When will there be an update to get rid of the News sidebar on iPad. My wife refuses to use it until fixed.

No one here would know that. This is a user to user support forum and Apple does not participate here. You would have to watch for an announcement from Apple about any change. Your wife can provide feedback to Apple here, https://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

It is been fixed in the current iOS 12.1.1 betas, but I have heard that Apple is fixing other issues, also, for the final, “official” release of iOS 12.1.1.

There is no way to know when Apple will finally “officially” release iOS 12.1.1.

We will all just have to be patient and wait.

Good Luck to You!