bill could impose fines on departments that do not release records quickly enough. Then, while Gov. Gavin Newsom has grabbed attention for his clean car policy — so far, he’s not earned a broader reputation as an environmental champion. Finally, jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos shares the music that got him through career-threatening medical problems and the artists that shaped his own musical journey.

A UC San Diego infectious disease modeler says the question is not whether the COVID-19 variant first reported in the UK will become the dominant strain here, it’s when. Plus, according to a report, La Mesa police officers lacked training, communication, leadership and policies that would have likely deescalated the protest-turned-riot in May 2020. Then, contractors and government workers building the border wall along America’s southwest border must stop all work, after President Biden ordered a halt. And advocates for the homeless say Gavin Newsom deserves credit for his early actions as governor, but he needs to do much more to address the scale of the problem. Then, making history, the first 60 women will go through boot camp in San Diego for the first time at MCRD, part of a Congressionally-mandated change. Finally, a school in Los Angeles is making space for students to take on leadership roles and create the change they want to see.

Many San Diego businesses are scrambling to reopen services, but with so much about the rate of vaccinations and variants still unknown, much of the optimism remains cautious. Plus, the Multicultural Health Foundation will hold a virtual panel called "Don't Hesitate To Vaccinate" on Thursday. And San Diego’s economy is on the cusp of a massive shift: Tech companies are thriving while the hospitality sector remains in a deep depression. Then, two years in, California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a host of crises and the threat of a recall vote. Plus, BlueNalu, a San Diego aquaculture technology start-up, is betting that Americans' love of seafood will extend to fish fillets grown from fish cells. And California artists sound off on “Amazing Grace’s” enduring power, and what all of us, including our leaders, can learn from its message.

California lifted regional stay-at-home orders across the state Monday, returning the state to a system of county-by-county restrictions. Plus, an update on how much rain and snow we’ve had across the county and what to expect for the rest of the week. And district and union officials in San Diego County say widespread in-person learning is unlikely even if teachers get vaccinated. Then, the local federal court’s plan for how it will select potential jurors is drawing fire for what many critics believe is an insufficient attempt to increase jury diversity. Plus, volunteer tech workers with ties to Silicon Valley think California’s vaccine rollout could be faster. The science on the impact of large wildfires on the region’s water supplies isn’t well understood. Finally, reporter Lisa Morehouse talks to California Report Magazine Host Sasha Khokha about the legacies of California food pioneers who died in 2020.

San Diego will make more than $42 million in federal emergency rental assistance available to city residents. Plus, the VA and veterans groups are aware of extremism in their ranks but there are very few resources out there to pull them back from the brink. Then, this weekend in San Diego arts: a new Digital WOW production, Amel Janae’s solo exhibition, a group show at Thumbprint, and Icelandic contemporary music paired with Ana de Alvear’s art.

Officials hope a new COVID-19 “Vaccination Super Station” in Chula Vista will bring much needed relief to the South Bay. Plus, KPBS Health Reporter Tarryn Mento poses listeners’ questions to Dr. Christian Ramers about the new coronavirus vaccines. And new San Diego County Board of Supervisors member Joel Anderson discusses his priorities and the enforcement of state and county rules aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Then, how advocates pushed the Biden administration to take immediate action on immigration. Finally, this year marks The Old Globe's eighth Powers New Voices Festival, held each year to unveil new works of theater as well as offer a glimpse into the creative process of plays as they're developed.

San Diego congressional representatives Mike Levin and Scott Peters react to President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Plus, KQED politics editor Scott Shafer examines how things might change for California under the Biden-Harris administration. And, the nation’s oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, celebrated fellow sister Kamala Harris’ inauguration. Then, James Paulson, Ph.D. of Scripps Research Institute joined Midday Edition to speak about allergic reactions some San Diegans had to a batch of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Plus, more than a dozen states have called up the National Guard to help at vaccination sites, and Joe Biden may mobilize Guard units nationally. Finally, on KPBS’ “Port of Entry” podcast, Antonio Ley went from being one of Tijuana's most well-known boosters to being a vocal critic who doesn't shy away from pointing out Tijuana's problems.

