KPBS Midday Edition

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.

How do we prevent mass shootings like yesterday’s in San Jose? Gun violence restraining orders could be part of the solution. Plus, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant lost two teeth when she was attacked by a passenger this weekend, and the president of her union calls it part of a disturbing increase in unruly passengers. And the city of San Diego has approved hundreds of outdoor dining permits since the pandemic began. Yet despite causing a big loss in parking across the city, the program appears to have widespread support. Finally, to the pleasant surprise of marine biologists, a group of highly social turtles has been discovered living year-round off the coast of La Jolla.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday asked U.S. intelligence officials to “redouble” their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, activists had been pushing the San Diego city Council to reject a franchise agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric, which they said do not do enough to hold the utility accountable. But supporters said they were the best compromise the city could get. And increasing numbers of asylum-seekers have been allowed to enter the United States. But with the asylum system still severely curtailed, thousands remain stuck in dangerous conditions. Then, a Q&A about reproductive health and the COVID-19 virus and vaccine. Finally, the “Port of Entry” podcast talks to a California couple that crossed the border to get fertility treatment in Tijuana.

As California sinks deeper into drought the wildfire risk in the state is intensifying. The danger has prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose spending a record $2 billion on wildfire mitigation. Plus, a special radio documentary marking the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer looks at what progress has been made. And we look at the police reform that’s taken place in San Diego in the last year. We end the show on a happier note, "Star Wars" fans recount memories to celebrate May 25, the day George Lucas' "Star Wars" opened in 1977 and changed the movie landscape forever.

Scripps Health, one of San Diego County's largest healthcare providers, is about to enter the fourth week of a cyberattack which froze all their digital services. Plus, a letter written by a San Diego City Council member addressed to San Diego Unified leadership has raised concerns over a number of issues Lincoln High School. And a look at Thanh Tinh Chay, a Vietnamese restaurant that serves only vegan and vegetarian fare, and the impact of the pandemic on restaurants in City Heights. Then, some Black Air Force members say a skin condition makes it's hard for them to shave their faces daily and get ahead in the military. Plus, San Diego’s craft brew industry responds after an Instagram page about sexism in the industry goes viral. Finally, "The Parker Edison Project" podcast goes deep into the minds of two San Diego-based directors, Ben Johnson and Bill Perrine, and discusses host Parker Edison's longtime love of film.

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San Diego County is taking steps to make the drug overdose reversal medication, Naloxone (Narcan), more readily available without a prescription. Plus, it’s election time in Mexico, and Baja California will soon get a new governor. A look at some of the candidates and how this election impacts San Diego. And our weekend arts picks include outdoor performances by San Diego Dance Theater and SD Master Chorale, only a week remains to view an exhibition by Lux Art Institute’s regional artist, A Spring Garden concert at The Shell and Coronado Playhouse presents, "Constellations."

One person died and 15 people were in custody Thursday morning after a suspected smuggling boat dropped its passengers off the coast of La Jolla, authorities said. Plus, we hear from a public health expert who says lifting the mask requirement at this time could result in further risk of infection for the most vulnerable among us. And San Diego County Supervisors vote to pay more attention to climate and environmental justice. Then, women lost 1 million more jobs than men last year, what will it take to get them back to the workplace? Plus, workers across the grocery delivery business have been trying to unionize to get more protections and benefits since the pandemic began. Last month, delivery workers at Imperfect Foods succeeded. And event businesses along Third Avenue in Chula Vista have had a brutal year, but they're starting to see a turnaround as the county returns to some normalcy. Finally, after a lengthy preparation, including enacting new outdoor lighting ordinances, Julian received a designation from the International Dark Sky Association.