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Their teenage years are a time when many adolescents need support, but should artificial intelligence be filling that void? New research from Common Sense Media reveals nearly 3 in 4 teenagers have used so-called AI companions. So, is it safe? Supreet Mann, who holds a doctorate in communications, leads research at Common Sense Media and breaks down the findings from a new study. Plus, the latest news headlines: The way major wildfires may be contributing to mortality long after they’re extinguished; and a Bakersfield refinery is allowed to reorganize under bankruptcy protection.

On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, we bring you the story of Yan Garcia-Heredia, who legally immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela. After he was arrested in Mendota in connection to a robbery, charges were dropped – and yet he is being held in ICE custody. San Francisco Chronicle reporter Raheem Hosseini has covered this case closely, and explains what’s at stake.Plus, the latest news headlines: why mothers who lost sons held a protest yesterday in Hanford; and what new research says about the harmful effects of arsenic in drinking water.

Hot shot Hot shot crews are the U.S. Forest Service’s most-elite wildland firefighters. Crews face demanding physical requirements in order to tackle the most aggressive and remote fires. So how does a woman with a poetry degree end up on a crew in this male-dominated field? Author Kelly Ramsey discusses her experience in her new memoir “Wildfire Days: A Woman, A Hotshot Crew, and The Burning American West.”

In the November elections, residents in the city of Los Banos ousted their mayor and re-called two city council members. Leading up to the elections, Los Banos residents were discontent with the controversial appointment of their city manager. We speak with Mike Dunbar, reporter at The Westside Express, about ongoing turmoil within the Los Banos city government. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, what led to Adam Gray’s defeat of John Duarte, and a manhunt in Delano for an escaped inmate.

California homeowners have had their insurance dropped or significantly increased in recent years. And many say the California Department of Insurance could be doing more to help them. On today’s show, we speak with Stephanie Sierra, an investigative reporter with ABC7 in San Francisco. She recently spoke to people impacted by insurance increases and even tracked down the state insurance commissioner himself. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, final results in Fresno area elections, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., tapping a Valley man for an advisory role.

Every year on Thanksgiving, millions tune in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But there’s another show that also draws a loyal crowd: The National Dog Show. Vito, a pug, took home the grand prize this year. On today’s show, we speak with George Milutinovich of Fresno. He was this year's “Best in Show” judge, where he picked the winner out of seven breeds. We talk to him about his judging process. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, Democrat Adam Gray declaring victory in the tight 13th Congressional District race, and health officials saying respiratory illnesses are rising in the Fresno area.

Donald Trump is set to return to office in January when he’s sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Immigrant communities across the U.S. worry he will make good on promises of mass deportations. So how are groups preparing to support immigrants who might be caught up in those actions? We speak with KVPR’s Esther Quintanilla on the steps some local groups and officials are taking now. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, what does California’s lieutenant governor know about a retaliation case at Fresno State? And more disruption for a Valley raw milk producer.

In 2017, Tulare Regional Medical Center declared bankruptcy and closed its doors. In the years leading up to the closure, the hospital had been run by Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA). After the bankruptcy, Dr. Benny Benzeevi, who was CEO of HCCA, was accused of a long list of financial crimes that led the hospital to its fate. He was eventually charged with 40 felony counts and, just this month, was sentenced after pleading no contest to some of the charges. We speak with Reggie Ellis from The Sun-Gazette newspaper, who gave us an overview of the case. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, why a Valley high school volleyball team skipped out on a match, and a Bitwise Industries settlement is approved.

Earlier this month, the California Air Resources Board approved a revision to a state climate program known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The program tries to encourage cleaner transportation fuels with financial incentives. But the change had one side effect that raised eyebrows among many: it could raise already high gas prices. We spoke with CalMatters reporter Alejandro Lazo about this decision to learn more about the program. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a professional diver joining the search for a missing Kern County woman and a warning for the Merced City Schools District.

What does it take to be a top lumberjack? Madera County resident Nate Hodges recently traveled to France to compete in an international timbersports competition that featured top talent in wood cutting. Earlier this month, Hodges defeated woodcutters from countries like New Zealand and Canada to become the 2024 Stihl Timbersports Individual World Champion. In this episode, we speak with him about his victory and how he got into this unique sport. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a report card on a decade-old state water law and why voter turnout may have been lower this year.