Kerry Klein
Associate Editor and ReporterKerry Klein is an award-winning reporter whose coverage of public health, air pollution, drinking water access and wildfires in the San Joaquin Valley has been featured on NPR, KQED, Science Friday and Kaiser Health News. Her work has earned numerous regional Edward R. Murrow and Golden Mike Awards and has been recognized by the Association of Health Care Journalists and Society of Environmental Journalists. Her podcast Escape From Mammoth Pool was named a podcast “listeners couldn’t get enough of in 2021” by the radio aggregator NPR One.
After growing up near Boston, Kerry graduated from McGill University with a B.S. in geology. When she began working as an exploration geologist and geothermal energy analyst, radio reporting was a distant and unlikely future. But she found new significance in media while hosting a talk show about science at a Montreal public radio station and later while producing a podcast for Science Magazine. She later returned to school to study science journalism at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
When she’s not in front of a computer or microphone, Kerry can be found biking to the rock climbing gym, practicing her violin, sewing unnecessary but very cute articles of clothing, or wandering the Sierra foothills with her husband and daughter.
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As wildfires become more destructive in California, the need for forensic investigations is increasing. KVPR’s Rachel Livinal visited a recent training in Fresno that taught first responders how to identify human remains ravaged by fire. Plus, the latest news headlines: The owner of a Reedley biolab is found guilty by a federal jury; and what legislators are saying about potential fuel shortages. -
The San Joaquin Valley is home to a wide Asian diaspora, and yet few Valley universities have had programs that focus on studying the history of these communities – until now. The first class of the Asian American studies program will soon be graduating from Fresno State. KVPR’s Branden Sandoval explores what the program teaches and why students and faculty are celebrating. Plus, the latest news headlines: Judge rules the city of Fresno violated an open meeting law; and a bill that would shield information on the High Speed Rail project moves forward.
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The fungal disease valley fever is on the rise in central California. Kern County reported a record-high 3,800 cases in 2024. Kern County Public Health director Brynn Carrigan speaks with us about a new program aimed at informing the community about the disease. Plus, the latest news headlines: A man who was shot by ICE in the Valley appears in court; dozens of Valley groups join to launch a new community initiative.
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The news website Fresnoland has made a name for itself as a go-to site for hyper-local investigations of policy and process in the City of Fresno. Now, they’re expanding their offerings with a new series all about food in the city. Contributing Food Editor Vince Mancini explains how the idea took hold – and what he’s eating next. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield nurses plan to rally in support of a burn unit; and a unique pilot project in the Valley seeks to generate clean energy and conserve water.
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A bill that would require an ID card to vote is making its way through Congress - and a similar measure is nearing California’s November ballot. How could voter ID requirements affect local elections? KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel spoke with elections officials in Fresno and Merced counties. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Mariposa woman was identified as the victim of a deadly tunnel collapse; and state lawmakers consider further restrictions on cell phone use in schools.
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It’s one of two competing measures that would renew a half-cent sales tax in order to fund transportation projects throughout the county. -
The U.S. Forest Service recently announced that it would be closing three-quarters of its research facilities – including one in Fresno. Today, we speak with forest researcher and professor Matthew Hurteau about these changes and what they could mean for forest research. Plus, the latest news headlines: Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell drops his bid for California governor and announces he’ll resign from Congress; and a Fresno high school receives some of the state’s highest UC Berkeley acceptance rates.
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Tariffs, inflation and rising costs associated with the Iran war are just the latest factors affecting farmers’ abilities to stay above water. On today’s episode, we speak to California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross about these issues.
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The New York Times’ investigation into abuse by the late labor rights leader Cesar Chavez led to swift condemnation by the public. On today’s episode we discuss the fallout with Manny Fernandez, a Fresno native who co-authored the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Judge orders physician to oversee Kern County immigration center; and support for major water tunnel dwindles.
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Comedian, writer and actor Patton Oswalt will debut his latest stand-up material on Friday at Warnor’s Theater in Fresno. On today’s episode, Oswalt discusses creativity, artificial intelligence, and why he’s secretive about what’s in his show. Plus, the latest news headlines: California's snowpack is dismally low; and the CSU releases a major study on artificial intelligence.
