Fifth & Mission

California has sent thousands of its most vulnerable children to out-of-state facilities run by a for-profit company, despite laws meant to stop that practice. And often, allegations of rampant abuse and mistreatment have followed. Now, in response to a Chronicle investigation with the Imprint, the state is bringing every child home. Reporters Joaquin Palomino, Sara Tiano and Cynthia Dizikes talk about the story. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As California endures its worst wave yet of the pandemic, reporter Kurtis Alexander finds that residents and business owners in some places are defying new shutdown orders designed to preserve hospital beds and save lives. Also: Robot cars with no driver at all have finally arrived in San Francisco, which isn't exactly known for its easy streets. Reporter Carolyn Said has the details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As cases, deaths and hospitalizations surge, California medical experts warn that hospital beds will soon run out. Chronicle reporter Aidin Vaziri lays out our scary next few weeks. Plus, education reporter Jill Tucker shares good news: reopened schools aren't causing coronavirus transmission. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-Elect Joe Biden's pick for a big cabinet job — Health and Human Services secretary — is California’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra. That means the stakes are high for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who soon may need to appoint successors for both Becerra and Sen. Kamala Harris. Guest Joe Garofoli breaks down Biden's move and who's now jockeying to replace Becerra. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nine months into the pandemic, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are surging. So five Bay Area counties have ordered the most strict rules since March, including a ban on outdoor dining. Erin Allday and Justin Phillips break down the impact on people and businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces new restrictions for regions where fewer than 15% of ICU beds are available — which isn't the Bay Area yet, but could be soon. Capital reporter Alexei Koseff and food writer Janelle Bitker join Heather Knight to talk about what to expect. | Full COVID-19 coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirusNew podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hospitals say they're mostly ready for the onslaught of COVID-19 patients expected to fill their beds in the coming weeks, but political leaders are warning they could reach capacity by Christmas. Reporter Nanette Asimov talked to hospital administrators and healthcare workers about their plans — and their worries. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podNew podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Newsom wasn't the only elected official who lived it up at the opulent restaurant as he asked the public to limit movement amid the coronavirus pandemic. As Heather Knight first reported, San Francisco Mayor London Breed attended a birthday party at the Napa eatery one night after Newsom did. Why was the reaction so explosive? Why does it matter? Knight and Joe Garofoli on practicing what you preach, even when the food is three stars. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emergency Dr. Taylor Nichols saw the swastika tattoo on the chest of a patient and paused. Reporter Jill Tucker says that hesitation, a product of pandemic fatigue, made him question his own compassion. Plus: Erin Allday has a grim update on on the recent surge of the virus, which could leave hospitals without beds and prompt Gov. Gavin Newsom to tighten the rules again. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podNew podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coronavirus hospitalizations in the Bay Area were rising even before Thanksgiving. The beginning of the holiday season has health officials bracing for the worst surge yet. Erin Allday explains why, and talks about the extreme stress health care workers are under, and what the Biden administration will have to do in January. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podNew podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices