President Obama has drawn an official end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq, but challenges lie ahead in a country that faces persistent insurgent violence and political turmoil.

In 24 hours, I've received links to two videos featuring dancing. One showcases an amazing dog dancing the Merengue and the other a montage of dancing footage from movie history. Both seem to teeter on the precipice of viral domination. Which do you like better?

A new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows obesity is on the rise in California, and so is diabetes. The study reveals there was a 26 percent increase in diabetes between 2001 and 2007.

Sandrine Voillet takes a look beyond the glittering surface of Paris at the underground worlds and movements that defined the city in the 20th Century, in this BBC/OU series.

The parents of Chelsea King have filed a claim blaming the California Department of Corrections for their daughter's murder. The Kings say the state had numerous reasons to send John Gardner back to prison before he killed their daughter in February.

The wooden trestles that have given the surf break at San Onofre State beach its name are being replaced with a reinforced concrete structure. Construction starts soon on the project to replace the wooden trestles bridge.

Here's a new addition to Cinema Junkie. Each week I will highlight what's new and worth checking out on DVD. This week it's Michael Caine and British serial killers topping the list.

The University of San Diego's Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose again in July, led by strong gains in local consumer confidence and help wanted advertising, it was announced today.

We'll talk about the latest Department of Defense report on suicides in the military. We'll speak with a woman who's launched an initiative to build more resilience among marines, soldiers and sailors dealing with the stress of war.

President Obama declared the end of combat operations in Iraq last night. The seven-year war has taken its toll in San Diego County.

School's back and so is the daily duty of ferrying the kids to class every morning. With traffic only getting more frustrating around San Diego County, we've got an alternative to driving your children to class.

A new plan for Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama was announced yesterday and the rallying cry seems to be No More Cars! The hitch? To make it happen, a two-story parking garage may be built in the Spreckels lot and visitors may end up paying for parking. We want to hear from you.

An inside look at the deployment of 260 National Guard troops at the U.S. - Mexico border here in San Diego County. Why did so many troops apply for the job, and what are they doing on a daily basis to help the Border Patrol?

"America & the Pill: A History of Promise, Peril, and Liberation," a new book by Elaine Tyler May, marks the 50th anniversary of the development of 'The Pill'. This history of how the birth control pill has affected Americans since its inception in 1960 explores everything from population control to Playboy, libido to liberation.

In a rare unanimous vote the State Assembly has approved new tougher penalties for some sex offenders. The bill known as “Chelsea’s Law” is now on its way to the governor.

When President Obama uses a prime-time address Tuesday to mark the official end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq, he'll have to sidestep the shadow of former President George W. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" banner. Watch it live here.