KPBS Midday Edition

Humanitarian groups in San Diego are preparing resettlement efforts as refugees continue to pour out of war-torn Afghanistan. We speak with one of those local groups. Plus, veterans coalitions are helping to evacuate Afghans who worked for the Americans. On a lighter note, this weekend in the arts features a three-day outdoor festival of music in Carlsbad, a contemporary dance company's first performance since March 2020 and a new exhibition of art made from plastics found in the ocean.

Many Americans are left with questions about the vaccines, the status of their approval, and their long-term efficacy. We pose these questions to the director of Scripps Research Translational Institute, Dr. Eric Topol. Also, housing prices in San Diego are getting higher and analysts say it’s not out of the question for the median price to reach $1 million by this time next year. Plus, the last time California had a Republican governor was when Arnold Schwarzenegger was in office. Was his tenure a win for the GOP? In addition, smoke from the massive fire in Northern California is making its way down to San Diego, just as a heat wave is hitting the region. And, Jeeyoon Kim, an award-winning concert pianist, educator and podcast host, is releasing a self-help book based on insights from her life experiences. Finally, Rachel Lynett on her play, "Black Mexican," that is premiering in a staged reading at San Diego Rep’s Latinx New Play Festival.

One law expert weighs in on how the FDA approval will impact vaccine mandates in the workplace. Plus, images of chaos in Afghanistan have deeply resonated with veterans from another long war: Vietnam. Also, the recall campaign now aimed at Governor Gavin Newsom was fueled in part by parents who were angry with how he handled public school closures during the worst months of the pandemic. Then, Kim Desmond, San Diego’s first chief race and equity officer on what we can expect from the city’s Office of Race and Equity. In addition, competing interests battle over a proposed plan to restore marshland habitat in Mission Bay. And, after the pandemic restrictions lifted in San Diego, there’s a run on new cars with some going for more than the sticker price. Finally, the Vista’s Viking Festival is going virtual again this year.

The FDA on Monday gave full approval to the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and older. A physician breaks down what this means for San Diego’s vaccination effort. Plus, a look at the top four candidates looking to replace Gov. Newsom if he’s recalled. Larry Elder is the leading Republican candidate, but critics say his ideology is a threat to California. Also, as in-person learning resumes at SDSU, local residents worry about the off-campus party scene. In addition, more Latinos identified as multiracial or "some other race" in the 2020 Census than in 2010, a change that reflects shifting understandings of race and the limits of the U.S. Census categories. And, the California Privacy Protection Agency is starting to get set up and running, we hear from the new head of the agency. Finally, the Studio Door’s exhibit San Diego Drag Icons and its companion fundraiser, highlight the connection between drag and activism.

The U.S. government is extending a ban on nonessential travel along the borders with Canada and Mexico to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, a preview of arts events this weekend in San Diego, including Yo-Yo Ma coming to the Shell and TwainFest in Old Town.

A recent San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting turned ugly as some protestors became upset at members of the board over proposed masking and testing requirements for workplaces, schools and hospitals. Plus, the San Diego Unified School District will be one of the first districts in the state to roll out a transitional kindergarten program this fall. Then, how remote working has changed San Diego’s rush hour. Later, a news study finds poor air quality from wildfire smoke worsens COVID-19 cases and deaths. And, academic boot camps ease the transition to the classroom for veterans starting college. Locally, the creative community shares remembrances of Matt Hoyt, owner of Starlite, filmmaker, musician, artist and collaborator. Lastly, as part of our Summer Music Series we welcome a musician who’s been making Barrio Logan move to the music for more than 17 years.

We talk to La Jolla Institute of Immunology’s Dr. Shane Crotty about health officials recommending that vaccinated people get a COVID-19 booster shot. Plus, with the school year starting, we talk about the latest guidance on what to do when a student tests positive for COVID-19. And, the binational Friendship Park has its 50th anniversary today, but is stil not fully reopened. A group of activists on both sides of the border is working to change that.

Now that the Taliban has virtually seized full control of Afghanistan, the lingering threat of international terror is on the minds of many Americans. Plus, a new program in California is offering stipends to volunteers, in an effort to bring climate change solutions to urban and rural communities throughout the state, including here in San Diego. Also, a sewage testing program at UCSD could be key to helping identify COVID-19 outbreaks when students return to school in the fall. And, we highlight Daniella De Jesús, one of the playwrights in the fifth annual San Diego Repertory Theatre's Latinx New Play Festival happening next month. Finally, from the archives, a summertime anthem about Southeast San Diego.

The scenes from Kabul, of people clinging to U.S. military planes in a desperate effort to escape the approaching Taliban, echo the end of another failed U.S. war. The end of the Vietnam War created the same kind of chaos in Saigon. Now, many Americans, both in and out of the military are asking, “how could this have happened again?” Plus, San Diego's hospitals are struggling to keep up with a high volume of both COVID and non-COVID-related hospitalizations. Also, stopping the spread of a deadly citrus tree bug found in North County is crucial to protecting trees belonging to both backyard growers and San Diego’s commercial citrus industry. And, the rules surrounding the Sept. 14 recall election are complicated and confusing. We break it down for you.

As coronavirus infections increase in San Diego, so are related hospitalizations and health officials are hoping to see some relief for tired staff soon. Plus, what to know about the Gubernatorial Recall Election on Sept. 14. And, a preview of the arts events around town, including: a pop-up version of La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival, SummerFest and outdoor art fun.