KPBS Midday Edition

Election Day for the 2026 midterms is here. On KPBS Midday Edition, we hear an update from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters on the state of early voting, options for voters who have yet to cast their ballots and more. Then, we talk about the U.S. Supreme Court rejection of a push by the Department of Justice to set aside thousands of California ballots and their efforts to access private voter information, including in San Diego. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a bid by the Department of Justice to set aside thousands of California ballots, and to gain access to private voter information, including in San Diego. Guests: Shawn K. Brom, Registrar of Voters, County of San Diego Jake Kincaid, investigative reporter, inewsource Keep reading: Vote Center Locations — County of San Diego "The Supreme Court rejects a DOJ push to separate California ballots" "San Diego County rejects DOJ request to set aside 1,709 ballots, threatens own legal action" KPBS Voter Hub

The midterm elections are being called the most expensive in U.S. history. KPBS and Voice of San Diego dug into campaign finance filings from different reporting agencies to get a sense of who is spending the most in San Diego County politics. The top spenders are the California Democratic Party, the “Yes on B” campaign, and a super PAC called California Leads. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the reporters behind the campaign finance project to learn more about their findings. Guests: Jake Gotta, Public Matters reporter, KPBS Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego

Here in San Diego, there's no shortage of so-called "haunted sites" — from the Whaley House to the Hotel del Coronado. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with a local paranormal researcher to discuss lesser-known haunted locations in San Diego. Then, Halloween meets the midterm elections in this special edition of Midday Movies. We discuss films that tackle political nightmares and other real world horrors. And finally, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered with some of her top recommendations, from classical music to Día de Muertos commemorations. Guests: Nicole Strickland, founder, The San Diego Paranormal Research Society Beth Accomando, arts reporter, host of "Cinema Junkie" podcast, KPBS Yazdi Pithavala, host of "Moviewallas" podcast Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters is refusing a request from the Department of Justice to hand over private information on 1,709 voters. County officials have threatened their own legal action in response. The DOJ made the demand Friday and also ordered the county to set aside the ballots of those voters until their citizenship status can be verified. The letter threatened "legal consequences" if the demands were not met. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear more about the ongoing dispute between the registrar and the Department of Justice over voter information, and what it means for the 2026 midterm election. Guest: Jake Kincaid, federal impact reporter, inewsource Keep Reading: San Diego County rejects DOJ request to set aside 1,709 ballots, threatens own legal action Trump DOJ threatens San Diego election officials: Set aside ballots or face consequences How the DHS voter-fraud probe reached San Diego’s registrar and got reined in by a judge

Civil rights icon, feminist and labor leader Dolores Huerta passed away Wednesday morning at her home in Bakersfield. She was 96. In the late 1960s, Huerta co-founded the United Farmworkers Union. She led the historic Delano Grape Strike and Boycott, which won higher wages and working conditions for farmworkers. In the decades after, she continued fighting for social justice, civil rights and fair labor practices across the country. As we look back on Huerta's life and legacy, we revisit a May 2024 conversation with her about how she first found her voice as a young activist, and her words for future labor leaders. Guest: Dolores Huerta, labor leader, activist Links: Dolores Huerta Foundation

In the run up to the 2026 midterm election, KPBS Midday Edition has been hosting candidate forums for key races. But we've found that some candidates have declined, or not responded to, our invitations. But we're not alone. An ABC News analysis found that fewer candidates have been participating in debates over the last several elections. On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss some of the potential factors driving that trend. And, what they say about politicians' relationship to the media— and the public. Guests: Carl Luna, professor of political science, San Diego Mesa College Dean Nelson, professor of multimedia journalism, Point Loma Nazarene University

On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot, and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations. National City is among the cities in San Diego County choosing a new mayor in the 2026 midterm election. We hear from two of the mayoral candidates about their thoughts on National City's budget deficit, housing policy, bayfront development and more. Guests: Marcus Bush, National City councilmember, District 4 Jose Rodriguez, National City councilmember, District 2 Links: KPBS Voter Hub Vote center locations- County of San Diego