San Diego County public health officials announced those 75 years or older can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Plus, the story of one Bay Area man who's been both a victim of unemployment fraud and the effort to fight it. And health and safety precautions during the pandemic have led the Air Force to eliminate parts of basic training. Then, after 29 years in prison for murdering her three children in a house fire, JoAnn Parks was exonerated thanks to the work of her attorneys from the California Innocence Project . And Billy Lemon has been sober for eight years and now runs the Castro Country Club, helping other gay men get off drugs. He says it’s all because of Kamala Harris. Finally, as part of a new multimedia project, Al Howard is writing 100 songs — each one accompanied by an original watercolor painting by his mother.

A reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how the Civil Rights Movement shapes today. And, a new Union-Tribune column by Charles Clark will focus on San Diego's diverse identities and values. Plus, Scripps Health is dealing with the onslaught of COVID-19 cases. CEO Chris Van Gorder talks about the availability of ICU beds and ECMO machines. Next, what San Diego climate leaders have to say about President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to address the existential threat of climate change. Finally, a remembrance of San Diego blues legend Tomcat Courtney who died Jan. 11 at age 91.

Between just before Thanksgiving and now, COVID-19 deaths in San Diego County have spiked to more than 2,000. Plus, the CDC gave the go-ahead to vaccinate people 65 and over. Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder said, the problem is the availability of the vaccine. Then, NPR’s ‘Throughline’ is coming to KPBS-FM. In the weekly one-hour narrative series, hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei tackle the history behind today's headlines, and take the listener back in time to understand the present.

California officials expanding COVID-19 vaccines to those 65 and up because they are at the greatest risk of being hospitalized and dying. Plus, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa was the sole member of the San Diego congressional delegation to vote "no" on impeaching President Trump. And drivers thought they were getting a raise after a hectic year, but instead were told their positions are being eliminated. Then, "Falling" explores the delicate balances made by a family with an autistic son and what happens when those balances are upended. Finally, catch the drive-in premiere of a new atmospheric, gritty crime drama about an underground band, fame and an unhinged fan by Ben Johnson — all set against a backdrop of San Diego's beloved live music venues.

UC San Diego Health, San Diego County and the Padres are teaming up to vaccinate at least 5,000 healthcare workers per day against the novel coronavirus. Plus, COVID-19 cases are rising among the essential workers San Diego depends on to stock its food and medicine. And during his first month in office, Mayor Todd Gloria has taken stances on key issues that separate him from his predecessor. Then, sometimes called “long-haul” patients, some people feel sick for months after becoming infected with COVID-19, even when their tests are coming back negative. Plus, several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus in what is believed to be the first cases among such primates in captivity. Finally, KPBS’ Port of Entry podcast looks at how dating apps like Tinder are breaking down the U.S.-Mexico border wall with love.

House democrats have introduced a single article of impeachment against President Trump, charging him with “incitement of insurrection.” Plus, University of San Diego History Lecturer David Miller discusses the historical differences in the policing of Black demonstrators and violent white mobs. And newly elected Chairman Nathan Fletcher says the County Board of Supervisors will vote on policies focusing on financial transparency, along with racial and economic justice. Then, previously thought to be an unviable crop in the U.S., farmers are now growing coffee in North County. And any San Diego Padre fans who sighed "wait till next year" at the end of the 2020 season, probably had no idea 2021 would shape up to be a potential blockbuster. Finally, San Diego Rep and its playwright-in-residence Herbert Siguenza are launching a new online program called "Vamos!" Monday night.

Community activist and former mayoral candidate Tasha Williamson talks about her recovery experience and how doctors were able to treat her case of COVID-19. Plus, Cap Radio spoke with former executive director of the California Republican Party, Cynthia Bryant, about her reaction to the deadly protest at the Capitol. And this weekend in San Diego arts includes: new work by Jonny Alexander and musician Salami Rose Joe Louis, a mini video from the Symphony, Manny Farber at Quint ONE and the Athenaeum's livestreamed jazz.

After a mob of Trump loyalists attacked the U.S. Capitol building, the city of Washington D.C. is declaring a state of emergency for the next two weeks. There are now calls for investigations into police conduct during the riot and how it was allowed to go as far as it did. Plus, reactions from local Congressional representatives who were there when everything went down. And, increasingly more and more people are calling for President Trump’s resignation or removal, but a local law professor says it’s not as simple as it sounds.

