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Farmers in the Central Valley have relied on burning agricultural waste to get rid of it for decades. But a new law that finally took effect this year is putting an end to that practice. Today, we speak with a former legislator who crafted the ag-burning legislation in California, and we hear why it took so long to implement. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the UFW getting a threatening mailer and Fresno’s international airport seeing more traffic.

Before President Joe Biden left office, he was urged to designate a large area of the central Sierra Nevada as a national monument. But the proposed “Range of Light National Monument” was not among those actually established in Biden’s last days. Advocates for outdoor recreation say this is a win. In this episode, a leader of a group who opposed the monument shares her reasons and what’s next. Plus, the latest news headlines, including farm leaders proposing solutions for immigrant workers and mass layoffs coming to a Valley tomato plant.

Gov. Gavin Newsom sought to provide mental health treatment to those facing homelessness through a controversial program that established what is known as “CARE Courts.” Little data exists to know whether the program has been meeting its goals so far. But in today’s episode, we look at how it’s working in Stanislaus County. We speak with reporter Marijke Rowland from our partner, Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how farmers are reacting to Trump’s hasty water order last week and a new indictment that was revealed in the Bitwise Industries fallout.

One of President Donald Trump’s many executive orders since taking office last month went after the refugee admission process. Trump halted the Refugee Admissions Program and ordered a review of whether the program meets U.S. interests. But the order also affects those who were on their way to places like Fresno, and those who had already resettled here. On today’s episode, we speak with the director of a refugee resettlement agency to understand more. Plus, the latest news headlines, including more delays on the horizon for high speed rail, and monarch butterfly numbers drop.

Joy Harjo made history when she became the first Native American to be named U.S. Poet Laureate. She’s a guest in an upcoming San Joaquin Valley Town Hall lecture in Fresno. In today’s episode, we speak with her to hear how she finds inspiration for her work. Plus, the latest headlines, including charges being formally filed against a former Kern County supervisor and a new state bill that wants to improve wastewater testing.

Many of Fresno's mid-century landmarks are the designs of one man, architect Robert W. Stevens.

Originally a mafia hangout on Highway 99, by the 1970's Fresno's Pine Lake Lodge became a safe space for Fresno's LGBTQ community.

Decades after his death, Cesar Chavez continues to influence the region of California where he lived and died. There have been numerous ways he has been remembered, too. In today’s episode, we speak with Venancio Gaona, a retired educator who has spent many years fighting to honor Chavez by placing his name along a long stretch of road in Fresno. Gaona tells us about the meaning behind the effort. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how atmospheric rivers are influencing our rainy seasons and why a Valley school district won’t redo its November election.

Agriculture has long been perceived as a male-dominated industry. However, women are increasingly taking on leadership and management roles in the field. At this year’s World Ag Expo in Tulare, challenges facing women in agriculture were the focus of one seminar. In this episode, KVPR sits down with Amy Wolfe of the California Farmland Trust to talk about this topic. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Fresno appointing a new police chief and local sheriffs' calling for reform to California's sanctuary law.

Every year, the city of Tulare doubles its population when the world’s largest farm trade show comes to town. The World Ag Expo wrapped up last week, but in today’s episode, KVPR reporter Kerry Klein brings us a story from the show’s grounds. We hear what makes the expo so attractive and what it takes to make it happen. Plus, the latest news headlines: Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s next move and Valley food banks' worries.