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.

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.

Dean Potter was a larger-than-life figure in the rock climbing world. But more than a decade after his death, a new docuseries on HBO explores the dark side of his personality that drove him to record-breaking stunts. Today, we speak with Nick Rosen, one of the filmmakers behind "The Dark Wizard."

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.

UC Merced is working to increase its enrollment numbers that have fallen flat since the pandemic. But certain factors like location make it harder to attract new students. We speak with EdSource reporter Michael Burke about the challenges in drawing students to the campus. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Central Unified School District unites against SEDA; and California prepares to share information about its drivers with a national database.

A new California law requires that all corn tortillas contain folic acid. We look at how manufacturers are complying and the health benefits for expecting mothers. Plus, the latest news headlines: California could face tough budget cuts ahead; and a proposed bill goes after large housing investors.

California’s walnut industry is feeling the pressure of the war in Iran. In today’s episode, we learn how the battle over the Strait of Hormuz is adding to the strain of tariffs when most of its products are shipped overseas. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Tulare County deputy killed while on duty will be laid to rest, and questions remain over a new ICE facility in Kern County.

Residents facing deportation have historically been able to fight their cases out of jail while they await trial. But, under President Trump's latest immigration directives, immigrants are now largely being detained before appearing in court. On today's episode, Sonja Sharp with the Los Angeles Times explains how the mass detention of immigrants is overwhelming California's courts.

A new documentary focuses on the history of oil production in Kern County. The filmmaker explores the county’s oil towns and the people who live there. He says he wants the film to spark a conversation about the economic impact of less drilling. Plus, the latest news headlines: a San Joaquin River property undergoes a name change amid controversy, and a new ICE detention center opens in Kern County.

The City of Fresno is charting a new path forward for Measure P arts grants. But community trust remains at stake after an embezzlement scandal threatened the last round of funding. We speak to a Fresnoland reporter about how the city proposes to address issues of transparency. Plus, the latest news headlines: Governor Gavin Newsom announces three new state parks; and the legal fight over state homelessness funds.