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Earlier this year, Merced County officials raised alarm over a struggle to keep necessary staffing at the sheriff, district attorney, and fire departments. The county proposed a tax measure on the November ballot to help with funding. But the measure failed. We speak with Brianna Vaccari, a reporter with the Merced Focus newsroom, to hear what might be next for the county. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Rep. Jim Costa eyeing a top committee spot in Congress and milk being ordered to be tested for bird flu nationwide.

A new solar project has been launched in the city of Visalia. It aims to bring an alternative source of energy to residents who might not otherwise have access to it. We speak with Brandon Smithwood, a vice president at Dimension Energy, about how community solar projects work and how state efforts are aiming to expand them. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, did college students win Adam Gray his race, and where Rep. John Duarte might be going next?

Nov. 1st marks one of two "Día de los Muertos," a traditional Mexican occasion celebrated by millions. For the celebration this year, Arte Américas in downtown Fresno has put together ofrendas, or altars, to celebrate the lives of literary figures who have died. Arianna Chavez, the museum's executive director, discusses the larger meaning behind this day. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, a message to voters ahead of Election Day, and an endangered species is found along the San Joaquin River.

It's one day before Election Day. However, once all the ballots are cast, there is still a lot of work left for election officials. For example, it takes about 30 days to certify the election. On today's episode, we're joined by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. She discusses the state's election process, voting safety, and how voters can track their ballot. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, bird flu traced in Los Angeles County, following a heavy presence in the Valley, and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro visits the Valley.

The new book, Pony Confidential, takes readers along for a unique journey. A talking pony is determined to find its owner, whom it hasn’t seen in over two decades – but only to discover she’s been accused of murder. The pony must now prove her innocence. The novel is starting to receive national acclaim. We speak with the author, Central Valley professor Christina Lynch, about what inspired her to write the book. Plus, the latest news headlines, including bird flu testing for people is ramping up, and a historic bar sign in Kern County is found after seven years

State and federal officials are close to choosing a new plan to manage how water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta would be distributed through the California Aqueduct and Delta-Mendota Canal. The water channels run through the western side of the Central Valley. CalMatters reporter Alastair Bland discusses the plan that is up for approval and why it’s making environmentalists unhappy. Plus, the latest news headlines, including early election results, show that President-elect Donald Trump may flip Fresno County, and a historic Kings County courthouse sells for $1.

President-elect Donald Trump made strong statements about California during his campaign. It included a threat to withhold federal disaster funding if the state and Gov. Gavin Newsom didn’t meet specific requests from his upcoming administration. With the election over and Trump headed back to the White House, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff about what a second Trump presidency could now mean for California. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a dust storm that caused widespread power outages across the Valley and more on a vote by California’s top air regulator, which some say will raise gas prices across the state.

What role does artificial intelligence play in police departments? While not yet widely used, the Fresno Police Department is already utilizing the technology to write its police reports. We speak with KVPR editor and reporter Kerry Klein about her new reporting that looks into this. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a bomb threat investigated at the Kings County elections office and Fresno's search for a new poet laureate.

Kamala Harris spent 13 years of her career as a county and state prosecutor before becoming a U.S. senator and eventually Vice President. But does her early work as a top cop impact the vote of former and currently incarcerated people? KVPR’s Rachel Livinal went looking for answers to this question and shares conversations she had with that voting bloc. Plus, the latest news headlines, including an investigation into Rep. John Duarte’s family business and new state regulations for electric motorcycles.

With Halloween tomorrow, many parents and guardians will head out to trick-or-treat with their kids. But after kids get all that candy, how much should they really be eating? We speak with Carlos Cervantes from the Fresno County CalFresh program to discuss sugar intake for kids – and some potential healthy alternatives. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a record court settlement in Kings County and a Valley milk plant that has shut down.