The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra recently announced it has extended its contract with conductor Stilian Kirov. The conductor and musical director will now usher the orchestra through to its historic 100th anniversary in 2032. On today’s episode, Kirov explains the art of conducting as well as which music resonates with Bakersfield. Plus, the latest news headlines: Regulations to control pollution in a Kings County town arrive seven years late, and Fresno County voters may see competing ballot measures in November.

Fresno’s Tower District has coffee shops and restaurants, but also a lot of conspicuous, boarded up buildings. City leaders are trying to entice property owners to turn those vacancies into businesses. On today’s episode, Fresnoland’s Julianna Morano breaks down the ‘carrot and stick’ approach being used. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kern County highway pileup leads to emergency calls for blood donations; and Fresno County groups begin collecting signatures for a sales tax ballot measure.

California leaders are in the process of hammering out the state’s budget and will have to account for healthcare spending cuts from the federal government. On today’s episode, Tim Sheehan, with our news partner The Intersection, explains why people in California without legal status may feel the impact more acutely. Plus, the latest news headlines: state wildlife officials intercept shipment of illegal animal parts to Fresno, and a nursing program graduates its first class in Visalia.

State investigators charged former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner with three felony charges in 2025, including child abuse. Scrivner’s efforts to obtain a mental health diversion — and avoid a legal trial — has garnered condemnation from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. On today’s episode, Senior Reporter Veronica Morley with 23ABC in Bakersfield breaks down the case that has caught national attention.

Being disenrolled from a Native American tribe is tantamount to being disowned. Members can lose their livelihood, even in cases where they have proven their tribal lineage. So why does it keep happening? Director Ryan Flynn discusses his documentary, “You’re No Indian,” which explores this ongoing fight within some tribes, including in Central California. Plus, the latest news headlines: California counties begin their homeless point-in-time counts; and a Kern County assemblymember continues her push for a federal investigation into charges against former Supervisor Zack Scrivner.

Iranians began protesting against their government in December, when the country’s currency went into a freefall. In response, the country’s leaders cracked down on protesters, killing thousands by some estimates. On today’s episode, Fresno physician Dr. Mehdi Ghajar explains the conflict through the eyes of Iranian Americans. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration challenges California’s buffer zones around oil and gas wells, and Fresno County expands a local jobs assistance program.

Earlier this month, city and county leaders in Fresno County parted ways after spending years attempting to renew the countywide sales tax known as Measure C – which was first passed decades ago and has generated billions to fund transportation projects. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein discusses a new sales tax recently proposed by a coalition of community groups and city leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Republicans again attempt to block new House maps in California; and California senators tour an immigration detention facility in Kern County.

Fresno reached a record-low homicide rate in 2025. Just 22 murders were reported in the city of more than 500,000 people, which is a number not seen since the 1970s. So what’s working? On today’s episode, Fresno City Police Chief Mindy Casto breaks down some of the department’s newest strategies and weighs in on how the police have handled the city’s “no camping” ordinance.

The High Speed Rail Authority is under pressure to complete this overdue and over-budget project. To expedite the process, the agency has proposed moving Merced’s station, initially planned for downtown, to an easier-to-construct location outside the city. Victor Patton with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and the Merced FOCUS breaks down local leaders’ responses to the proposal and explains what’s at stake.

Actor Travis Andre Ross grew up in Santa Nella, California. His rough upbringing inspired his gritty film “Central Valley.” On today’s episode, Ross explains what inspired him to write, produce, and star in the film that is now available on Amazon Prime. Plus, the latest news headlines: Merced’s high-speed rail dreams take a hit, and a Kern County school board member faces criticism related to son’s abuse charges.