Elizabeth Arakelian
Director of RadioA Valley native, Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree in English Language Literatures from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her master's degree in journalism from New York University. She has covered a range of beats. Her agriculture reporting for the Turlock Journal earned her a first place award from the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
While in graduate school she covered the New Hampshire Primary for NBC Owned Television Stations and subsequently worked as a television ratings analyst for the company's business news network, CNBC. Upon returning to California, her role as a higher education public relations professional reconnected her to the Valley's media scene. She is happy to be back to her journalism roots at KVPR.
Elizabeth has hosted KVPR's local broadcasts of Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She is currently KVPR's Director of Radio, and the host of KVPR's Central Valley Daily podcast.
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Nov. 25: It’s Legal For Children To Work In California's Fields. Lax Enforcement Can Make It Unsafe.Thousands of children work in California’s agricultural fields – and while child labor is legal in the ag industry, lax enforcement means kids are suffering. On today’s episode, journalist Robert J. Lopez tells the stories of dozens of child laborers whom he spoke with for his report for Capital and Main entitled “California’s Child Farmworkers: Exhausted, Underpaid and Toiling in Toxic Fields.” Plus, the latest news headlines: A federal funding fight might be back on for Fresno; and Valley food pantries are struggling to meet the need. -
It’s easy for visitors to Yosemite National Park to marvel at the park’s ancient trees and landscape. But what about the many creatures that call the park home? For the first time in more than 100 years, there’s a new book dedicated just to Yosemite’s wildlife. On today's episode, we speak with the author of that new book, Beth Pratt.
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Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened this month to much enthusiasm – especially from the Tejon Indian Tribe. Tribal leaders say the new event space will bring jobs and revenue to the region. On today’s episode, we speak with tribal chairman Octavio Escobedo III about how the casino’s presence could benefit the tribe. Plus, the latest news headlines: The CSU and UC systems approve new tuition rates and compensation packages; and the state DOJ declines to press charges over Fresno police shooting.
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What’s the future of transportation in Fresno County? A new proposal seeks to build a regional rail to connect communities in the west with those in the east. Today we speak with Paul Herman, deputy director of the Fresno Council of Governments, about the plan and what it means about the future of transportation in the county and the wider region. Plus, the latest news headlines: California could be headed for a tough financial year; and the new Democratic candidate entering the race for governor.
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The so-called “Land Back Movement” seeks to return ancestral lands to native groups as a way to preserve and reestablish indigenous sovereignty. The State of California recently completed one of those deals with the Tule River Indian Tribe. In this episode, we speak with a journalist from Tribal Business News about that deal and its meaning. Plus, the latest news headlines: What a major Fresno County sales tax would fund if voters renew it, and the continuing legal fight to fund food assistance.
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The “Golden State Killer” began his crimes in Tulare County in the 1970s and evaded authorities for decades until his capture in 2018. On today’s episode, Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho discusses his new book, “The People Vs. The Golden State Killer,” which details his lead role in the case and what he learned from survivors’ stories.
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Journalist and author Ari Shapiro hosted NPR’s flagship show “All Things Considered” for 10 years. This fall he decided to step away, trading the studio for the stage. Shapiro is an experienced cabaret singer and in today’s episode he tells us about his show “Thank You For Listening,” which he will perform at Modesto's Gallo Center for the Arts on Sunday. Plus, the latest news headlines: Groups push for transparency in southeast Fresno expansion plans; and Prop 50 passage changes Valley House races.
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Was California’s Proposition 50 measure an early referendum on President Trump’s second term in office? Voters overwhelmingly supported an effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom to redraw congressional lines and give more power to Democrats next year. We look more closely into the measure’s approval with The Maddy Institute’s Blake Zante. Plus, the latest news headlines: A lawsuit seeks to reverse Proposition 50, and Fresno’s new effort to beautify.
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California’s Proposition 50 got the seal of approval from voters on Tuesday. The measure passed by double digits and dealt a significant victory to Democrats looking to clamp down on the Trump Administration and the GOP in Congress. KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado breaks down what the result means. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Sen. Alex Padilla opts out of California governor’s race; and new details emerge in a case against a former CSU Bakersfield coach.
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School districts are in an upward climb to get student engagement and test scores back to pre-pandemic levels. Sanger Unified in Fresno County has historically struggled with test scores, but is now outperforming state averages in English and math. Lasherica Thornton, education reporter for EdSource, explains what the district is doing differently and why it’s working. Plus, the latest news headlines: Voters are turning out in high numbers for today’s special election in California; and Democratic officials push to restore funding for higher education.
