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John Steinbeck wasn't the only novelist working on a book in the 1930's based on the stories of the residents of Kern County's farm labor camps.

With the new year comes new state laws in California. On today’s show, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff, who peels back the curtain on two new state laws – a ban on book bans and a law that aims to stop cities and towns from requiring voter identification.

Thousands of cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled in the Central Valley and across California. Much of the shortage is caused by a lack of trained workers. Fresno State and other state universities are working to expand cybersecurity education to help fill the gaps. On today's show, we speak with Fresno State criminology professor Dr. Keith Clement, who is helping lead the charge in growing the local cybersecurity workforce.

Immigration is a major topic driving the news these days. From a crackdown on immigrants without legal status – to a promise of mass deportations – there are human stories behind the headlines. Today, we speak with Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, who is turning to art in order to showcase the faces of those affected by immigration policies. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Fresno Unified going after vaping and the new plans to fix budget issues at the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

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.