A San Diego physician who is a member of state and county vaccine advisory groups said local public health officials will be opening regional vaccination sites to quicken the pace of vaccinations. Plus, the American Legion removed its Escondido post commander from national leadership positions because of his affiliation with the Proud Boys hate group. And a former La Mesa police officer at the center of a controversial arrest of a young Black man near the Grossmont trolley station is facing a felony count of filing a false police report. Then, farmers swap out irrigation methods to keep the Colorado River from growing saltier. And the City of Stockton recently made headway in efforts to cope with climate change. Finally, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando spoke to UCSD alumni and filmmaker Marvin Choi about the journey of making his independent film “A Knight’s Tour.”

We know that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities are first in line to receive the Coronavirus vaccine. But who's next? Plus, the COVID-19 economic hit has been personal for thousands of San Diegans for months. And months of physical distancing and pandemic anxiety has been especially tough on veterans who were already dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat-related injuries. Then, members of the Kumeyaay Nation say border wall construction in the Laguna Mountains is destroying sensitive cultural sites. Plus, virtual classrooms complicate how teachers and administrators discipline students. Finally, KPBS speaks with “The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel” author David F. Walker about his favorite movie and book, "The Spook Who Sat By The Door."

San Diego County public health officials confirmed one individual infected with a new, more contagious variant of the virus first discovered in the United Kingdom. Plus, Gov. Gavin Newsom offers plans to reopen in-person schools. And kindergarten remote learning shows the equity divide between families. Then, the Metropolitan Transit System got a new CEO, Sharon Cooney, after the sudden death of her predecessor in May. She spoke with KPBS about her priorities. Plus, top Marine leaders issued a call to have a conversation surrounding race in the Corps, but Marines say that conversation has never been easy. Finally, "The World of Wong Kar Wai" is a collection of seven restored films by the Hong Kong director and will be available through Digital Gym Cinema for the next month.

Epidemiologist Dr. Rebecca Fielding-Miller joined Midday Edition Wednesday to discuss the risks of attending in-person New Year's celebrations. Plus, Dr. Shirley Weber talks about her nomination as California Secretary of State and hopes for her successor. And even when its budgets are cut, SDPD has a track record of overspending. Then, San Diego Unified School District's Police Department is more likely to detain Black students than others on campuses. And the economic situation for San Diego's undocumented population remains desperate during the pandemic. Then, a social network called Stitch has filled a void for people who normally led active lives but have had to stay put because of the coronavirus. Finally, the coronavirus pandemic forced Derby United Headquarters to close. But the organization has turned their skates in a new direction in order to reopen its two-rink facility.

As expected, a regional stay-at-home order in effect across Southern California due to surging COVID-19 hospitalizations was formally extended Tuesday. Plus, the story of a transgender woman who left her native Guatemala for California and risked everything to seek asylum in the U.S. Then, the U.S. Immigration system has big problems, and there is no aspect as problematic as the way the U.S. grants — or doesn't grant — asylum.

CVS pharmacists have begun vaccinating California nursing home residents as part of a plan to inoculate 700,000 long term care patients. Plus, how the COVID-19 stimulus bill will impact your finances. And a story of how a mother of two austic boys launched her career in special education teaching. Then, bike advocates say new public policy is needed to ensure the drop in cyclist injuries during the pandemic stays that way. Plus, a “hotel of healing” is planned for Escondido to help the homeless population. And how San Diego women fought for the right to vote a century ago. Finally, Beth Accomado speaks to actor Matt Berry who plays an “energy vampire” on FX Series "What We Do in the Shadows."

A brush fire that broke out overnight near Fallbrook has grown to over 3,000 acres, prompting evacuations. A planned field hospital being built to care for COVID-19 patients on an unused floor at Palomar Hospital could provide much needed relief to overburdened Imperial County. In Los Angeles, thousands of homeless veterans were in line to move into a new housing complex. Then, a fire burned it to the ground. Then, four years of disputes over President Donald Trump and his policies have fractured some San Diego families to the point of estrangement. Finally, how screwball comedies provided an escape during the Great Depression.

