A magnitude-4.1 earthquake centered in the Hawthorne area was recorded this afternoon, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

San Diego County’s Tax Collector is going after nearly a quarter billion dollars in unpaid property taxes.

A study released today by the Milken Institute says San Diego is still one of the nation's biotech leaders, despite economic hard times.

Join Rick as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he's ever visited: Iran. In a one-hour, ground-breaking travel special, you'll discover the splendid monuments of Iran's rich and glorious past, learn more about the 20th-century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and in a countryside village. Most important, you'll meet the people of this nation whose government so exasperates our own.

The Port of San Diego has asked cargo and cruise ships to reduce their speed when traveling in and out of San Diego Bay. KPBS environment Reporter Ed Joyce says the goal is to reduce air pollution.

The median price of a home in San Diego County rose slightly last month to $290,000, compared to $285,000 in March, figures released today show. Despite the monthly rise, the median price of a home in the San Diego area in April was down 27.5 percent from the $400,000 median price during the same month last year, La Jolla-based MDA DataQuick reported.

Californians have a chance to weigh in on their state's financial future today. The special election ballot features six measures. As Ben Adler reports, they'll directly impact the state's budget crisis.

Despite chaparral being California's most extensive, native plant community, it is often maligned as being fuel for wildfires. We'll talk about chaparral's role in the ecosystem and managing the wildland-urban interface.

Funding for closing down the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba is being removed from the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill, a senior Senate Democratic leadership aide has confirmed to NPR.

How are the state's financial problems affecting things at SDSU? We speak to SDSU President Stephen Weber about the latest enrollment figures, the school's veterans programs, and to get the details on the Plaza Linda Verde development project.

What is your U.S. congressional representative doing to help you? We speak to Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis about the recent work she's been doing to help out local small businesses and people who are in credit debt, and to promote water conservation at local schools.

Elections officials aren't expecting a high turnout at the polls. So they've sharply reduced the number of polling places in many counties, by at least half.

A new documentary investigates California's water crisis. The director of the film joins us on Morning Edition.

Independent Sacramento Political Consultant Leo McElroy says voter turnout is likely to be low for today's special election.

Atlantis' astronauts tenderly dropped the Hubble Space Telescope overboard Tuesday, sending the restored observatory off on a new voyage of discovery and bidding it farewell on behalf of the planet.