A new novel for young readers takes its own spin on a classic Shakespearean love story. In the book, "Rowan and Gemma," two neurodivergent tweens meet on the first day of school and quickly become friends. Gemma, who is nonverbal, uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to speak. Rowan and Gemma's connection, however, is threatened by a growing family feud in their small town, forcing them to keep their friendship a secret. We sit down with the author to hear about why "Romeo and Juliet" was the perfect backdrop for her story and how she wanted to convey the power of words. Then, art and noise music collective Stay Strange San Diego is putting on its annual Cemetery Creep bike ride. KPBS' Beth Accomando goes down to Mount Hope Cemetery where the bike ride will make its final stop. And finally, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered with picks ranging from a haunted art exhibit to live music. Guests: Sally J. Pla, children's author,…

On Midday Edition, we are continuing to break down local races and measures on San Diego County voters' ballots. Two of those races include seats for District 5 county supervisor and California State Senate District 40. We hear more about the candidates in those races. Guest: Alexander Nguyen, North County multimedia producer, KPBS Links: KPBS Voter Hub

On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations. One of those races is to represent District 2 on the San Diego City Council. District 2 stretches from Point Loma to Clairemont. We hear from the two candidates about their thoughts on housing, homelessness and the city budget. Guests: Richard Bailey, former Coronado mayor, candidate for San Diego City Council District 2 Nicole Crosby, deputy city attorney, candidate for San Diego City Council District 2

On Midday Edition, we are tackling some of the biggest local races on the ballot and sitting down with candidates for extended conversations. One of those races is to represent District 4 on the San Diego City Council. District 4 encompasses southeastern San Diego and includes the neighborhoods of Encanto, Paradise Hills, Emerald Hills, Chollas View, Mountain View and more. We hear from the two candidates about their thoughts on housing policy, economic disinvestment, infrastructure and what their hopes are for the district. Guests: Martha Abraham, neonatal nurse, community advocate, candidate for San Diego City Council District 4 Henry Foster, incumbent, candidate for San Diego City Council District 4 Links: KPBS Voter Hub

What happens when Native American identity is commodified, and when people claim an ancestry that is not their own? The book "Who Gets to Be Indian?" explores some of those questions by looking into ethnic fraud, tribal disenrollment and cultural appropriation. Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author of "Who Gets to Be Indian?" ahead of a local screening of the film "You're No Indian." The film explores the impact of disenrollment on Indigenous peoples. Guest: Dina Gilio-Whitaker, author, "Who Gets to Be Indian?"

Federal officials announced charges on Monday against 28 people in California who they say illegally registered and voted in federal elections, including four people in San Diego County. The announcement comes days after the Trump administration sued California over claims of noncitizens voting. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear the latest on the federal investigation into California's voting rolls, how rare voter fraud is, and what it all means for the coming election. Guest: Jake Kincaid, investigative reporter, inewsource Keep reading: DOJ’s San Diego County subpoenas: 25 voters, 15 years of records, one request for a ballot Justice Department charges more than 2 dozen in California sweep targeting alleged noncitizen voters Trump administration sues California to block state from counting alleged noncitizen mail-in ballots

Proposition 40 is also known as the billionaire tax. It would establish a one-time, five percent sales tax on California's billionaires, to redirect money towards healthcare funding. Proposition 40 has divided California voters and Democratic leaders. There are also two countermeasures on the ballot — Proposition 41 and 42 — which would cancel out Proposition 40, even if it passes. On Midday Edition Monday, we break down what you need to know about Proposition 40 and the arguments on either side of the campaign. Guest: Nadia Lathan, politics reporter, Voice of San Diego and CalMatters

The U.S. Senate passed a bill to reshape rules for college athletes late last month. The Protect College Sports Act aims to tighten rules around eligibility and transferring, and formalize compensation for college athletes. The effort marks a major effort at the federal level to regulate how college athletes are paid, both by universities and also through name, image and likeness deals. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from a sports law expert on the details of the bill, where it goes from here, and what it means for the future of college sports. Guest: Len Simon, attorney, sports law expert

