KPBS Midday Edition

School districts in San Diego are confronting internal problems ranging from race to finances. KPBS education reporter Joe Hong joins us to discuss how Poway Unified is addressing reports of racist incidents and ongoing budget woes at Sweetwater Union High School district. Plus, the San Diego VA is offering conflicting accounts over its decision to take veterans off a drug treatment that they say helped them cope with depression. Also, the Marine Corps banned the confederate flag and top Marine leaders say a conversation about race in the Corps is long overdue.

San Diego is seeking a spike in new coronavirus cases that could be traced to businesses reopening, church resuming services and mass protests. Plus, San Diego’s mayor and police chief announced two new policies that require officers to make de-escalation a priority and to intervene when fellow officers are using excessive force. Also, a San Onofre Task Force recommends creating a federal agency focusing on developing a permanent repository location for disposing of nuclear waste and ensuring its safe removal. In addition, if the military were to rename bases named after Confederate generals, whose names should they bear? And, many San Diego farmers aren’t eligible for COVID-19 relief because they grow flowers and exotic fruits. These growers are making the case they should be. Finally, baseball is returning to Petco Park sans fans, is that a signal that spectator sports are over in San Diego?

Throughout the country, the restriction-weary public is directing its frustrations at public health officials, leading some to resign or retire. In San Diego, Dr. Wilma Wooten was verbally attacked at the county Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday and her home address was given out. Plus, criminal justice reform is now entering the San Diego mayor’s race. Candidates Todd Gloria and Barbara Bry are receiving mixed reviews from advocates. Also, the pandemic could affect the mental health of Latino teens and their political views for decades to come. In addition, Black health care workers are feeling the dual toll of the pandemic and disturbing acts of police brutality. And, it is unknown when the virus first made an appearance in San Diego, which leads some to speculate that they contracted coronavirus before it became widespread, but do they have the antibodies to prove it? Finally, Stephanie Danler’s new memoir about her parents’ struggle with addiction and her own struggle to overcome that legacy.

San Diego is seeing a spike in positive COVID-19 cases in the last two days, but officials say it’s partially because results are coming in batches. There were also 10 coronavirus outbreaks in the county in the past seven days. Plus, another side effect of the pandemic: there has been an increase in reports of human trafficking targeting children who are spending more time online while quarantined. Also, the president of the teachers union and a veteran teacher reflect on San Diego Unified’s plan for reopening next school year. In addition, tonight’s SDMA+ virtual series features Demarre McGill who finds renewed purpose in uplifting emerging black musicians through hundred-year-old works of art. And, Spike Lee is the latest veteran director to helm a film for Netflix. KPBS film reviewer Beth Accomando says it’s a glorious mess that deserves to be seen in theaters.

On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will vote on the creation of a non-law enforcement "Mobile Crisis Response Team" that would respond to nonviolent incidents countywide. The Board will also consider increasing oversight of law enforcement and creating an office of equity and racial justice. Plus, a bill by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, would ask voters to decide whether to reverse the state’s 24-year ban on affirmative action. And, San Diego nurses are not only at the frontline of the COVID crisis, they’re also responding to medical emergencies at protests over racial injustice.

The county hit a trigger with eight outbreaks in seven days, putting a set back on the San Diego’s reopening plan. Plus, the San Diego Zoo begins welcoming the public this weekend. It’s an early sign that the region's slumbering tourist economy is starting to wake up. And, organizers of a Juneteenth celebration in San Diego discuss what this holiday means to them in the wake of widespread protests against racism.

The Supreme Court didn't say Trump can't end DACA, just that his administration went about it the wrong way. We’ll explain the court’s majority opinion. Also, what are the political implications of the DACA ruling for the November election. And, advocacy groups say about 40,000 Daca eligible immigrants live in San Diego County. Today’s decision means they are safe from deportation - for now. We hear the voices of two San Diego DACA recipients.

San Diego Unified has a plan for reopening this fall but it depends on funding from the state and federal government. Plus, Imperial County officials thought the coronavirus would not hit the rural county hard but now it has the highest per capita infection rate in the state. In addition, tear gas has rarely been used against protesters in the U.S. in the past half-century, but that’s changed recently and it could worsen the spread of coronavirus. And, San Diego county officials got another rebuke from the courts this week as an appeals court panel rejected the county's Climate Action Plan. Also, after 30 years, the Betty Broderick murders are in the spotlight again as the case is being re-examined in a new Los Angeles Times podcast.

Bars reopened last weekend and social media postings show some people in the Gaslamp district not wearing facial coverings or following social distancing guidelines. Plus, Councilmember Monica Montgomery is facing a backlash over her vote to increase funding for the San Diego Police Department. Also, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Inovio, claiming the company overstated the viability of its COVID-19 vaccine.The pandemic is hurting the budget of cities across the county, but some cities are faring better than others. And, new UC San Diego research says how we restart the economy will impact climate change more than the temporary reduction of carbon emissions from the pandemic shutdown.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ workers from being fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The decision stems from several cases filed by gay and transgender employees. Plus, San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez is defending her vote to approve the city’s budget, which did not include cuts to police funding. Also, some members of the National Guard could face discipline for refusing to deploy to respond to protests against police brutality and racial injustice. And, a grandfather from San Diego opens up to his granddaughter about his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and reflects on how it compares to today’s protest movement.