Kpbs Midday Edition

California's Attorney General Xavier Becerra and other attorneys general sent a letter asking the federal government to step in to increase the supply and decrease the cost of the COVID-19 drug remdesivir. Plus, the county is exploring outsourcing health care of jail inmates to private contractors. Also, KPBS partner inewsource is launching a series today called Veterans Voices. It will follow veterans as the San Diego VA removes them from a drug treatment they say has been effective in relieving their depression and suicidal thoughts. And, violence in Mexico hit an all-time high last year and major drug cartels are diversifying into international criminal enterprises — two disturbing findings in a report by University of San Diego. Finally, the San Diego Writers Festival wraps up with a focus on how to get published.