Midday Edition

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