California political leaders got their way. They wanted our state to wield some clout in deciding who will be the Republican and Democratic nominees for President of the United States in 2008. That just wasn't going to happen if California held its primary election on its usual first Tuesday in March. By that time, a powerhouse of other states would have completed caucuses, straw polls and primaries - and the deed would be done without the Golden State influencing the outcome.

A judge has sentenced a web designer to six months in custody for posting a bogus message online threatening bloodshed at San Diego State University in April.

The state agency that oversees HMOs says it's still not ready to issue new regulations that address insurers' practice of retroactively canceling policies. State officials had promised to come up with the new rules last spring. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Two of San Diego County's largest colleges experienced power and cooling problems on Tuesday. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Students are trying to keep cool in the Grossmont Union High School District as this heat wave continues. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

U.S. law enforcement sources say a Mexican businessman who was kidnapped for ransom in Chula Vista in June is himself the target of a federal investigation. Federal authorities believe Eduardo Gonzalez Tostado's alleged captors are part of a kidnap and murder crew that targets members of Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

An alternative way to fund the expansion of health coverage in California may be gaining momentum. Over the past week or so, more business groups have come out in favor of putting a sales tax increase on the ballot. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

Weeks after the current heat wave ends, we'll be getting reminders in the mailbox. San Diego Gas and Electric bills always go up when the temperature does. For some of us, the bills will be too big to handle.

Did you know that legendary athlete Jim Thorpe and former President Dwight D. Eisenhower once clashed on the gridiron in one of the most hard fought football games in history? We speak to author Lars Anderson about his new book "Carlisle vs. Army: Jim Thorpe, Dwight Eisenhower, Pop Warner and the Forgotten Story of Football's Greatest Battle."

Is it legal to be patted-down upon entering an NFL game? "These Days" legal analyst Dan Eaton highlights the complaint filed by a pair of San Francisco 49ers season ticket holders and answers questions about similar cases.

The Padres are in first place in the National League West with 25 games left in the regular season. The Chargers are in the hunt for a Super Bowl victory, and the San Diego State Aztec’s football team tries to reverse its disappointing course over the past few seasons. We analyze the latest sports news with Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton.

What kind of a person do we need for our next president? We'll talk about the candidates and what kind of decision Californians will make in the upcoming primary election.

Recess is over for lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Will our congressional leaders get along now that they've returned to work? We speak to Eric Niiler about the latest news out of Washington D.C.

What's up with the hot and humid weather San Diego is experiencing lately? We speak to forecaster Stan Wasowski about the causes of the heat wave and when we can expect it to cool down.

The California Supreme Court has prohibited same sex marriages. But several cities in the state are challenging the ban. San Diego city councilmember Toni Atkins wants the council here to join in that challenge. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Preliminary hearings in the case of a Mexican businessman who was kidnapped for ransom in Chula Vista enter their fourth day Tuesday. One expert says the extent of the hearings may mean the defense is trying to gauge if there's a federal investigation. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

The temperatures are expected to cool a bit today. But the agency that manages California's power grid says conservation today will help reduce demand on the system. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

As San Diego County students head into the new school year, KPBS begins a three part series -- Classroom 2.0: High Tech Takes A Seat. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis explores how technology is changing the classroom and the lives of students. She begins in the Lemon Grove School District -- a national leader in putting technology in the hands of students and teachers. [WEB EXTRA | Video: How e-Pads work]

Police in riot gear sprayed smoke and tear gas to break up a hostile crowd throwing bottles and cans during a massive Labor Day brawl at Pacific Beach.