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

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

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

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, "Rowan and Gemma"
• Sam Lopez, curator, Stay Strange San Diego
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS