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In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging gender and racial discrimination by a Merced College dean. All of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but the dean still decided to move to a different department – before he later announced he will be stepping back into a faculty role. An investigation by Rachel Livinal found that the situation was still shaking up the wider campus community. Rachel Livinal, who reported this for both KVPR and the Merced FOCUS, discusses her investigation.

The Fresno Unified School District approved layoffs that could affect hundreds of people. It comes amid financial troubles hitting the district. Fresnoland reporter Diego Vargas joins us to discuss the potential impact on the district, but also on employees and students. Plus, the latest news headlines: What Fresno residents say about their city in a new KVPR survey, and what the latest storms have done to the state’s snowpack.

Whether it's a journal entry or a grocery list, writing is a way to self-regulate and build resilience. On today's episode, we explore the intersection of writing and neuroscience with UC Merced Professor Emily Johnston. Plus, the latest news headlines: layoffs hit Fresno Unified workers, and the country's largest agricultural water district addresses sinking land.

A college degree comes with a sense of accomplishment, but it comes at a financial cost. At California State University campuses, students pay fees in addition to tuition. On today’s episode, Amy DiPierro with our news partner EdSource explains why Fresno State enforced one of its sharpest fee hikes in the last decade. Plus, the latest news headlines: former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner’s family speaks out publicly, and Fresno sees a rise in affordable housing rentals.

Water is scarce on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, but installing solar arrays could be a reliable new source of income for farmers. On today’s episode, Dan Charles discusses his report for NPR on the country’s largest solar project underway here in the San Joaquin Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Bakersfield girl was invited to the State of the Union speech, and how Fresno leaders plan to pay out arts grants amidst an embezzlement scandal.

Being a teenage girl can be hard, and it can be even more difficult when you’re balancing a competitive sport. This Sunday, UC Merced is launching an inaugural event titled “Together We Will” to connect and inspire Valley high school girls who play sports. On today’s episode, event organizer Lisa Pollard explains what the free event offers these local student athletes. Plus, the latest news headlines: Federal EPA officials tour a Bakersfield farm; and California Democratic party leader calls on candidates to drop out.

The Del Monte cannery in Modesto is shutting its doors after 140 years. Now, farmers who have contracts to supply fruit to the cannery are left with few options. On today’s episode, Garth Stapley, with our news partner the Modesto Focus, explains the impact of the closure on farmers and the economy. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Bakersfield family reopens a cold case to the public, and local Iranian Americans react to the war in the Middle East.

Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday. It means longer days and less sleep for many. On today’s episode, Dr. Hemmal Kothary with Dignity Health’s Central California Chapter explains how to stabilize your sleep schedule and minimize health risks. Plus, the latest news headlines: shooting at Fresno clinic injures one; and a Merced College dean responds to KVPR investigation.

The climate patterns known as “La Niña” and “El Niño” have long been used as predictors of how cold and wet a winter season is likely to be. But their definitions are changing. Meteorologist Anthony Edwards of the San Francisco Chronicle tells us why and what to expect from weather forecasts moving forward. Plus, the latest news headlines: Cases of tuberculosis rose in Fresno and Merced counties since the pandemic, and a new bill seeks to protect veterans from the predatory claims process.

The City of Fresno has terminated its contract with the Fresno Arts Council. This comes as local and federal law enforcement investigate a former employee who allegedly embezzled $1.5 million. On today’s episode, Omar Rashad, with our news partner Fresnoland, breaks down what we know so far. Plus, the latest news headlines: Clovis considers adding “In God We Trust” in city council chambers, and the World Ag Expo is in full swing in Tulare.