Furthermore, why is it that even gas stations in the poorest of neighborhoods now have televisions at the pump?

Federal and local officials say a massive redesign of the San Ysidro border crossing will reduce border wait times. They say construction will begin this summer. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the details.

A new report says the federal benchmark for determining eligibility for public programs underestimates the needs of California seniors. The report from UCLA says the federal poverty line covers less than half the basic costs of older adults. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

An environmental group says most Californians' furniture contains toxic chemicals. The group says the chemicals can cause cancer and other problems. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The latest movement to emerge out of the independent film scene is called mumblecore. These films are made with small budgets, non-trained actors, and have a low-fi look. Andrew Bujalski is credited with starting the mumblecore scene with his films “Funny Ha Ha” and “Mutual Appreciation.”

Religion can bring people together, as well as drive them apart. In a world split by ideology and faith, how can people talk about religion and the differences of faith in constructive, respectful ways? We talk with the host of the public radio program “Speaking of Faith” about how to talk about religion in a meaningful way.

Living to old age is getting easier. 40,000 Americans are at least 100 years old today, and that number is expected to grow greatly as the baby boomer generation begins to reach their senior years. Like the rest of the country, San Diego's population is growing older as well. By the year 2010, more than a half million people in San Diego County will be over 60. We explore the role of genes, diet, exercise and stress on living a long and healthy life.

Sempra Energy says the Sunrise Powerlink is a necessary transmission line to bring energy to San Diego County, but some environmentalists, including the Sierra Club, have strong objections. A conservation organizer with the Sierra Club explains why she thinks Sempra Energy is not being honest about its intentions for the line.

A new study says immigrants in California are less likely to commit serious crimes than native born residents of the state. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

San Diego Unified School District officials wrap-up a series of difficult budget workshops today. They're trying to decide what programs and positions to cut if the Governor's proposed budget is approved. Parents and community members who have been attending the public meetings are worried about the future of their children’s education. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

The Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller index shows San Diego home prices fell 15 percent last year. That's the biggest drop in 20 years of record-keeping. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has more.

Charlie Bartlett's Message: Be Yourself

Hilarious

In 1861, the Mayor of New York City proposed secession from the Union so as to be a neutral party to any Civil war. And more than few Northerners held a good'riddens attitude toward Southern secession. But Republican Abe meant to save the Union at all costs and then to bind the nation's wounds. He died a martyr for the Union and in doing so made the sanctity of the UNITED States a core American value.