Love them or hate them, big box stores sell everything from groceries to clothes and televisions under one roof. Some shoppers love the convenience of one-stop shopping and lower prices found at the super-centers like Costco and WalMart. But opponents say they bring traffic, put small retailers out of business, and use unfair labor practices.

A new survey by the Public Policy Institute finds Californians don't know much about some of the most critical issues they may be voting on next year. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal shooting involving a border patrol agent and a man suspected in a human smuggling operation. Joanne Faryon is here with the details.

More than 36,000 San Diegans are employed in the life science industry at more than 500 companies. Biotech has an $8.5 billion impact on the local economy. But a new study says California is facing a severe shortage of college educated workers this decade and the next.

The California Department of Water Resources says it will stop pumping at state water project facilities in the Sacramento River Delta to protect a threatened fish species. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce tells us what this means for San Diego water supplies.

The battle over healthcare reform is hitting the airwaves in California. A broad coalition that includes insurance companies and labor groups is running an ad urging lawmakers to take action. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Grossmont Union High School District is trying to muster up support for its troubled construction program. Today officials showed off a newly renovated classroom at Grossmont High. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Traffic police in Tijuana now take credit cards. That's part of a new program, launched today, that aims to eliminate the customary bribe. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Many low-income customers don't take advantage of a program that saves them money on their utility bills. San Diego Gas and Electric says new income guidelines allow some customers to get a 20 percent discount. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A new study by Roper found nearly 90 percent of Americans think solar electricity should be an option for all new home construction. California offers rebates that can make solar a good long term investment. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

On the bluffs above the popular surfing spot at Swami’s Beach in Encinitas is a special place of beauty, peace and tranquility.

San Diego fire officials say a fire scorched 25 palm trees in Mission Bay early this morning. The blaze, reported shortly after 1 this morning, burned a cluster of trees off of southbound I-5 at Sea World Drive.

While the third "Spiderman" and "Pirates of the Carribean" break box office records, we explore some of early summer's smaller releases. We talk about a modern-day musical from a former member of The Frames, an adult-oriented anime movie called "Paprika," and we'll see if the comedies "Chalk" and "Knocked Up" make us laugh.

Morrissey, former front man for The Smiths, plays at the Embarcadero and southern songstress Lucinda Williams plays Humphreys. A new version of Carmen hits the stages of the La Jolla Playhouse and the work of photographer Harry Callahan is on view at the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Brazilian artist Vik Muniz joins us to talk about his critically acclaimed, whimsical photographs. An exhibit of his work titled Vik Muniz: Reflex opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.

Actor Don Cheadle has co-authored a book with Africa expert and leading human-rights activist John Prendergast to focus attention on atrocities in Darfur. Cheadle and Prendergast discuss their activism and the conflict in Darfur that motivated their involvement and inspired their book collaboration.

Buddhism has spread among Western culture and many of its followers have found peace and strength within its teachings. We speak with a leading western Buddhism teacher about what it means to seek enlightenment and how to find your own Buddha nature.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among middle-aged American women and recent studies have found a link between breast cancer and everyday chemicals. We discuss the findings with the lead researcher and answer your questions about how these chemicals may affect your health.

Authorities say a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a suspected illegal immigrant smuggler in an unincorporated North County region last night.

A couple of times a year, San Diego County stages what are called the Intergenerational Games. The idea is to stimulate interactions between the generations. Seniors and teenagers pair up in a series of simple contests. It’s a friendly competition with a public health theme, and the organizers of the games say everybody wins. KPBS health reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.