The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno is dealing with a pension crisis affecting current and retired employees. The diocese, already facing bankruptcy, announced this summer its retirement account was underfunded and pointed blame at a financial services company. But the problem is not just affecting retirees in the Diocese of Fresno. KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski talks about what he’s learned about the pension crisis. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood speaks out on Zack Scrivner case; and Gov. Newsom orders threat monitoring after Trump comments. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Shaver Springs, a community of roughly 200 residents in the Fresno County foothills, is dealing with persistent water quality issues. Residents are demanding local leaders investigate the water quality, and conduct an audit of the water services. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about how Fresno County and water district officials are reacting. Plus, the latest news headlines: A controversial blast mining project is back on the agenda in Fresno County; and the race for House District 22 gains steam ahead of the midterms. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

It’s been six months since allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls by labor rights leader Cesar Chavez were first reported by The New York Times. For the Central Valley, the news was hard to process. We speak with New York Times journalist Manny Fernandez as he returns to his Fresno roots and reflects on the story's impact on the community. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The Central Valley is one of 40 locations nationwide selected by the Smithsonian for a series of cultural arts festivals. Happening this weekend in Fresno, the Great Valley Gathering will celebrate the Central Valley’s cultural diversity with live workshops and performances. We speak to lead organizer Amy Kitchener about what to expect. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Diocese of Fresno is part of a nationwide pension crisis; and the family of former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner speaks out. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

An Exeter family thought their fallen WWII servicemember who died in battle overseas was lost forever. But decades later, he returned home. KVPR reporter Amaray Alvarez brings us the story of the celebration. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson visits Bakersfield to campaign for Rep. David Valadao; and diesel truckers protest high prices. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new podcast explores the culture of sexual abuse and retaliation by prison staff at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. We speak to reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman about their investigation for Snap Judgment and KQED about the woman who broke the case wide open. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Supreme Court will hear arguments over the Kern River, and Governor Newsom signs a law banning law enforcement from using gloves that deliver electric shocks. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Farmers and truck drivers across the country are feeling the squeeze of high diesel prices, amid a record surge in September. On today’s episode we speak to Manuel Cunha, Jr., longstanding president of the Nisei Farmers League in Fresno about the pressure industries are facing, and why they’re calling for a one-day strike on Oct. 1. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson plans Valley stop; and a Valley man is sentenced in million-dollar real estate scheme. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The story of the University of California system is also the story of California. In today’s episode, we speak to author Miriam Pawel about her new book, California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California. It explores the connection between California’s elite higher education system and the state’s own changing society and demographics.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of what’s predicted to be a record-setting El Niño. We speak to Anthony Edwards, newsroom meteorologist with the San Francisco Chronicle, about the signs pointing to strong storms and heavy rainfall in California in the coming months.Plus, the latest news headlines: Animal rights activists have charges dismissed; and new research shows valley fever could be in more places. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden. Test

California’s heat protections for indoor workers do not apply to correctional facilities. That means staff and incarcerated people are left sweltering when temperatures soar. On today’s episode, we speak to Erin Rode, a freelance journalist for Capital & Main, who tells us about the unique challenge these facilities face in getting protections. Plus, the latest news headlines: Opponents of Measure S in Fresno County launch campaign; and Republicans question spending tied to high-speed rail project. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.