Fifty years ago, psychologist Robert Guthrie first wrote the book, "Even the Rat was White." It provided a nuanced, historical record of psychology, looked at the role that white supremacist bias played in the field and highlighted the critical work of Black psychologists. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we look at the legacy of the book. Guests: Ricardo Guthrie, professor of social justice, Fisk University Judy Sundayo, clinical psychologist, professor emeritus at Mesa College; president of Association of Black Psychologists, San Diego chapter

California's UC system has grown from a single campus in Berkeley, founded in 1868, to a 10-campus system featuring some of the leading research institutions in the world. The UC system is now the second-leading employer in California. A new book explores the rise of the UC system, and how its history connects to the state's own growth and ascension. "California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California" highlights not only the history of the UC system, but also its successes and failures in its mission to make academic excellence accessible to more Californians. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with the book's author Miriam Pawel about the UC system, the founding of UC San Diego, and some of the current challenges facing universities today. Guest: Miriam Pawel, journalist, author of "California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California" Event: Miriam Pawel: California Dreams with Maria Anguiano at Warwick's, Tuesday October 13, 7:30 p.m.

A mumps outbreak on the campus of San Diego State University has risen to 18 confirmed cases, with another case identifed as probable. Meanwhile, health officials in Pennsylvania have reported the sixth measles death from an outbreak there. What do recent outbreaks of the measles and mumps tell us about the state of immunity and protection? On Midday Edition Tuesday, we speak with an infectious disease expert to explain more about how these diseases spread, and how immunity works to protect us. Guest: Dr. Francesca Torriani, infectious disease expert; medical director, Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology, UC San Diego

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay on Thursday afternoon after more than 10 months of deployment. Previous reporting revealed shortages of food and personal hygiene products aboard the ship, along with at least eight suicide attempts. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the significance of the homecoming and what we've learned about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Then, a new KPBS investigation looks into soaring temperatures inside Donovan state prison. And, how frequent lockdowns inside the facility make it more challenging to cope with the heat. Plus, KPBS listeners may have noticed a new voice greeting them for morning newscasts. We sit down with Katie Anastas, who recently stepped into the KPBS Morning Edition anchor role. Guests: Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS Priya Sridhar, Pentagon reporter, MS NOW Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS Katie Anastas, Morning Edition anchor, KPBS Keep reading: USS Abraham Lincoln…

A new book, "American Pope: Leo XIV's Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City," traces the life journey of Robert Prevost, from his humble beginnings on the south side of Chicago, to becoming the leader of the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV. The book's authors, Scott Detrow and Daniel Burke of NPR, joined Midday Edition to talk about what they learned about Pope Leo XIV through researching his experiences growing up Catholic in working-class Chicago and his hands-on approach to faith and service. Then, we sit down with Chicano Park muralist and co-founder, Salvador Roberto Torres, as part of our series highlighting local trailblazers for Hispanic Heritage Month. And finally, action star Dolph Lundgren is the subject of the documentary, "Dolph Unbreakable." KPBS' Beth Accomando speaks with Lundgren as he reflects on his life and career. Guests: Scott Detrow, host, "All Things Considered," NPR Daniel Burke, senior editor of religion and spirituality, NPR Salvador Roberto Torres, acclaimed…

On today's Ballot Breakdown, KPBS Midday Edition talks about San Diego County's Measure B. The half-cent sales tax increase would generate funding for everything from healthcare, to addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis. We talk about the arguments for and against the measure, and where funding would be allocated. You can find more voting resources on the KPBS Voter Hub. Guest: Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

In a campaign rally Monday in Nebraska, President Donald Trump remarked that Iran can "take out" San Diego and Los Angeles — a suggestion that elected officials and political experts across California have since denounced. "It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said at the rally. "They can take out a city, let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay." Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from Rep. Scott Peters and political science professor Thad Kousser about their reactions to the president's comments and the broader implications, amid the ongoing Iran war. Guests: Representative Scott Peters, congressmember, California's 50th congressional district Thad Kousser, political science professor, UC San Diego

As San Diego continues to experience an October heat wave, the region is also preparing for the potential arrival of major storms driven by historically strong El Niño conditions. On Midday Tuesday, we sit down with emergency officials from the city and county of San Diego to talk about what San Diegans need to know to prepare for stormy weather this winter. Guests: Ashley Gain, community engagement program manager, County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services Robert Rezende, assistant fire chief, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, City of San Diego's Office of Emergency Services Resources: County of San Diego storm preparedness resources List of San Diego sandbag locations Get it Done app 211- El Niño winter storm season

The ballots are out. It's officially election season. This month on KPBS Midday Edition, we're helping you cut through the noise to better understand the top measures and races affecting your community. You can find more voting resources on the KPBS Voter Hub. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we break down Measure A — a package of county charter reforms that includes expanding term limits for supervisors, creating an ethics commission and more. Guest: Kevin Trevellyan, Public Matters reporter, KPBS

The U.S. healthcare system has a lot of problems. Soaring insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs are pushing more Americans into medical debt. Many patients wait months for important appointments. Physician burnout has also reached new highs in recent years. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with a local author to talk about his new book, "Treating a Broken System," which explores the link between physician burnout and doctor-patient communication. Guest: Dr. Neil Farber, retired physician and medical researcher, UCSD; author of "Treating a Broken System: A Physician's Cure for the Healthcare Crisis"

The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival kicks off Thursday evening. For the past three years, it has featured renowned jazz artists performing in free concerts on both sides of the border. We hear from the festival's founders about how they are continuing to celebrate jazz music and history from across the region. Then, Angelika Film Center Carmel Mountain is hosting its annual film series dedicated to renowned director Alfred Hitchcock. Our Midday Movies critics discuss their love for the master of suspense. And, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered in her weekend arts preview. Guests: Daniel Atkinson, co-founder, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival Julian Plascencia, co-founder, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS Yazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

For nearly 60 years, San Diego's Centro Cultural de la Raza has served as a hub for Chicano, Mexican, Latino and Indigenous art and culture. Ana Hernández stepped into the role of executive director in 2024. But her commitment to social justice and community building goes back much further. Hernández has long been an advocate for workers' rights, immigrants' rights and survivors of gender-based violence. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Hernández as part of our series highlighting community voices for Hispanic Heritage Month. We also talk about an author event happening this weekend at Centro Cultural de la Raza. Guest: Ana Hernández, executive director, Centro Cultural de la Raza

WNBA playoffs kicked off Sunday. And for many fans of women's basketball — and women's sports in general — it has long been difficult to find a dedicated public space to watch games. But one bar in North Park is changing that. One of Us is San Diego's first women's sports bar. While it opened just earlier this year, it reflects a long-time desire to build a safe space and community around women's sports in the city. We talk with two of the founders behind One of Us about the explosive popularity of women's sports in recent years, and their mission to expand access around it and give back to community. Guests: Kalani Millsaps, co-founder, One of Us Patricia Sebold, co-founder, One of Us

The ACLU and other civil rights groups have announced a lawsuit against the city of San Diego and the San Diego Police Department over the use of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs. The lawsuit argues that ALPR technology violates the California Constitution. On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two of the groups bringing forth the lawsuit about their concerns with the technology and what they'd like to see change. Guests: Frederick Carroll, legal director, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties Homayra Yusufi, senior policy strategist, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA)

OpenAI announced Monday it will delay the release of its latest model, called GPT-6.1 Astra, due to concerns over safety. But after repeated reports of AI models behaving erratically, what does this mean for recent calls to regulate the AI industry? On Midday Tuesday, we hear about what the history of nuclear power can tell us about the possibility of effective AI regulation. Guest: David Victor, professor of Innovation and Public Policy, UC San Diego's Global Policy and Strategy; nonresident senior fellow, The Brookings Institution Keep reading: "There’s precedent for regulating AI. Look to nuclear power"

For five years now, Libélula Books & Co. has welcomed book-loving customers into a bustling community space, rooted in a deep love for literature. The LGBTQ+, BIPOC-owned book shop is run by co-owners Jesi Gutierrez and Celi Hernandez. Their mission is to uplift representation and accessibility in literature, while bringing neighbors together through community events from art shows to DJ sets. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with co-owner Jesi Gutierrez as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month series. Guest: Jesi Gutierrez, co-owner, Libélula Books & Co. Keep reading:

