Across the United States, Native American tribes come together for powwows. These are social gatherings that feature dancing and singing. In the Central Valley, the powwow season recently kicked off with an event in Fresno County. KVPR’s Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado brings us the story. Plus, the latest news headlines: NFL star Josh Allen extends hometown’s scholarship program; and a Kern County city denies appeals that challenge ICE facility. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Guns that are used in crimes are no longer anonymous. New state data is tracking where they were sold and recovered. Central Valley cities top the list. A new reporting investigation focuses on one company with Valley operations where many of the guns are traced. Aaron Mendelson with The Trace joins us to discuss his reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno teachers union calls for district to restore field trips; and Kings County activists get charges reduced in alleged goat stealing. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The cost of healthcare is rising and could be a deciding factor for voters in the competitive House District 22 race in the Central Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what swing voters are considering and where the candidates stand. Plus, the latest news headlines: A court rules on Avenal’s recall election; and new deadlines for Fresno County’s transportation tax lawsuit. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is fresh off a new $146 million expansion. But where does it go next? A new director of aviation is at the helm and already planning for more growth. We speak to Mark Thorpe about his new role and the changes you could be seeing in the future. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attacks on prosecutors raise security questions; and powwow season kicks off in the Valley. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

New A.I. software is signaling a shift happening in the healthcare industry. The largest Medi-Cal insurance provider in Kern County is using A.I. to help boost enrollment numbers. But is it risking human jobs and quality of service? We speak to independent journalist Mark Kreidler from KFF Health News. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The queer community can face added challenges in establishing a safe space for housing. But a well-known TikTok star and trans advocate is lending her voice to the cause. We speak with Mercury Stardust, also known as the “Trans Handy Ma’am” about how she broke into the home repair industry. She will be a guest at this year’s Queer Housing Summit in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: California is experiencing one of the highest rates of West Nile virus; and what data says about deaths at nearby national parks. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Thanks to a California law placing stringent water restrictions on Central Valley farmers, many are looking for alternatives in new crops that require little water. They’re planting a succulent often used in Mexico to make tequila and mezcal called agave. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us to a Merced farm to learn why many farmers are betting on this plant, and how they intend to localize the agave industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield residents raise questions over ‘Flock’ cameras; and Fresno mayor joins others to support a housing bond. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The fight over a transportation tax in Fresno County has been through a maze of updates with local, state and city players vying for power over public funds. We speak to Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano to help us sort through the dispute that’s turned into a legal fight between Fresno County and state leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno school official dismisses calls to resign; and a country singer wants to save a historic Bakersfield venue. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A state-funded program is preparing for a future that could threaten jobs in California’s oil and gas industry. The so-called Displaced Oil and Gas Workers’ Fund is helping with career transitions for thousands of high-skilled workers facing potential job losses as the state moves toward closures of oil refineries and net zero emissions by 2045. We speak to KQED reporter Julie Small about how the program works. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley cities are gearing up to fight data centers; and a Fresno Unified school official faces a call to resign. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The Bakersfield Californian was founded in 1866, and remains in print to this day. This year, the newspaper’s coverage of Bakersfield and Kern County history marks its 160th anniversary. A special art exhibit showcases its history in the community. We speak with Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Christine Peterson and Jeanette Richardson of the Arts Council of Kern in Bakersfield.