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

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency Monday ahead of what state officials are saying could be a historic El Niño season.

The climate pattern could potentially bring severe weather to the region, from heavy rain and strong winds to coastal flooding and erosion.

We talk about what is on the horizon this fall and winter — and what San Diegans need to know to prepare.

Plus, are you covered for weather-related damages and losses? We dig into home policies, flood insurance coverage and what other options are available.

Guests:

• Alex Tardy, meteorologist, founder of Weather Echo
• Dan Cayan, climate sciences researcher, UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• Amy Bach, executive director, United Policyholders

Resources:

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy quote
• "Where it can rain, it can flood" — United Policyholders flood insurance article

Two weeks ago, Renatho Casseus was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on his way to San Diego City College.

Casseus faced his first bond hearing last week at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, where he was denied bail.

The City College community has rallied in support of Casseus. But many students, faculty and staff are left feeling anxious about immigration enforcement so close to campus.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with the chancellor of the San Diego Community College District to learn more about how administrators are responding to ICE's arrest of a student.

Guest:

• Gregory Smith, chancellor, San Diego Community College District

On Friday, President Trump announced he was barring three news organizations from access to the White House.

CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO filed a federal lawsuit Monday arguing that the move by the president violated their First Amendment rights.

Major TV networks have suspended White House pool coverage in response to the ban.

On Midday Edition Monday, we speak with a free speech expert about the lawsuit and what it can tell us about broader risks to press freedom.

Guest:

• David Loy, legal director, First Amendment Coalition

In March 2021, hundreds of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum were sheltered in the San Diego Convention Center, where they waited to be reunited with their sponsors and family members.

A new play, "Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center," tells the story of two migrant girls and the staff hired to take care of them.

Produced by local company TuYo Theatre, it is based on the playwright's own experiences as a former youth care worker.

Then, a new production from the La Jolla Playhouse called "A Black-billed Cuckoo" focuses on a group of birders in search of the rare and elusive bird. KPBS Beth Accomando talks with the playwright.

And finally, music, design and bookish activities make up KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans event recommendations. We hear more in our weekend arts roundup.

Guests:

• Mario Vega, playwright, "Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center"
• Patrice Amon, director of "Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center," co-artistic director of TuYo Theatre
• Mat Smart, playwright, "A Black-billed Cuckoo"
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

Nine months ago, the San Diego City Council paid a historic $30 million settlement to the family of Konoa Wilson.

Police officer Daniel Gold shot and killed the 16-year-old in Jan. 2025, as he was running for his life.

Earlier this month, the District Attorney's office announced that no criminal charges will be filed against Gold.

We sit down with a former police officer and oversight board member to break down the discrepancy between the $30 million settlement, and absence of criminal charges.

Guest:

• Paul Parker, former director, San Diego Commission on Police Practices; former executive officer, San Diego County Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board