Midday Edition

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising dramatically across the nation. How deadly will this surge be? And what can we do to protect ourselves and our loved ones over the holidays? Next, when you think of San Diego’s Mira Mesa neighborhood you might think of car-dependent strip malls and vast open spaces. But a recently approved blueprint could bring big changes to the neighborhood. Then, as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to rage, we bring you the story of a North County family torn apart by the war and U.S. immigration policy. Then, most commercial and residential property owners in North Park belong to a business district that pays for upkeep of the high-traffic neighborhood. Starting next month, they will pay an extra tax to pay for landscaping, sanitation cleanup, and hiring private security. Next, at this point, it’s not clear if Elon Musk’s $44 billion Twitter purchase will be able to make a go of it in the long run. But the buy-out has gotten a lot of people thinking about whether the world’s social media platforms should remain in the hands of just a few billionaires. Finally, Warwick’s head book buyer of 34 years shares some thoughts on the industry.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is in Washington DC today , speaking at the National Housing conference and meeting with the head of Homeland Security. He’ll also have meetings about his new executive order to crack down on fentanyl use. Then, the San Diego City Council bids farewell to its sole Republican representative - Chris Cate. Then, at the Salk Institute, there is one researcher who is able to see himself in the genetic science he does. Plus, LGBTQ+ activist Nicole Murrary Ramirez was recognized by the City of San Diego, last Saturday, with a portion of Harvey Milk Street in Hillcrest designated as “Honorary Nicole Murray Ramirez Way.” And, a new mystery novel, "A History of Fear," tells the story of a convicted murderer - a young postgrad in Scotland who claims he worked at the behest of the devil. Finally, motion capture artist Jay Huerto shares the latest of some of his big name projects.

The San Diego Unified School District has been hit by a cybersecurity threat. Also, city officials face a dilemma on how city towing policies should handle people living in vehicles. Next, Chula Vista representatives claim a new policy bans the sale of data picked up by police surveillance tools. But privacy advocates warn most personal information could still lawfully be sold. And, the authors of a new book talk about running and their book “Born To Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide.” Finally, Charles Ludlum’s 1984 play “The Mystery of Irma Vep” serves up ridiculous fun for the holidays at Diversionary Theatre.

This week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order responding to the fentanyl crisis in San Diego. It directs the San Diego police department to focus more of its efforts on disrupting sales of the drug. Later, Santa takes on a group of mercenaries who hold a family captive on Christmas Eve in the new R-rated action comedy film Violent Night. David Harbour plays the put upon St. Nick who serves up a different kind of holiday cheer. And finally, For our weekend arts preview, we have the Broadway production of "To Kill a Mockingbird," a young violin sensation returns to his hometown and some visual art.

It’s the third week of the academic workers strike at UC San Diego, and students are feeling it. Then, the eruption of Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano has shut down a research project that’s measured carbon dioxide in the air since 1958. And, earlier this year San Diego passed a new law that would tighten regulations on street vendors throughout the city. Enforcement of these new rules, however, hasn’t been consistent. Next, a new book by a local scholar on China looks at what changes in that country mean for the rest of the world. And, the U.S. Department of Education is asking local school systems to better meet the needs of military children with disabilities. Finally, pandemic grief inspires new composition premiering at the La Jolla Symphony this weekend.

Concerns about the condition of the Lake Hodges dam prompted officials to release water from the lake this week. Water is flowing into the San Dieguito river to bring the lake’s level down to 275 feet. Then, the U.S. Men’s national soccer team reached the final round of 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 win against Iran on Tuesday. San Diego Wave FC’s President Jill Ellis, reflects on the game and the next matchup against the Netherlands on Saturday. Later, Mexico has deployed hundreds of National Guard troops in Tijuana to combat violent crime, but data shows that crime hasn’t decreased. Next, we travel to the Gulf of California where Mangrove trees that live in saltwater estuaries are disappearing. In response, an Indigenous conservation group is working to protect them. Plus, the Nazis murdered millions of Jewish people in death camps during World War II. And, in many cases, those people arrived at their final and tragic destination by train. A new book by a local author looks at the various roles the French National Railway played in the Holocaust: perpetrator, victim and hero. Finally, Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is touring in support of his newest album, which pairs him with some of the biggest names in pop, reggae and country music.

The U.S. Supreme Court today heard a case that could upend immigration enforcement for the Biden administration. Then, concerns have long been growing that a tripledemic of COVID, RSV and flu cases could have a major impact on health systems around the nation. Next, a new lineup of county leaders at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) may make a new vision for San Diego transit harder to achieve. And, a new study from the UC San Diego Rady School of Management found when it comes to politics, Americans would rather hurt the cause they believe in than support the one they don’t. Next, after wildfire season ends in the Western U.S., those who lost their homes begin sifting through what's left to recover as much as they can. And, for something completely different, the art of clowning isn’t what it used to be. Students of all ages are now pursuing a form of comedy that left the circus behind. FInally, from our archive, San Diego author Tracy Badua's talks about her middle-grade novel "Freddie vs. the Family Curse." The book tells the story of a seventh-grader who is resigned to a life of bad luck until a rediscovered family heirloom gives him a little hope.

Cyber Monday spending is expected to break records with a projected $11 billion in sales. Next, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, health officials are monitoring how holiday get-togethers impact flu and other respiratory cases across the county. And, UC San Diego climate scientists will share their thoughts on the latest UN climate conference later this week. Then, a changing climate is threatening the beloved Joshua trees in the Mohave Desert. But for years, California officials have struggled to decide whether to list the western Joshua tree as an endangered species. Next, a look at the role prefabricated housing could play in the rental prices. Finally, from our archive, an interview with border artists the de la Torre Brothers whose work is on exhibit at The Cheech through Jan. 22.

Native American Heritage Day has been officially celebrated for the last 14 years on the day after Thanksgiving. The long-overdue civic holiday is aimed at celebrating and teaching Native American history and culture. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom says California has recovered all of the jobs lost during the pandemic. But with the holiday season upon us, border communities continue to suffer. Finally, we may be aware of December Nights and “The Grinch,” but there are countless events and performances in the region to help us ring in the winter holidays.

How to enjoy this inflation Thanksgiving, without busting your budget. Chef Brad Wise talks turkey, side dishes and gives some Thanksgiving meal budgeting tips. Then, what are some of the biggest fallacies about Thanksgiving? We explore the true history of Thanksgiving with a scholar of American Indian studies. Next, from a simple thank you to writing a list of the things you are grateful for, gratitude is powerful and uplifting to our wellbeing. And, we’ll hear what you, our listeners, are thankful for this year. Finally, the holiday traditions from some of the people here at KPBS.