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A group of synthetic chemicals known as “PFAS” are more commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they are difficult to break down in the environment. They are found in everyday products like non-stick pans and waterproof clothing. But they are also posing health risks. Today, we speak with Hannah Norman, a reporter with KFF Health News, about how the chemicals are being detected in an unexpected place.Plus, the latest news headlines, including Gov. Gavin Newsom breaking ground on a high-speed rail railhead and a hiker being found dead on Mount Whitney.

In August, Community Health System, operator of two of the largest hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley, was sued for $1 billion. The lawsuit was filed by two nonprofit groups alleging the health company misused public funds between its hospitals in Clovis and Fresno. On today’s show, we speak with Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano. She’s been following the case, and shares the latest. Plus, the latest news headlines, including border patrol agents spotted conducting arrests in the Valley and the Tule River tribe acquiring old land.

The land beneath the Central Valley has been sinking since the 1920s. New research from Stanford University shows that the sinking, known as “subsidence,” is continuing at a record-breaking pace. Today, we speak with Drs. Rosemary Knight and Matthew Lees. They discuss their new research and what they say are solutions to reverse land sinking. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the status of a spider monkey found in a Madera County traffic stop and new rules for state mental hospital releases.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom marked a significant milestone in the construction of the state’s high-speed rail this week. He visited Kern County to break ground on a railhead needed to begin laying track. But where exactly does the long-anticipated – and costly – project stand today? On today’s show, we speak with Fresno Bee reporter Tim Sheehan, who has been covering the project for a decade. Plus, the latest news headlines, including potential gaps in bird flu monitoring in the Valley, and why California residents pay higher electricity rates.

This week, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency conducted dozens of arrests in Kern County. More arrests are expected in other parts of the Central Valley, according to officials. On today's show, we speak with Eleazar Valdez of the non-profit Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, or CVIIC. He discusses people's rights when encountering border patrol. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how immigrant arrests were felt in Bakersfield and a Hollywood actor who is thankful for Fresno firefighters.

The death toll from fires raging in Los Angeles County has risen to 24. Thousands of structures are destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation. As that wildfire disaster continues to unfold, what awaits us in our own backyard? We speak with Ashley Nebeker, executive director of the Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council, about the critical information residents in places like California’s Sierra Nevada need to know. Plus the latest news headlines, including mass protests in the Valley after border patrol arrests, and drought is once again setting into California.

Madera Community Hospital has remained closed for more than two years. The building’s poor condition, as well as hiring challenges, have stood in the way after it was purchased by a new company last spring. Today we speak with the man who will serve as the hospital’s new CEO, Steve Stark, about the return of Madera County’s only general hospital. Plus the latest news headlines, including California’s shifting prison funding and why some UC Merced lecturers won’t return to class.

For first responders, fighting raging fires in Los Angeles County is one thing. But how do you fight misinformation building around the fires? In recent weeks, the news cycle has been consumed not just by fire coverage on the ground, but also by headlines sparked by false information online. Today, we’re joined by Lois Henry, editor of SJV Water, who helps debunk a claim that a billionaire couple hoarded state water as LA burned. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how bird flu has left beef cattle untouched and how some are teaching “climate resilience.”

The November election was the first time since 2004 that Fresno County voters swung red – supporting President-Elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. What does this political shift mean for the region? Today, we speak with Peter Halajian of the Fresno County Republican Party, who also pulls back the curtain on some conflicts within his political organization. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the end of a popular Spanish-language program in the Valley and the climate that fueled Southern California’s fires.

With the Democratic Party losing control of the federal government's executive and legislative branches, how will Democratic leaders in the Central Valley respond? Today, we speak with Ruben Zarate, chairman of the Fresno County Democratic Party. He discusses why Democrats might have struggled with this election and how they intend to respond to Trump’s immigration policies. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Trump’s orders to overhaul how the state conveys water and new state funding to recover from wildfires.