The Trump administration announced Monday that it is rolling back fuel economy standards for new cars made in the next five years. Officials point to affordability as a major reason for the rollback, in that more fuel efficient cars may cost more. But some experts are skeptical of that logic. This also comes amid soaring fuel prices across the country and right here in California. So what does this mean if you're in the market for a new car? We talk about what these new rules could mean for both consumers and carmakers. Guest: Joseph Yoon, consumer insights analyst, Edmunds

A bipartisan Congressional delegation visited the USS Abraham Lincoln to learn more about reported problems during the ship's extended deployment to the Middle East. The delegation, which included Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, reported speaking with service members and leadership aboard the ship about concerns over supply issues, low morale and mental health impacts. Guest: Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS

Adrian García Márquez is a familiar voice for sports fans in San Diego. These days, his resume includes play-by-play radio announcer for San Diego FC, and Spanish language play by-play voice for the Chargers in Los Angeles. But it's not just soccer. His Emmy-winning career has spanned across five sports, taking him to the NBA, the NFL, several World Series, and the Olympics. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with García Márquez, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month series featuring community voices. Guest: Adrian García Márquez, play-by-play announcer, San Diego FC; Spanish play-by-play announcer, LA Chargers

What would it take to transform America's criminal justice system? In her book, "The Price of Mercy," attorney and former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza explores that question, revealing what goes on behind the scenes of America's criminal courts. This week, Galvin-Almanza will head to San Diego to discuss the book and honor public defenders at an event hosted by local nonprofit Pillars of the Community. KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon spoke with Galvin-Almanza about what shaped her approach to public defense, how court proceedings can touch every aspect of a defendant's life, and the solutions she sees to the shortcomings of the U.S. legal system. Guest: Emily Galvin-Almanza, attorney; author of "The Price of Mercy;" founder and executive director of Partners for Justice

A recent study from UC San Diego finds that fewer than half of Americans (49%) expect "free and fair" 2026 midterm elections. Respondents cited concerns around redistricting, mail voting, and immigration enforcement fears as some of the reasons for election skepticism. Researchers behind the study join Midday Edition Wednesday to dig more into the survey's findings, the reasons behind growing election distrust, and how concerns around artificial intelligence are playing into it. Guests: Thad Kousser, professor of political science, UC San Diego Lauren Prather, associate professor of political science, UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy; co-director, Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections

For more than three years, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude have become widely used as tools for finding information online, in a style that mimics human conversation. More and more, though, people are also turning to artificial intelligence to meet their emotional needs. A recent study from the scientific journal Nature found that about 27% of AI users are looking to chatbots for mental health support. We hear about how and why people are relying on AI for mental health, the risks for young people and what experts recommend for guardrails and regulations. Guest: Jodi Halpern, psychiatrist, professor of bioethics and medical humanities, UC Berkeley Resources: Artificial intelligence and adolescent well-being — American Psychological Association 988 Lifeline

A new documentary from PBS Independent Lens explores how human values and power structures drive the artificial intelligence movement that surrounds our lives today. The film, "Ghost in the Machine," traces AI's roots in the eugenics movement. It also explores the human toll it takes to power the technology. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about the documentary and its relevance in this moment, as debates about the future of AI continue. Guest: Valerie Veatch, filmmaker, writer and director, "Ghost in the Machine"

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego-Tijuana region. Vicente Calderón is a veteran journalist with more than 40 years of experience on both sides of the border. He's the founder and editor-in-chief of Tijuanapress.com, Tijuana's first digital news site. Midday Edition's Jade Hindmon sits down with Calderón to talk about his work and passion for spreading awareness around violence against journalists in Mexico. Guest: Vicente Calderón, founder and editor-in-chief, Tijuanapress.com Keep reading: On the beat in Tijuana, facing down dangers and new challenges, Mexican journalists forge ahead Tijuana journalists remember their own killed for doing their jobs with Día de Muertos altar