Local hospitals explain why they asked for waivers to expand nurses’ workloads during a COVID-19 surge. Meanwhile, San Diego's spike in hate crimes against Asian Americans mirrors a national trend. Plus, what can be done to close the wage gap in San Diego?

An inewsource-KPBS investigation found that hospitals in San Diego County and around the state received waivers around the holidays that allowed nurses to take on an extra load of patients. But many of those facilities failed to show that they exhausted all other alternatives before given the waivers. Meanwhile, there’s new information out about Tuesday’s deadly crash in Imperial County. Also, the latest on the status of this year’s Latino Film Festival.

Imperial County’s farm workers have long struggled with poor housing, low wages and barriers to health care. Major outbreaks of COVID-19 have sickened many in the community while at the same time worsening those living conditions--a story from our partners at inewsource. Plus, A new mission for a new San Diego Zoo. And, new efforts at the border for reuniting families.

Governor Gavin Newsom and State Legislatures have reached a deal on reopening California’s public schools. But some fear the return to in-person learning is coming too late for students who have fallen behind.. Meanwhile, Petco Park’s vaccination super station is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday - but many are worried that their rescheduled appointments for the second dose shot are coming long after the interval recommended by the CDC.

California is spending more than 200 million dollars to restore the Salton Sea. But will it be enough? And what will a restored Salton Sea mean for the Imperial County? Meanwhile, troubles over the weekend for the vaccination efforts in San Diego County. Plus, today PG&E’s rate hikes go into effect across northern and central California.

San Diego City Council President Jen Campbell is facing a swell of opposition from some of her constituents --- due mainly to her position on short-term rentals. But there are also deeper issues at play. Meanwhile, misinformation is spreading about California’s efforts to reform single family zoning laws near some of its biggest cities. Plus, as the county expands eligibility -- will there be enough vaccines?

The San Diego Unified School District has made some progress addressing inequities in education for Black students, but advocates say there’s a lot more that needs to be done. Meanwhile, local democratic representatives are pushing for more sick, family and medical leave for California’s workforce. Plus, playwright Douglas Turner Ward’s life and legacy are celebrated in a new production at Common Ground Theatre.

Slowly but surely, More people are getting vaccinated in San Diego county, despite delays in vaccine shipments.. . Meanwhile, San Diego Unified School District leaders announced a targeted date of April 12 to allow students at all grade levels to return to the classroom. Plus, a youth group is trying to get young black men hiking — and they're getting a huge response.

Gov. Newsom’s plans to reopen schools stalls again in the legislature, as lawmakers propose their own alternative plans. Meanwhile, wounded warrior battalions are discharging veterans for misconduct, even those who are suicidal or suffering from PTSD. Plus, some of Governor Newsom’s biggest campaign donors received no-bid contracts during the state’s pandemic response.

A degree too warm, or a room too bright, all problems that could render a vial of Covid-19 vaccine ineffective at a time when shipment delays and shortages plague the distribution system. Meanwhile, after a suicide death at a COVID-19 isolation hotel last year, San Diego County paid a private company millions of dollars to take over operations. Our partners at Inewsource check out the progress. Plus, student loan forgiveness is a hot political topic these days as the student debt crisis deepens.