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Over 80 smoke shops are currently operating in the city of Fresno. A recent proposal to decrease that number went up before the Fresno City Council – but failed. Today we speak with Miguel Arias, a council member and the leading voice on regulating the shops. He tells us why he thinks this is a problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: Madera Community Hospital’s opening day, and a state senate seat in the Valley gets a new candidate.

The Central California Women’s Facility is one of the largest prisons housing only women. On today’s episode, we go inside the facility to hear about a unique program: the incarcerated people at the prison are running their own newspaper. We’ll hear how the idea for a news operation came to be, and how it inspires those who take part in it. Plus, the latest news headlines: Madera Community Hospital officially reopens, and Valley schools worry about federal cuts to food service programs.

President Donald Trump is cutting funding for a lab that studies a small fish known as the Delta Smelt. The tiny fish are an indicator species, meaning they help reveal the health of the ecosystems where they live. But the fish have also become a symbol of the tension between environmental groups and many politicians. Today we’re talking with John Buse from the Center for Biological Diversity about the future of the fish. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the latest on the reopening of Madera Community Hospital and the opening of the World Ag Expo.

The immigration debate over President Trump’s enforcement policies has reached classrooms. In recent weeks, hundreds of Central Valley students have walked out of class and protested in the street because they are concerned about mass deportation efforts. Today, we speak with Esther Quintanilla, a reporter at the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, about how schools and educators are responding to immigration concerns among students and parents. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how farmers reacted to Trump’s release of Valley water and a rabies scare in Reedley.

There is a crucial part of California’s water infrastructure that is key to preventing flooding. They’re called levees, and you may see them in your own community. Today, we break down the importance of these systems and how they’re holding up. Emily Zentner from The California Newsroom brings us why levees are important and the questions we still have about their sustainability. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a Kern County bakery discrimination case being reversed and what we saw at the World Ag Expo as it comes to a close.

Bird flu has wreaked havoc on dairy cattle, poultry, and egg prices. But now, there’s a risk to even one of our most beloved household pets: cats. Today, we speak with Sarah Boden, who recently reported on this topic for KFF Health News. She explains how cats have become vulnerable to the virus. Plus, the latest news headlines, including new maps revealing the state’s fire risk and advocacy groups pushing for awareness of farmworker deportations.

What’s in a pile of dirt? For residents of the small Sierra Nevada community of Oakhurst, the answer is unity–and a little bit of mischief. On today’s show, KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal takes us to the town where a seemingly normal dirt mound became a viral sensation. We also hear what it inspired residents to do next. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the reason why some are taking part in a “day without immigrants,” and why normally dry rivers were flowing this past weekend in Tulare County.

Agriculture. Water. Immigration. Many of President Trump’s earliest actions back in office have had direct effects on the Central Valley. Today, we speak with Casey Creamer, president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual. He discusses Trump’s recent executive orders and how his organization is wading through the politics. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the CSU faculty union’s response to working with A.I. companies and delays for Yosemite National Park entrance reservations.

Faculty and administration at Madera Community College are at odds over a new teaching method. Competency-based education prioritizes course mastery over grades – and students learn at their own pace. It has been tried in other colleges, but a recent attempt to bring it to Madera met some roadblocks. We speak with a faculty leader about what this means for the future of the practice. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Cesar Chavez Boulevard moving forward in Fresno and Clovis residents seeking to become a “non-sanctuary city.”

Today Mineral King is a part of Sequoia National Park. But if Walt Disney had his way, the valley would have become home to a Disney-owned ski resort.