KPBS Midday Edition

As more battleground states are called for former Vice President Joe Biden, the path to the White House narrows for President Donald Trump. Also, San Diego takes one step toward the dreaded “purple tier,” the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening plan. Plus, two North County measures meant to create more housing there received different results Tuesday night. In addition, the VA is cautiously reopening its medical clinics, which is happening at a slower pace than many civilian health systems. And, a pilot project to replace police intervention with social workers to help San Diego’s homeless population has been called a success. So, last week, the San Diego city council officially approved the Coordinated Street Outreach Program. Finally, with the election far from being over, there is a list of the 10 best Hollywood films about politics to help you escape the real-life political drama happening now.

Assemblymember Todd Gloria is leading against City Councilmember Barbara Bry in the race for San Diego’s next mayor. Plus, Republican Darrell Issa and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar are neck and neck for the 50th Congressional District seat. And Democrat Terra Lawson-Remer upset Republican incumbent Kristin Gaspar in the District 3 County Board of Supervisors race. Plus, Sara Jacobs has been declared the winner in the race for the 53rd Congressional District. Finally, a roundup of the results of the state propositions.

Tuesday is the last day to vote in person, or drop off or postmark your mail ballot. Plus, the San Diego city Council has put plans in motion to preserve the city’s affordable housing. And in our ongoing series on the region's COVID-19 data, KPBS looks at how hospitals are maintaining staffing during the pandemic. Then, the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology will host an event about the new media ecosystem we are living in and technology designed to assess bias in media news stories. Finally, a marine scientist photographed evidence of what may be 500,000 barrels of DDT waste dumped near Catalina.

COVID-19 forced deep cuts in polling places and it’s hitting some neighborhoods harder than others, an inewsource analysis found. Plus, a look at the state propositions on the ballot this election. Also, climate change was a key talking point for national politics then the pandemic hit. And, a look at the local measures on the ballot for the city of San Diego. Finally, Día De Los Muertos ofendas honor the victims of COVID-19, which hit the Latino community harder than most others.

Nearly half of San Diego county residents support reallocating some law enforcement funding toward social services. Plus, a break down of Proposition 20, which would roll back some of the criminal justice reforms California has passed in recent years. And, a preview of some of the creepiest (in a good way) events this Halloween weekend.

SDPD waited over a week to release body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting. Also, a new poll shows the 50th Congressional District has a wider gap between the candidates than previously thought. Next, who and what is on the ballot for East County residents. Plus, the rundown on Prop. 18. Additionally, a look at how wildfire can damage drinking water. And, veterans traditionally vote Republican, but polls show their support for Trump are dwindling. Finally, an avant-garde show swaps out King George III with Donald Trump.

With COVID-19 infections occurring among students in school districts that have reopened in-person learning, San Diego Unified officials say they won’t consider expanding the district’s limited in-person learning until at least January. Plus, some of the biggest political players in town are pouring money into some of the most contentious local races this election. Also, a round up of some of the biggest political races in the South Bay. In addition, with revenue dropping by nearly 90% because of the pandemic, the Del Mar Fairground is struggling to survive and had to reduce its staff by nearly 60%. Also, San Diego researchers, using weather balloons, are getting a better understanding of the storm systems that bring the region most of its rain. And, the effects of wildfires don’t end when the fire’s out, some homeowners living nearby are also facing increased threats of flooding. Finally, meet Austin Coley, a neuroscientist researching mental illness who was once told he was not “Ph.D. worthy” in an excerpt from the Rad Scientist podcast.

More than one-third of the county’s 1.95 million voters have already cast their ballots, almost doubling the number of people who voted by this time in the 2016 election. Plus, with Rep. Susan Davis retiring, the 53rd Congressional District race has opened up to a new generation — Democrats Georgette Gómez and Sara Jacobs. Also, the election next week will determine, among other things, the political majority of the county board of supervisors and what growth and development will look like in the North County. In addition, a first-generation college student is preparing to vote in her first election. As a Mexican-American, she's thinking a lot about how migrants have been treated along the border over the past four years. And, the coastal 78th Assembly District includes some of San Diego's most popular sites from Del Mar Fairgrounds and La Jolla Shores to Balboa Park and Imperial Beach, but the race between two Democrats isn't earning widespread attention. Finally, in a rematch of the March primary, voters in the 77th District will decide whether to keep Democratic Assemblyman Brian Maienschein or replace him with Republican employment lawyer June Yang Cutter.

San Diego Supervisor District 2 candidates Steve Vaus and Joel Anderson offer their stances on the issues as they vie to represent the East County. Plus, two teenage sisters are shedding light on what it means to be Black in the Poway Unified School District and they’re making a big impact. Also, for decades clinical trials have mostly recruited white men. A federal 10-year study called “All of Us” is trying to change that but some researchers believe the program may not actually benefit everyone. In addition, Phillip Halpern, a retiring federal prosecutor, has some choice words for Attorney General William Barr. And, the 1988 fires that scorched Yellowstone National Park captivated the nation and marked a new chapter of massive wildfires in the West. Finally, California theme parks could lose billions of dollars as the state’s coronavirus restrictions threaten to keep parks closed for the holiday season.

A federal judge wants the DOJ to participate more in reuniting separated families at the border. Next, President Donald Trump is losing support among suburban women. Plus, people on both sides of the US-Mexico border tell us how they’re voting in this upcoming election. Finally, how Measure E could impact San Diego’s climate plan and the Board of Supervisors.