California's health care system is struggling under the strain of the nation's largest coronavirus outbreak. Experts warn the system may collapse in the coming weeks. Also, COVID-19 cases are spiking at San Diego County's jails and detention centers. The U.S. government was the victim of a major hacking effort by foreign intelligence services. How could this impact you? And in the latest episode of KPBS' Port of Entry Podcast, a "blaxican" filmmaker describes her focus on cross-culture stories like her own.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego talks about the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill. Plus, San Diego received its first deliveries of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Next, county records of community outbreaks obtained by KPBS show that at least 638 COVID-19 cases from late June through mid-December have been linked to seven area tribal casinos. Also, the pandemic deprived many artists of their livelihoods, but this drag queen is finding ways to keep her art alive. Additionally, on the final episode of season three of the “Rad Scientist” podcast, how to retain underrepresented minority students so that STEM education is more equitable for all. Finally, the lessons San Diego Opera learned throughout the pandemic.

For first time the public can see COVID-19 outbreak data including specific locations in San Diego County. Since the onset of the pandemic, county officials have kept outbreak locations secret, instead only listing outbreaks by category like bar or restaurant. Also, local leaders reflect on the next steps as the Moderna vaccine begins to roll out. In the South Bay, a cooperative is looking to chart the future of urban farming, San Diego researchers warn that warming oceans threaten our giant kelp forests, how a local art space has continued to operate during the pandemic and in City Heights, one senior woman uses her singing to get through the COVID-19 lockdown.

As ICU bed capacity drops to 0% in the Southern California region of the state, we look at how hospitals in San Diego and Imperial counties are doing. Plus, a Mexican-American teenager comes to terms with her immigrant grandparents’ support of Donald Trump in this final installment of Every 30 Seconds. Finally, our picks for weekend arts events include jazz, a literary story concert and an updated spin on a Tchaikovsky classic.

The county is seeking clarification on a San Diego judge’s ruling allowing strip clubs and businesses with restaurant services to remain open. Plus, as we continue to see more vaccines available and more people eligible to be vaccinated — is a healthy person’s decision not to get vaccinated an ethically defensible choice? And food relief organizations are in agreement that the pandemic and related unemployment is increasing the amount of food insecurity in the U.S. Then, a new program is hoping to give caregivers of disabled veterans relief from burnout. And Retiring KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo looks ahead to the future of KPBS and other local media. Finally, constantly changing COVID-19 guidelines have challenged the San Diego Opera’s planning for a drive-in screening of “All Is Calm.”

We’ve endured almost a full year of the world turned upside down. When we’re not concerned about our own or our families health – it’s concern about finances, missing friends and relatives, being isolated and wondering if life as we know it will ever get back to normal.

Dr. Nicholas Holmes of Rady Children’s Hospital joined Midday Edition to speak about how Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in San Diego County. Plus, crowded ICUs and increasing deaths are taking a toll on doctors and nurses. And County supervisor Dianne Jacob will leave office next month after representing her East County district for 28 years. Then, KPBS spoke to teachers and experts about how hard the online learning environment is for English language learners. Finally, Border Patrol plans to replace the border wall at Friendship Park, drastically altering the park’s landscape.

The first batches of Pfizer's long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine arrived in San Diego County Monday for military and civilians. Plus, KPBS Health Reporter Tarryn Mento asked the leader of Sharp HealthCare how they’re balancing resources amid demand. And San Diego researchers think plants may offer a significant way to draw down excess carbon in the air which could slow climate change. Then, you can help KPBS and inewsource uncover the real cost of COVID-19 by sharing what you’ve been charged for coronavirus testing or treatment and sharing your medical bills. And San Gabriel Valley restaurants that are able to adapt to takeout and delivery-only dining — or leverage some locations over others — are surviving. Finally, COVID-19 and the brain, a UC San Diego Health doctor highlights neurological complications of the virus.

On his first full day in office, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria discusses what he’d like to tackle in his first 100 days, including homelessness and the public health and economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, our arts and culture holiday picks that you can safely enjoy at home.