KPBS Midday Edition

Among the most consequential races in San Diego this election season is the race for San Diego mayor. Assemblymember Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Barbara Bry are both Democrats but their priorities are different. Plus, the November election is just around the corner, but polling sites will be different this year than in the past. We explain the ins and outs of voting. Also, California’s disastrous wildfire season is now one for the record books. Roughly 4 million acres have burned — the most in one season in modern California history. That is bringing attention to where California is building new homes and the fire safety measures required in that construction. And, a local filmmaker’s short horror comedy is being screened at L.A.’s Screamfest next week.

The 2020 Presidential Election may be unlike any other, but San Diego County Registrar of Voters Michael Vu and his staff seem to have prepared for all contingencies, from balloting to tabulating. Plus, KPBS is examining how data that shows the spread of coronavirus in San Diego County is collected from beginning to end. And infuse your weekend with some voting-themed art in San Diego this weekend in between checking the news.

Gov. Newsom signed a law setting a nine-member task force to come up with a plan for how the state could give reparations to Black Americans. Plus, the county is working on a Climate Action Plan that can satisfy the state and couts. Also, a 102-year-old San Diego law banning seditious language is no more. It has been disproportionately used in recent years to punish Black San Diegans. And, we break down both sides of the issue on Proposition 16, which is seeking to bring back affirmative action in California. Finally, a preview of the Italian Film Festival.

The San Diego Police Chief promises a full investigation of an officer's social media post about a fatal police shooting. Plus, President Trump ran roughshod over debate moderator Chris Wallace and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden — and crossed many lines in the process. And our partners at inewsource have created a guide on the major changes happening this upcoming election. Also, California kids can now use outdoor playgrounds after being closed for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the newest episode of Rad Scientist focuses on scientist Kaylee Arnold who studies an insect called kissing bugs.

The first presidential debate is high stakes. Here are six questions ahead of the debate, to be moderated by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace beginning at 6 p.m. Plus, SUVs have been the largest cause of the increase in worldwide carbon emissions over the last decade. And COVID-19 continues to spread through our region, and contact tracers are only contacting on average 2.2 people for each person who tests positive. Also, Kelvin Barrios, former aide to City Council President Georgette Gómez is ending his campaign for her seat. Plus, San Diego's Historic Resources Board voted Thursday to designate the vacant Mission Hills Branch Library as a historic resource, likely derailing plans to redevelop the site into housing for the formerly homeless. Finally, G.I. Film Festival launches its Virtual Film Showcase this Thursday and Friday featuring six documentaries about military experiences.

Santa Ana winds are again bringing increased fire threat in an already tough fire season. Plus, some good news amid the bleak climate change forecast — restoring the climate could cost less than fighting COVID-19. Also, the silver lining for many bicyclists during the pandemic is that there are fewer accidents, but advocates want a new public policy to ensure the trend continues post coronavirus. And, the global health crisis has dramatically changed the sports world. How professional teams are handling the crisis. Finally, a Grammy-winning producer is turning the mic on his own family, making an album with his sister who has Down syndrome, and her companions with developmental disabilities at an adult care facility in Contra Costa County.

San Diego activists argue the database, known as CalGang, includes many people who are not actually gang members and unfairly targets people of color who live in lower-income communities. Plus, ROTC training has been mostly online but some cadets have resumed limited in-person training. And, our arts and culture picks for the weekend.

Shortly after a grand jury declined to indict any of the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s killing, people took to the streets in San Diego to demand justice for her. Plus, California will ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a move that Gov. Gavin Newsom says will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35%. Also, misinformations are swirling around social media on how the wildfires on the West Coast started and whether climate change played a role. PolitiFact California fact checks the claims. And, a mom of two autistic sons never expected to become a special education teacher. Her son’s early experiences plus the pandemic put her on a new path. In addition, an urban farm in City Heights is becoming anchor for the community during the pandemic, letting people pay what they can for fresh food. And on this weeks’ episode of Rad Scientist, an engineer who wants to understand how the brain helps us vocalize with the hopes of restoring speech for those who have lost the ability. Finally, Nan Sterman gives us a sneak peek of the latest season of “A Growing Passion.”

It was a welcomed surprise for many businesses in San Diego, the county remains in the red tier Tuesday under the state’s color-coded four-tier reopening plan. It was in danger of slipping into the state’s most restrictive tier. Plus, a local scientist says despite the CDC’s retracted guidance, there is evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air. Also, the coronavirus has slowed the wheels of justice, but starting next month jury trials are scheduled to begin again with safety measures in place. And, in response to Vanessa Guillen’s death, a newly introduced bill makes sexual harassment a crime under military law. Finally, a preview of this year’s One Book, One San Diego.

For many parents of young children, the pandemic has made childcare the most challenging issue of their lives. For some who have kept their kids home, caregiving has affected their ability to work. For others who don’t have the option to work at home the health risk posed by sending their child to day care has to be weighed against loss of income. And, the childcare centers and the people who operate them have lost income and are struggling to stay open. KPBS Investigative reporter Claire Trageser has been focusing on this issue and brings us this special program, “COVID-19 And The Childcare Crisis.”