Midday Edition

With coronavirus cases surging statewide and hospital beds expected to fill rapidly, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday a more sweeping stay-at-home order could soon be imposed. Plus, San Diego researchers and environmentalists are taking a close look at a pocket habitat that may become an important tool as the climate changes. And in this episode of Rad Scientist, we hear the story of UC San Diego professor Gentry Patrick, who cleared the path from the inner city to academia.

San Diego County COVID-19 infections continue to rise, reaching a total of 80,084 cases. Plus, Pfizer has already requested emergency-use authorization, and if granted could ship its vaccines as early as Dec. 12. How will San Diego County prioritize COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Next, California’s crackdown on unemployment claims are leaving immigrant communities suffering. Additionally, the public is given the first chance to weigh in on San Diego’s new Commission on Police Practices. Finally on our Port of Entry Podcast, Afro-Mexican researcher Jorge Gonzalez takes listeners through the history of Latin music and its influences in West Africa.

Shopping online is easier than ever and with the pandemic, more Americans are shopping at home. That’s also creating a perfect haven on online scammers. Plus, on this season of giving thanks, our film critics have some movies to be thankful for.

With record numbers of new coronavirus cases reported daily, concerns are growing about a rise in hospitalizations in San Diego and across California. Plus, the holidays can exacerbate stress triggers, so it’s important to take care of your mental health as well. Finally, a Thanksgiving tradition, Chef Bernard Guillas answers your cooking questions for the big turkey meal tomorrow.

A San Diego judge has denied a request by a group of businesses to be allowed to continue indoor operations, despite record numbers of coronavirus cases. Plus, the South Bay has been hit the hardest by coronavirus cases and those communities are also dealing with an economic crisis. Also, North County Transit is looking at a plan to extend the Coaster line to downtown San Diego, giving residents a chance to attend Padres games or Comic-Con by train. And, home prices in San Diego County have defied expectations during the pandemic, but recent figures suggest prices are stalling. Finally, a new project in East Los Angeles is looking to archive a local neighborhood’s soundscape and what it means.

As a vaccine for COVID-19 nears, memories of past injustices and present-day inequities in medical treatment, many in communities of color remain wary. Plus, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the city of San Diego’s budget and as a result Mayor-elect Todd Gloria’s budget priorities. And, even as President Trump’s time in the White House comes to an end, many families remained fractured over his policies. Also, a consortium of more than 100 San Diego organizations is rethinking its approach to hunger and food insecurity and wants your input by Thanksgiving. Finally, the mayors of nine San Diego cities collaborated on a children’s book to raise funds for domestic abuse shelters around the county.

California imposes a new nighttime curfew in lieu of soaring coronavirus figures, but some counties say they won’t enforce it. Plus, more than two weeks after Election Day, two California districts remain uncalled. Next, our weekend picks for the arts include emerging Black playwrights and San Diego Symphony’s innovative new performance.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop expelling immigrant children who cross the southern border alone, halting a policy that has resulted in thousands of rapid deportations of minors during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, San Diego County is working on another climate action plan hoping it can come up with one that stands up to legal scrutiny. And, the effects of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector in San Diego has been staggering.

With cooler weather and holidays approaching, hospitals are bracing for a surge in COVID-19 cases that could exhaust medical staff and resources. Plus, hate crimes across the U.S. have risen to the highest level in more than a decade. And, the San Diego VA is making access to mental health care harder for local veterans, outraging therapists who say the agency’s actions are dangerous and irresponsible. Also, students at public colleges and universities in California continue their fight to diversify their campuses despite the failure of Proposition 16. In addition, airlines are hoping new safety protocols they’re adopting, including COVID-19 testings, will bring back flyers. Finally, the Old Globe Theatre is transforming the stage production "Dr Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" into a made-for-radio musical.

Some San Diego businesses are calling foul on be placed back on restrictions following a surge of the coronavirus in the region. They are vowing to defy closure orders. Plus, news of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy gives hopes of things returning to normal. Also, meet Nora Vargas, a Democrat who will be presententing San Diego County Supervisor District 1 — the first time in 25 years the seat is not held by a Republican. And, nearly 20 years later, how 2-year-old Jahi Turner died was never fully solved. Finally, how you can help local restaurants during Thanksgiving while staying safe inside.