The San Diego Unified School Board has pinpointed roughly $22 million-worth of mid-year budget cuts in anticipation of what lawmakers might decide in Sacramento. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

David Morriseey and John Simm in the BBC serial drama

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will restart stalled budget talks in hopes of getting an agreement to deal with California's projected $42 billion deficit. The Republican governor says he'll ask the Legislature's four top leaders to meet with him Thursday to try once again to reach a compromise.

Blue Shield of California has agreed to reinstate insurance to nearly 700 people whose health coverage was terminated after they became ill. Consumer advocates say the deal with the State of California lets the company off easy. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso says the city will see millions of dollars in budget cuts in the upcoming year. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

When President-elect Barack Obama takes office on January 20, he'll face many challenges, from an economy in recession to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. How will these events shape his presidency? And what challenges have previous presidents faced? We'll talk about this with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.

The Michigan Parole Board will consider whether to release a California woman who was returned to prison 32 years after she escaped.

Are you hoping to make significant changes in your life in 2009? What are some things you can do to turn your life around? What will be some of the biggest hurdles you will face along the way? What should you keep in mind as you face the difficult challenges along the path to self-improvement? We speak with Scott Silverman, founder and executive director of the Second Chance program, about "A Guide to Living a Heroic Life."

What's on the San Diego City Council's agenda for 2009? We ask the new City Council President, Ben Hueso, about his plans for the new year. We also discuss the role of the council president, and Hueso's background in politics.

Russia has cut-off gas supplies to Ukraine, leaving many countries in Europe in the dark. We're joined on Morning Edition by Phil Flynn a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago, and a Fox Business News contributor.