Childcare costs are soaring across California. In cities like Fresno, it can take a deep toll on low-income families. Fresno city leaders recently created the Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access to tackle the crisis. We speak to Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, who says it’s one of the biggest issues concerning his constituents. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Pacific University receives massive donation; and reaction to the closure of Maya Cinemas in Fresno. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

It’s been over 50 years since the death of singer and songwriter Jim Croce. His son, A.J., is helping keep his legacy alive. Later this month, he’ll bring his “Croce Plays Croce” tour to the Warnors Theatre in Fresno. A.J. sits down with Central Valley Daily to share his musical background and what makes his father's music special. Today’s episode is produced and hosted by Jonathan Linden.

A new bill moving through the state legislature could impact the fight for consumer privacy rights in the future. SB 690 is trying to curb frivolous lawsuits that target small businesses. But privacy advocates are questioning why Big Tech companies are some of the bill’s most staunch supporters. We speak to CalMatters reporter Katherine Ortiz. Plus, the latest news headlines: Seven journalists are laid off at The Fresno Bee; and a UC Merced tour highlights campus’ green energy. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden

Measure S is headed to the November ballot in Fresno County. The half-cent sales tax is projected to generate more than $7 billion for transportation projects over the next 30 years. But the citizen-led initiative is facing a major fight to sway voters ahead of the polls. On today’s episode we speak with KVPR’s Marek Warszawki about what the measure includes. Plus, the latest news headlines: New accuser sues over Cesar Chavez sex abuse; and Fresno County may allow prosecutors to carry guns. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Although highway traffic is one of the main contributors to air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley, thousands of cars also line up at drive-through burger restaurants, taco joints and coffee places each day. Central Valley Journalism Collaborative Reporter Tim Sheehan compiled some data on how all these restaurants may be contributing to the Valley’s air pollution problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: A woman is ordered to pay Fresno after an embezzlement investigation; and Rep. David Valadao says he can win his House race in November. Today’s episode is hosted by Kerry Klein and produced by Jonathan Linden.

In the competitive world of standup comedy, a longtime comedian is reinventing the path to stardom. Ali Siddiq is embracing his independent spirit with a prolific lineup of specials on YouTube. His videos have garnered as many as 20 million or 10 million views, challenging conventions of network-supported budgets and productions. His nationwide Custom Fit Tour comes to Fresno’s Tower Theater on Sept. 12. We speak with him about his unique storytelling style, which has earned him fans around the world. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Samantha Rangel and Jonathan Linden.

Emergency dispatchers are commonly the first voices people hear in an emergency. But across the country, it’s getting harder to find people trained to answer those calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us inside a student program training future dispatchers. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Elizabeth Arakelian. Produced by Samantha Rangel, Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden.

Agave has become a more popular crop on California farms because of its resistance and tolerance of drought and heat. Valley schools like UC Merced are trying to answer farmers’ and policymakers’ questions about the crop. We speak to KVPR’s Rachel Livinal about agave’s expansion into classrooms. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Fresno talks financing over South SEDA; plus fast-food drive-through lanes contributing to air pollution. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Rachel Livinal, Kerry Klein, and Jonathan Linden.

Earlier this year, the city of Bakersfield approved increases to its sewer rates. Over the next five years, that will mean sewage rates will more than triple for residents. In response to the increases, Kern County is suing to stop them. Today we speak with Bakersfield’s Californian reporter Peter Segall, who breaks down the situation. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno mayor formally opposes data centers in the city; and Fresno Falcons hockey returns after 17 year hiatus. Today’s episode is hosted by Kerry Klein, Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new study from UC Merced and the Union of Concerned Scientists explores California’s worsening drought conditions. The study is the first of its kind to tie some of the state’s decreasing water supply to the Carbon Majors, 122 of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers. We speak to lead author Emily Williams about the data. Plus, the latest news headlines: Feds deny reporting over private land sale in Yosemite; and a small jet crashes down near Porterville. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden, and Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado.