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In Greece, fewer babies means difficult decisions, especially on remote islands where low birth rates are forcing some schools to close and raising questions about the future of island culture.

OneTaste billed itself as a sexual wellness business centered on "orgasmic meditation." Prosecutors said former leaders subjected victims to sexual and emotional abuse.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the funding was for projects in 16 states, all of which voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Oscar-nominated Celine Song goes from her hit indie romance "Past Lives" to A-list rom-com.

Join us for an evening of true crime and investigative insight as New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother discusses her latest book, "Down to the Bone," a riveting deep dive into the San Diego-based McStay family murders. This high-profile case captured national attention—featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries—and led to the conviction and death sentence of Joseph McStay’s business associate, Charles “Chase” Merritt. At this special event thanks to the San Diego Writers Festival, Rother will take the audience behind the scenes of her reporting, unpacking how assumptions, missteps, and courtroom controversy—including claims of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct—shaped the outcome of one this disturbing case. Books will be available to purchase thanks to Bay Books Coronado. A book signing will follow the event. About "Down to the Bone" In her latest work of investigative nonfiction, "Down to the Bone," New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother explores the messy high-profile case of the McStay family murders, which were featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries. Rother takes readers step-by-step through the decisions, assumptions, and theories by detectives and prosecutors that ultimately led Joseph McStay’s waterfall builder, Charles “Chase” Merritt, to be sent to death row after a trial marked by accusations of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct. Joseph McStay was last seen on Feb. 4, 2010, when he had lunch with Charles “Chase” Merritt. Subsequently unable to reach Joseph for days, Merritt urged Joseph’s mother and brother to contact authorities, while Joseph’s other associate, Dan Kavanaugh, called the police himself. Joseph’s brother Michael finally reported the family missing on Feb. 15, but detectives found no blood or sign of a struggle in the house, and no clues to the family’s whereabouts. Soon, Merritt and Kavanaugh were pointing fingers at each other as they fought for control of Joseph’s business. The only thing that key parties in this case could agree on was that this case was about money. Within months of the family’s remains being discovered, San Bernardino County sheriff’s detectives had focused their investigation on Merritt, despite the lack of forensic evidence tying him to murder at the house or in his truck and belongings. During a six-month trial, the defense illustrated that Kavanaugh, who was never considered a suspect and ducked a subpoena to testify, had the same alleged motive as Merritt. This book takes a behind-the-scenes look at the flaws in the two sheriff’s investigations and the prosecution’s firm belief that they got the right man, despite contradictions in their timeline and the unanswered questions about when and where this family was killed. After reviewing voluminous court files, including 1,200 exhibits, hundreds of photos, and thousands of pages of records, Rother was able to paint a comprehensive and compelling portrait of this family’s life at the time they disappeared. In addition to these public records, Rother’s book is based on her own interviews and crucial discovery materials—including witness interviews and investigative reports—that took a dozen years to obtain. This deep research enabled her to disclose new and exclusive case details that have never been released publicly, to describe the eventful journey to trial, and to sensitively portray the lasting impact on Joseph’s and Summer’s families. About the Author Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 16 books, ranging from true crime to thrillers and memoir. A New York Times-bestselling author and investigative journalist, Rother worked nearly 20 years for daily newspapers. Writing books full-time since 2006, she draws from decades of watchdog reporting on topics from addiction to suicide, mental illness, murder, government, political corruption and the criminal justice system. A popular speaker, she has appeared more than 250 times on TV, radio, and podcasts as a crime expert. A former writing instructor of 10 years, she coaches a limited number of aspiring author clients. In her spare time, she goes ocean swimming, sings and plays keyboards in a jazzy, bluesy trio called In the Lounge. Explore the photo galleries and learn about her latest titles, backlist, videos, and podcasts! Caitlin Rother on Facebook / Instagram

More than 100 top women athletes from around the world were supposed to come to Oceanside at the end of this month for the first Sports Illustrated Women’s Games. But last week, the event was suddenly postponed.

Federal law enforcement officials accuse 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year’s Day that was initially extinguished by fire crews, but continued to smolder underground before reigniting during high winds, officials said.

In the closing days of the legislative year, California lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that is meant to toughen scrutiny of the state’s embattled fire insurer of last resort by insisting that two of their leaders join its governing committee.

This was the latest event after a series of incursions by Russian military aircraft into NATO airspace in September, leading to heightened tensions between NATO and Russia.

Paola Hernández-Jiao is the Public Matters community engagement manager at KPBS. Public Matters is an initiative that provides content, conversation and events ensuring all San Diegans understand their opportunity to participate in the democratic process including news stories on politics and governance, facilitated, in-person discussions around important issues that often divide us, helpful resources and explainers about participation in community groups and institutions that make decisions that impact our lives on a daily basis.