Midday Edition

COVID-19 forced deep cuts in polling places and it’s hitting some neighborhoods harder than others, an inewsource analysis found. Plus, a look at the state propositions on the ballot this election. Also, climate change was a key talking point for national politics then the pandemic hit. And, a look at the local measures on the ballot for the city of San Diego. Finally, Día De Los Muertos ofendas honor the victims of COVID-19, which hit the Latino community harder than most others.

Nearly half of San Diego county residents support reallocating some law enforcement funding toward social services. Plus, a break down of Proposition 20, which would roll back some of the criminal justice reforms California has passed in recent years. And, a preview of some of the creepiest (in a good way) events this Halloween weekend.

SDPD waited over a week to release body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting. Also, a new poll shows the 50th Congressional District has a wider gap between the candidates than previously thought. Next, who and what is on the ballot for East County residents. Plus, the rundown on Prop. 18. Additionally, a look at how wildfire can damage drinking water. And, veterans traditionally vote Republican, but polls show their support for Trump are dwindling. Finally, an avant-garde show swaps out King George III with Donald Trump.

With COVID-19 infections occurring among students in school districts that have reopened in-person learning, San Diego Unified officials say they won’t consider expanding the district’s limited in-person learning until at least January. Plus, some of the biggest political players in town are pouring money into some of the most contentious local races this election. Also, a round up of some of the biggest political races in the South Bay. In addition, with revenue dropping by nearly 90% because of the pandemic, the Del Mar Fairground is struggling to survive and had to reduce its staff by nearly 60%. Also, San Diego researchers, using weather balloons, are getting a better understanding of the storm systems that bring the region most of its rain. And, the effects of wildfires don’t end when the fire’s out, some homeowners living nearby are also facing increased threats of flooding. Finally, meet Austin Coley, a neuroscientist researching mental illness who was once told he was not “Ph.D. worthy” in an excerpt from the Rad Scientist podcast.

More than one-third of the county’s 1.95 million voters have already cast their ballots, almost doubling the number of people who voted by this time in the 2016 election. Plus, with Rep. Susan Davis retiring, the 53rd Congressional District race has opened up to a new generation — Democrats Georgette Gómez and Sara Jacobs. Also, the election next week will determine, among other things, the political majority of the county board of supervisors and what growth and development will look like in the North County. In addition, a first-generation college student is preparing to vote in her first election. As a Mexican-American, she's thinking a lot about how migrants have been treated along the border over the past four years. And, the coastal 78th Assembly District includes some of San Diego's most popular sites from Del Mar Fairgrounds and La Jolla Shores to Balboa Park and Imperial Beach, but the race between two Democrats isn't earning widespread attention. Finally, in a rematch of the March primary, voters in the 77th District will decide whether to keep Democratic Assemblyman Brian Maienschein or replace him with Republican employment lawyer June Yang Cutter.

San Diego Supervisor District 2 candidates Steve Vaus and Joel Anderson offer their stances on the issues as they vie to represent the East County. Plus, two teenage sisters are shedding light on what it means to be Black in the Poway Unified School District and they’re making a big impact. Also, for decades clinical trials have mostly recruited white men. A federal 10-year study called “All of Us” is trying to change that but some researchers believe the program may not actually benefit everyone. In addition, Phillip Halpern, a retiring federal prosecutor, has some choice words for Attorney General William Barr. And, the 1988 fires that scorched Yellowstone National Park captivated the nation and marked a new chapter of massive wildfires in the West. Finally, California theme parks could lose billions of dollars as the state’s coronavirus restrictions threaten to keep parks closed for the holiday season.

A federal judge wants the DOJ to participate more in reuniting separated families at the border. Next, President Donald Trump is losing support among suburban women. Plus, people on both sides of the US-Mexico border tell us how they’re voting in this upcoming election. Finally, how Measure E could impact San Diego’s climate plan and the Board of Supervisors.

Two San Diego physicians are among the 11 member panel which will determine the safety of and how a COVID-19 vaccine is distributed in California. It will take place, Governor Gavin Newsom said, at the “speed of trust.” Next, San Diego is a leader among large cities tackling climate change. Then, if voters pass Measure E it could be the biggest change to San Diego’s coastline height limit since 1972. Also, two lawyers with different stances on city issues vie for District 5’s council seat, additionally, military personnel votes may be more influential this year. Finally, a history professor revisits the rise of facism in the 1930s and reflects on what it could mean today.

Far more people have died during the pandemic than previously known. inewsource uncovers new details about the death toll in San Diego County. Plus, Measure B asks for a Commission on Police Practices that would have the power to subpoena and conduct investigations into police officer misconduct. And Measures C and D focus on school board elections and accountability. Plus, San Diego City Council District 1 candidates agree on what to do about issues like homelessness but disagree on short-term rentals. And some parents are able to form learning pods and hire tutors to help their kindergarteners with online learning, while others cope with far fewer resources. Finally on the Rad Scientist podcast, we meet Dr. Chandler Puritty and learn lessons on environmental science and the complex relationship of Blackness in STEM.

New reporting suggests San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer had a more direct role in the Ash Street lease negotiations than previously known. Plus, Measure A on San Diego's ballot this election would raise 900 million dollars for affordable housing. We take deep dive into what the bill proposes and the pros and cons. Next, Prop. 14 asks voters to issue more bond money to further stem cell research, supporters want to continue the research but critics say the science didn’t do enough the first time. In addition, a look at the San Diego City Council District 7 race. Also, six candidates are vying for seats on the San Diego Unified School Board, meet them and hear their priorities. Finally, the San Diego Asian Film Festival goes virtual.