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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.

President-elect Donald Trump made many promises during his re-election campaign. Mass deportations and tariffs on foreign goods were at the forefront. Today, we speak with Richard Gearhart, an economics professor at California State University, Bakersfield, on how things could shape up. He also shares how some economic policies could impact the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the Wonderful Company dispelling rumors over water usage and Rep. David Valadao responding to immigrant arrests.

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom battles with Donald Trump over his response to raging wildfires in Los Angeles County, he’s also staring down other fights when the incoming president takes office. Since becoming governor in 2019, Newsom vowed to dramatically improve healthcare access and services in the state–with mixed results. Today, we speak with Angela Hart from KFF Health News about how Trump could further complicate that agenda. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Attorney General Rob Bonta stepping into a small-town election fight and a controversial city manager in the Valley is out.

Oil production in California is in decline. But oil producers don’t show signs of going away any time soon. Some are looking to build on a new technology known as carbon capture. But as they move on, they leave behind what are known as idle wells – or wells no longer in production. And those wells could still leak dangerous chemicals. We speak with reporter Emma Foehringer Merchant about a recent investigation into how one company is dealing with this problem. Plus, the latest news headlines, including an emergency being declared in California over bird flu, and what former Bitwise Industries workers say about their former bosses.