The Prop. 8 Trial: Week 1
A historic civil rights trial got underway in San Francisco this week. At issue is whether Proposition 8, the voter-approved measure that led to California's ban on same-sex marriage, is in violation the United States Constitution. We look back on what happened in the trial's first week.
Who is Judge Vaughn Walker?
The man presiding over the Prop. 8 trial is District Court Judge Vaughn Walker. Walker is a Republican first nominated by Ronald Reagan - but he's hardly a reliable conservative. He's attracted some extra attention for his decision to allow video coverage of the proceedings, a ruling that prompted a scolding and a reversal from the U.S. Supreme Court. And that's just the latest turn in a career that continues to defy expectations.
Smithsonian Features Bracero Exhibit
Once it gets out from underneath health care, Congress is promising to tackle immigration reform this year. Lawmakers could include a guest worker program to give growers a steady supply of farmworkers. While they're at it, members of Congress may want to drop by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The museum currently features an exhibit on the largest guest worker policy in U.S. history, known as the Bracero program.
Notorious Drug Gang Leader Arrested
A brutal Mexican drug gang leader accused of orchestrating hundreds of murders and beheadings over the past few years was arrested this week in Baja California. Teodoro Garcia Simental, better known as 'El Teo,' was captured by Mexican police. The arrest comes as Tijuana has seen a rise in violence, including the murder of four teenagers last week. Host Scott Shafer talks about what the arrest means with Amy Isakson, reporter covering the border for KPBS in San Diego.
Training to Build Trust
Thousands of Marines at Camp Pendleton are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan in the next few weeks, but not all their training involves firearms and explosives. Some of it is about learning how to build trust with Afghans.