KPBS Midday Edition

The Biden administration has agreed to let about 250 people a day through border crossings with Mexico to seek refuge in the U.S., part of negotiations to settle a lawsuit over pandemic-related powers that deny migrants a right to apply for asylum. Plus, the House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to address the increase in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. And troops were expelled for being gay before Congress changed the law in 2011. Though many still don't qualify for federal veterans benefits, they now can receive state benefits in New York, Colorado, and other states. Plus, the San Diego Humane Society has ramped up its controversial policy of releasing cats back to the streets, despite a lawsuit from animal rights activists challenging the practice. And the GI Film Festival is underway this week in San Diego, bringing with it a host of films that present a diverse spectrum of perspectives from within the military experience. Finally, the Port of Entry podcast continues its series on medical tourism with a story about two women who go on a journey to find more affordable insulin across the border in Tijuana.

San Diego County will follow the state's lead and wait until June 15 to align with federal guidance that no longer requires people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear face coverings. Plus, after Oceanside voters invalidated the North River Farms development in last November’s election it wound up in court. A San Diego Superior Court judge’s ruling in the case could have statewide implications for citizen’s ballot initiatives. And the campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom will put current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis front and center. Then, the Marine Corps is still under a congressional deadline to end gender segregation while one group of female marines graduate boot camp in San Diego. Plus, after more than a year of distanced learning and social isolation, more students are in need of emotional support and psychological help. Finally, Celedonio Romero’s musical legacy lives on in the legendary guitar quartet he formed with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel, and continues today with grandsons Celino and Lito.

Many say that in the Latinx culture, there are taboos that keep issues like depression, substance abuse and domestic violence in the shadows. Now, members of the Latinx community say that silence hurts the community and they are eager to start a conversation about treatment and prevention of mental health issues.

The CDC’s announcement on masking Thursday was met with much enthusiasm, until people realized it was not clear when and how it applied. Plus, the year of distance learning has been tough on all students. Though academic loss might be front-of-mind for parents and teachers, experts say test scores are only part of the picture. And, coming up this weekend: a new exhibition at the Athenaeum, a virtual ballet and an arts-themed vendor fair.

The CDC issued new guidance that says fully vaccinated people can ditch masks indoors, in all but the most crowded settings. This follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the state’s mask mandate would end on June 15 though there will still be some rules about masks indoors. Plus, a massive affordable-housing apartment complex sale is prompting concern that the properties won’t remain affordable. And, Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla has been in business for 125 years, but after the building it’s located in was sold, its future was uncertain until the community stepped in. Finally, discover new music for May from San Diego acts.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing $12 billion in new funding to get more people experiencing homelessness into housing. Plus, San Diego County has gone from having a vaccine shortage to a vaccine glut, but that might not be good news. Also, last month, San Diego County's District Attorney’s office put an end to gang injunctions, but healing from the damage done to neighborhoods will be a long process. Then, so much of American identity is rooted in traditions passed down from one generation to another and is a major theme of a children’s book exploring how traditions fit into the modern way of life and what it means to truly embrace one’s heritage and history. And, e-sports, competitive video gaming, is gaining popularity on California college campuses and is leading to professional opportunities. Finally, this Friday, the virtual Shorts Fest will highlight the best short films made by local filmmakers during the pandemic for the 48 Hour Film Project.

The FDA has authorized Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old — a move that is seen as getting us closer to returning to normalcy. Plus, what California Attorney General Rob Bonta hopes to accomplish in his new role. Also, COVID-19 testing is supposed to be covered by insurance, but some people are still paying hundreds of dollars for tests. And, some San Diego City Council members are calling for a comprehensive analysis of how the police budget could be changed and funding priorities shifted. In addition, the Port of San Diego is considering a plan that aims to reduce the amount of pollution portside businesses put in the air. Still, the policy, however, isn’t getting a warm reception from community advocates. Finally, as those of Asian heritage are dealing with an increase in outbursts of racism, a new novel explores what it was like for Vietnam War refugees to resettle in the U.S.

It is unclear when San Diego's largest health care provider will gain control over its patient files, medical systems and ability to communicate with its patients. Plus, San Diego County ended a controversial program that allowed county workers to perform unannounced home inspections in an effort to prevent welfare fraud. Also, a look into Project Homekey, the state program that allows cities and counties to purchase buildings and then convert them into long-term homeless housing. In addition, the board of supervisors recently rescinded policies that prevented local tribes from expanding their reservation. And, UC San Diego researchers have spelled out the math that explains how pelicans can fly for miles along the coast while barely flapping their wings. Then, last year “Mythic Quest” produced a Quarantine Episode that cleverly used Zoom. This year, the AppleTV series returns for a second season. Finally, an excerpt of the latest episode of “The Parker Edison Project” podcast delves into the connection between religion and rap.

San Diego crosses another milestone in its vaccination effort — 3 million COVID-19 vaccination doses administered, but across the state vaccination has slowed. Plus, a historic building in the heart of the Gaslamp District is on the verge of shutting down for good if it doesn’t get financial help. And, a preview of the weekend arts scene includes art made by construction equipment, a virtual baroque concert and more.

Supervisor Nora Vargas discusses the county board’s action to extend the temporary moratorium on evictions in San Diego County. Plus, local climate activists are questioning whether or not the region is doing the work necessary to achieve its climate action goals. Also, a Poway dog attack highlights the importance of leash laws. And, financial activism can be used as a means for economic and racial justice. Finally, as the TCM Classic Film Festival kicks off, we talk to two Oscar winners about their panel on uncovering the secrets of old movie magic.