Midday Edition

Cutting emissions now and in the near future could still save humanity from climate catastrophe, but it won’t save us from the climate changes we’re already experiencing, according to a new United Nations report. Plus, author Amanda Ripley talks about how certain issues, such as climate change, become politicized and can lead to discussion surrounding those issues becoming toxic. And, owners of sport fishing boats say an effort to improve the state’s air quality could cost them their businesses. Also, Brian Burrows, who grew up in Fallbrook, talks about winning the bronze medal in trap shooting. Finally, an outdoor film series will feature the best screwball comedy sparring matches.

In the first California recall debate this week, four Republican contenders traded few jabs at each other, but concentrated on a litany of complaints against Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Plus, the phenomenon of breakthrough cases is making people concerned about COVID again. And, this weekend in arts, the San Diego Symphony opens the Shell, an interactive photography exhibit opens at SDMA, and Fern Street Circus goes on a neighborhood tour.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are steadily rising, with unvaccinated individuals making up the bulk of those affected. Also, with the Delta variant also infecting children too young to receive the vaccine, we decided to ask experts in infectious disease and public health how they’re keeping their children safe. Plus, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are moving quickly to vaccinate their vulnerable animals against COVID-19. In addition, an animal sanctuary near Alpine is helping push for national legislation to shut down the exotic animal trade. And, the pandemic exposed many inequities and the city of San Diego is working to fix at least one of them — the lack of parks in many underserved areas. Finally, the latest installment of KPBS' Summer Music Series dives into the high energy of folk band Finnegan Blue as the members talk about growing up in a musical family, music inspirations and more.

The city of San Diego is suing the real estate brokerage firm and broker who advised the housing commission in acquiring two hotels to house unsheltered people during the peak of the pandemic. Plus, the economic divide is showing up in vaccination rates across California. Medi-Cal enrollees have been vaccinated at substantially lower rates than the overall population. Also, the Biden administration and DOD have endorsed major changes in how sexual assaults in the military are handled. In addition, scorching heat continues in San Diego’s backcountry, but at the beaches it’s a different story, as ocean temperatures are colder than usual. Then, Sesame Street has tackled difficult issues in a kid-friendly way, now it’s taking on how military families can talk about racism. And, the new Amazon fulfillment center in Otay Mesa is ready to hire 1,500 people, but low wages and a competitive labor market are creating doubt on whether they will find enough workers. Finally, a Cal State San Marcos professor’s new book looks at the Haitian Revolution in film and video games.

San Diego County Looks To Increase Testing Capacity With Rise Of Delta Variant

Description: As demand for COVID-19 testing rises, local health officials and health providers take action. Plus, the San Diego City Council Monday passed an ordinance intended to crack down on firearms without serial numbers, otherwise known as "ghost guns.” Then, the Dark Horse Battalion, based at Camp Pendleton, examines its legacy in Afghanistan. Later, a San Diego sports psychologist weighs in on Simone Biles' mental gymnastics. And, former Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid told KPBS Midday Edition that he was disappointed with a recent Department of Defense report about UFOs.

With 70 percent of eligible San Diego County residents fully vaccinated, the Delta variant continues to spread. Plus, the impending civil sex abuse lawsuit of defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick could lead to more men speaking up about their past sexual trauma. Then, child care centers are trying to figure out how to balance increasing class sizes and flexibility so they can stay in business without making parents uncomfortable. Later, some women say California insurer makes it too difficult to get the proper prescription for postpartum depression. And, the latest episode of KPBS’ Cinema Junkie podcast pays tribute to the men and women who risk their lives as Hollywood stunt performers.

An internal CDC report says Delta variant infections are likely more severe and vaccinated people may spread it just as easily as the unvaccinated. Scripps Research Director Eric Topol weighs in on the report. And, this weekend in the arts: “Twenty Women Artists: NOW” wraps up its exhibition, the 2021 Juried Biennial Exhibition hosts its closing reception, and SD Practice continues at two locations across the county.

The term "Latinx" has been used increasingly in recent years to describe the Latin-American community as a whole within the United States. While these efforts have been applauded by some for the term's intended inclusivity, usage of the word has also been met with strong backlash - with many still unsure exactly what it means and who falls under the identity of "Latinx."

San Diego County officials are now following the lead of the CDC in recommending that all residents, vaccinated or not, wear masks in indoor public spaces. Also, the latest in the 101 Ash Street debacle may lead to the city being evicted from Civic Center Plaza. Plus, North County has a new rehabilitation hospital. Then, a new book showcases the 120 year history of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Finally, we kick off the 2021 KPBS Summer Music Series with Jelani Aryeh whose unique brand of pop music is catching lots of attention.

As vaccine mandates increase, it remains to be seen how successful they will be, and what level of backlash they may provoke. Also, between spiking case rates and a potential return of a mask mandate, some San Diegans are saying they’re experiencing “COVID whiplash.” Plus, a San Diego lawyer said he was discriminated against for “banking while black” when he tried to cash a large settlement check at Bank of America in Pacific Beach. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Jean Guerrero says San Diego-based One American News Network is a hotbed of “white paranoid extremism” and “Trump propaganda.” In addition, as San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer says he did not allow tent encampments and achieved a “double digit” reduction in homelessness, experts say his claims are overstated and incomplete. And, President Joe Biden's decision to end U.S. involvement in Afghanistan has raised questions about the wisdom of leaving and the wisdom of having stayed so long. Finally, The San Diego Writers Festival is wrapping up its virtual event this weekend with Kaitlyn Greenidge, whose second novel “Libertie” is noted as one of the most anticipated novels of the year.