U.S. authorities shut down the nation's busiest border crossing for about four hours Tuesday afternoon after federal agents fired shots at three vans filled with illegal immigrants whose drivers tried to storm past inspectors, officials said.

In our week-long celebration of books, I'm including artwork made about or from books. And, believe it or not, I don't think these artists are defiling our literary or intellectual tradition by making their art. Instead, I consider work like Cara Barer's photographs of molded, sculptural books, lovely explorations of form.

The "Nightly Business Report," "NOW on PBS" and "Tavis Smiley" collaborate to provide a 90-minute program that examines the urgent topic of health care reform. As Congress weighs legislation to provide universal health care in the U.S., correspondents will provide analysis, discussion, insight and engagement. The "Nightly Business Report" team will examine the costs and controversies of employer-provided healthcare. "NOW on PBS" correspondents will consider how reform may change the way we live. "Tavis Smiley" will investigate the issue of childhood obesity, particularly within communities of color.

An 8,500-acre wildfire continues to churn through rugged hills and mountains of Southern California's Ventura County, but some areas are experiencing a lull in winds.

A new forecast predicts San Diego County will need more than 200,000 nurses, aides and other allied health workers by 2030. The California Wellness Foundation report says the region doesn't have the capacity to train that many people.

Lewis and Hathaway track down the prime suspect in the assault of a teenage girl, but he has a seemingly watertight alibi from three pillars of the Oxford community. When the suspect is suddenly murdered, Lewis reveals a web of intrigue and sordid secrets that exposes the Oxford elite.

The city of San Diego is already feeling the impact of the record breaking $225 million pension payment it will have to make next year. The city is implementing a hiring freeze to help cut costs.

We take a look at how repeated deployments are affecting soldiers and their families. This is part two of a week long series on how our community is affected by the aftermath of war in military families.

Zoë Heller's "The Believers" may not have the most lovable characters in literature, but they sure captivated blogger and CityBeat columnist Aaryn Belfer. Even more captivating, according to Aaryn, is Heller's writing. Culture Lust continues talking books this week with a recommendation from one of our contributors.

Are all communities in San Diego adequately prepared for the next disaster? We speak to Ron Lane, from the County Office of Emergency Services, about what's being done locally to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters. We also discuss a recent report about the challenges associated with preparing racially and ethnically diverse communities for a disaster.

This week’s heat wave on the heels of another long, dry California summer has fire officials on high alert up and down the state. Cal Fire says conditions are ripe for a big blaze.

Alexander Calder's mobiles can be seen in public parks and in front of museums around the country. But did you know at one time his art could also be found adorning the necks, wrists and fingers of women all over the world? A world-class exhibition featuring 90 pieces of jewelry made and designed by the famed modernist sculptor are currently on view at the San Diego Museum of Art.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss has committed his life to a new passion: reinstating civics in the American classroom. He joins us today.

California has revealed a plan to reduce the state's inmate population. We're joined on Morning Edition by non-partisan Sacramento Political Consultant Leo McElroy.

Doctors have known for many years that African Americans are more likely to suffer glaucoma. A UC San Diego ophthalmologist has found a genetic clue that may explain why.

Marines have been at the forefront of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the stress has taken its toll on their families back home. Marine Corp. officials say they're aware of the burden that repeated deployments place on families. The Corps has a lot of services to help families cope.

When I saw the first trailer for "Where the WIld Things Are" (opening October 16) it scared me. It scared me because I thought the wild things looked liked bad giant Muppets. But this second trailer looks more promising.