KPBS Midday Edition

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop expelling immigrant children who cross the southern border alone, halting a policy that has resulted in thousands of rapid deportations of minors during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, San Diego County is working on another climate action plan hoping it can come up with one that stands up to legal scrutiny. And, the effects of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector in San Diego has been staggering.

With cooler weather and holidays approaching, hospitals are bracing for a surge in COVID-19 cases that could exhaust medical staff and resources. Plus, hate crimes across the U.S. have risen to the highest level in more than a decade. And, the San Diego VA is making access to mental health care harder for local veterans, outraging therapists who say the agency’s actions are dangerous and irresponsible. Also, students at public colleges and universities in California continue their fight to diversify their campuses despite the failure of Proposition 16. In addition, airlines are hoping new safety protocols they’re adopting, including COVID-19 testings, will bring back flyers. Finally, the Old Globe Theatre is transforming the stage production "Dr Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" into a made-for-radio musical.

Some San Diego businesses are calling foul on be placed back on restrictions following a surge of the coronavirus in the region. They are vowing to defy closure orders. Plus, news of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy gives hopes of things returning to normal. Also, meet Nora Vargas, a Democrat who will be presententing San Diego County Supervisor District 1 — the first time in 25 years the seat is not held by a Republican. And, nearly 20 years later, how 2-year-old Jahi Turner died was never fully solved. Finally, how you can help local restaurants during Thanksgiving while staying safe inside.

San Diego County health officials reported a record number of 1,087 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, the highest one day total yet. Plus, the Port of San Diego has been working on an update to its master plan, which will set the vision for future development on San Diego’s waterfront. Also, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit President Donald Trump’s border wall construction and all of the lawsuits that come with it. In addition, Biden has pledged that on his first day in office he will end Trump’s “travel ban,” which bars entry for most nationals from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iran. And, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is planning to deploy 500 new robotic floats to study what’s going on underneath the waves as the planet warms. Then, if you’re cooking a Thanksgiving meal for the first time because of the pandemic, we have some tips for you. Finally, if you ask people in the city of Mexicali, Mexico, about their most notable regional cuisine, they won’t say street tacos or mole. They’ll say Chinese food.

Leading by example, National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis participated in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial conducted by UC San Diego. Plus, while San Diego is falling back into the purple tier, the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening guidelines, the Bay Area is able to move to the less restrictive tier. And, here’s a guide for your socially distanced weekend fun.

California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state’s 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy. Plus, two new ordinances passed by the San Diego City Council will give the public more say over how surveillance technology, such as cameras and smart street lights, are used. Also, now that San Diego has sunk back into the purple tier, what does it mean for businesses and could it have been prevented? In addition, voters passed Measure B, which will establish an independent commission to oversee the San Diego Police Department. But there are still many details to be worked out regarding how the commission will operate. And, San Diego City College and the San Diego Housing Commission collaborated to create a class that will train people who are interested in working with the homeless. Finally, the rich sounds of the ocean right off San Diego’s coast in this replay of “Rad Scientist” episode.

The news that San Diego County is back in the purple tier of COVID-19 precautions affects every household in the region. What we can do to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed here like is happening in other parts of the country. Plus, San Diego's Mayor-Elect Todd Gloria joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss his plans for the city, he will be sworn in on December 10. And this Veterans Day, African-American veteran Luther Hendricks recalls fighting WWII in the Pacific — and racism at home. Then, the transportation department at Poway Unified has taken cleanliness to a new level as it promises students safe rides to and from school. Plus, a multi-billion dollar energy franchise deal for San Diego could be delayed another year. Finally, in a new episode of KPBS' cross-border podcast "Port of Entry," people who’ve left the U.S. to find some refuge from racism south of the border share their stories.

San Diego county falls back into the most restrictive “purple tier” impacting some indoor businesses. Also, reaction to news that Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is over 90% effective. And, we talk to Oceanside’s Mayor-Elect Esther Sanchez, the city’s first Latina mayor and the first woman to lead the city. Then, how a majority vote may not be enough to overturn Midway’s 30-foot height limit. Additionally, The Poet’s Tree at the Old Globe takes a modern spin on poetry workshops. Finally, a San Diego author takes you on a journey from the Mexican border to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Todd Gloria will be the next mayor of San Diego, City Councilmember Barbara Bry conceded the race. Next, Governor Newsom will decide who will replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate. Also, how Harris’ political rise will change presidential politics forever. Additionally, how one of Arizona’s largest wildfires has affected forest management. Finally, following Vanessa Guillen’s murder, the Army launched an independent investigation into the climate of Fort Hood, but critics say the problems are systemic.

Biden takes the lead in key battleground states. But with the country clearly divided, what’s needed to move the nation toward a more civil discourse? Plus, Faulconer pushes for one final affordable housing plan. Next, our top picks for art events this weekend. Finally, discussing San Diego’s Blue Wave on our Roundtable podcast.