Midday Edition

The CDC’s announcement on masking Thursday was met with much enthusiasm, until people realized it was not clear when and how it applied. Plus, the year of distance learning has been tough on all students. Though academic loss might be front-of-mind for parents and teachers, experts say test scores are only part of the picture. And, coming up this weekend: a new exhibition at the Athenaeum, a virtual ballet and an arts-themed vendor fair.

The CDC issued new guidance that says fully vaccinated people can ditch masks indoors, in all but the most crowded settings. This follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the state’s mask mandate would end on June 15 though there will still be some rules about masks indoors. Plus, a massive affordable-housing apartment complex sale is prompting concern that the properties won’t remain affordable. And, Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla has been in business for 125 years, but after the building it’s located in was sold, its future was uncertain until the community stepped in. Finally, discover new music for May from San Diego acts.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing $12 billion in new funding to get more people experiencing homelessness into housing. Plus, San Diego County has gone from having a vaccine shortage to a vaccine glut, but that might not be good news. Also, last month, San Diego County's District Attorney’s office put an end to gang injunctions, but healing from the damage done to neighborhoods will be a long process. Then, so much of American identity is rooted in traditions passed down from one generation to another and is a major theme of a children’s book exploring how traditions fit into the modern way of life and what it means to truly embrace one’s heritage and history. And, e-sports, competitive video gaming, is gaining popularity on California college campuses and is leading to professional opportunities. Finally, this Friday, the virtual Shorts Fest will highlight the best short films made by local filmmakers during the pandemic for the 48 Hour Film Project.

The FDA has authorized Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old — a move that is seen as getting us closer to returning to normalcy. Plus, what California Attorney General Rob Bonta hopes to accomplish in his new role. Also, COVID-19 testing is supposed to be covered by insurance, but some people are still paying hundreds of dollars for tests. And, some San Diego City Council members are calling for a comprehensive analysis of how the police budget could be changed and funding priorities shifted. In addition, the Port of San Diego is considering a plan that aims to reduce the amount of pollution portside businesses put in the air. Still, the policy, however, isn’t getting a warm reception from community advocates. Finally, as those of Asian heritage are dealing with an increase in outbursts of racism, a new novel explores what it was like for Vietnam War refugees to resettle in the U.S.

It is unclear when San Diego's largest health care provider will gain control over its patient files, medical systems and ability to communicate with its patients. Plus, San Diego County ended a controversial program that allowed county workers to perform unannounced home inspections in an effort to prevent welfare fraud. Also, a look into Project Homekey, the state program that allows cities and counties to purchase buildings and then convert them into long-term homeless housing. In addition, the board of supervisors recently rescinded policies that prevented local tribes from expanding their reservation. And, UC San Diego researchers have spelled out the math that explains how pelicans can fly for miles along the coast while barely flapping their wings. Then, last year “Mythic Quest” produced a Quarantine Episode that cleverly used Zoom. This year, the AppleTV series returns for a second season. Finally, an excerpt of the latest episode of “The Parker Edison Project” podcast delves into the connection between religion and rap.

San Diego crosses another milestone in its vaccination effort — 3 million COVID-19 vaccination doses administered, but across the state vaccination has slowed. Plus, a historic building in the heart of the Gaslamp District is on the verge of shutting down for good if it doesn’t get financial help. And, a preview of the weekend arts scene includes art made by construction equipment, a virtual baroque concert and more.

Supervisor Nora Vargas discusses the county board’s action to extend the temporary moratorium on evictions in San Diego County. Plus, local climate activists are questioning whether or not the region is doing the work necessary to achieve its climate action goals. Also, a Poway dog attack highlights the importance of leash laws. And, financial activism can be used as a means for economic and racial justice. Finally, as the TCM Classic Film Festival kicks off, we talk to two Oscar winners about their panel on uncovering the secrets of old movie magic.

A case of the coronavirus variant that led to a major outbreak in India has been detected in San Diego. Plus, a growing group of vaccine skeptics, appear to be changing their minds and getting the shot. Also, President Biden announced his administration would raise the nation’s refugee cap to 62,500 individuals after facing a blowback for his delay in lifting Trump’s 15,000 limit. And, as the first class of female Marines is set to graduate boot camp, they and their instructors say the time has come for continued co-ed training on the West Coast. In addition, we talk to one of the three educators within San Diego Unified who were honored for their excellence in teaching throughout a year of unprecedented change. Finally, it’s tough for kids with learning disabilities to get the help they need at school, and that the pandemic has made things even harder for them.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12 to 15 by next week, setting up shots for many before the beginning of the next school year. Plus, a cyber attack that shut down Scripps Health's systems over the weekend is still causing problems. Also, the Biden administration is starting to reunite families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Trump administration. In addition, the Pentagon is trying to make some of the nation's most crucial military bases less vulnerable to the effects of climate change. And, the Southern Fire is now 65% contained and evacuated people were able to return home; but when the fire started on Saturday, it took off with frightening speed, doubling in size overnight. Then, NASA scientists got their first glimpse of a neutron star, a class of stars that's on the verge of collapsing into a black hole. Finally, California's underwater kelp forests are in trouble, but in the Monterey Peninsula, there's a kelp forest guardian — sea otters.

Authorities are investigating a suspected human-smuggling operation involving a 40-foot cabin cruiser that overturned in coastal waters near Point Loma, killing four people and injuring more than two dozen. Plus, even as San Diego County COVID-19 vaccination crosses the 50% mark, public health officials are seeing a slow down in people getting vaccinated and that has them concerned. Also, in the Central Valley some people are hesitant about getting the vaccine and some of their reasons have nothing to do with the vaccine itself. And, part of the federal government’s response to the pandemic for businesses was a massive cash infusion called the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, but there was a vast disparity on how the money was distributed, often favoring businesses in wealthy, white areas. In addition, a wind farm project on the Campo Indian Reservation that would provide clean energy for 70,000 homes is in jeopardy because neighbors have sued to stop it from happening. And, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando has a preview of the second home edition of TCM Classic Film Festival that’s starting this Thursday.