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It's a common struggle – being a working parent – and it's all too familiar for NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, who regularly flies around the world for her job hosting All Things Considered. She also has two sons, and she explored the difficulties of balancing parenthood with journalism in her 2023 book, "It. Goes. So. Fast." She joins us today to discuss the book and her thoughts on journalism in today's political landscape. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Democratic PAC targets GOP-controlled House seats for 2026 midterms, and California is stripped of COVID-19 funding by the federal government.

This week on KVPR's Young Artists Spotlight, we hear a performance by the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra Recorded June 8, 2024. Dr. Leo Sakomoto, conductorRitual Fire Dance – Manuel de FallaNorwegian Dances, Op. 35 – Edvard GriegDanse Espagnole – Manuel de Falla, Brian Teeten, violinHungarian Dance No. 1 – BrahmsHungarian Dance No. 5 – Brahms

This week on KVPR's Young Artists Spotlight, we feature another performance by the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, recorded in November 2025 in Bakersfield.

When the U.S. Border Patrol conducted immigration raids earlier this year in Kern County, they said they were targeting undocumented individuals with criminal records. New reporting from CalMatters shows that wasn’t the case. Today, reporter Sergio Olmos tells us what he discovered during his investigation. Plus, the latest news headlines: Governor Newsom announces his latest lawsuit against the White House on a stop in the Central Valley, and Fresno Police arrest a murder suspect in what was thought to be a cold case.

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Mariachi Mestizo has released a new album. The group, based out of Delano, is composed of high school and middle school students, although you wouldn’t know by listening. We celebrate home-grown mariachi with band organizer Juan Morales and band member Joelynn Valencia. Plus, the latest news headlines: Dozens protest proposed Medicaid cuts outside Congressman David Valadao’s office, and Bakersfield is making plans to nearly triple its residential sewage rates.

In California, many of us are dependent upon our cars. That includes some of the state’s most dangerous drivers. A new investigation by CalMatters reveals that the DMV rarely revokes licenses, even for drivers convicted of serious crimes, such as manslaughter. We speak to reporter Robert Lewis about his new investigation, “License to Kill.”

Senator Bernie Sanders, along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes, stopped in Bakersfield for his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour on Tuesday. But not all the thousands who showed up were “feeling the Bern.” KVPR sat down with the senator to discuss why he stopped in the historically conservative town. Plus, the latest news headlines: an escaped convict from Kern County is wanted for murder in Mexico, a Democratic challenger enters the race for Congressman David Valadao’s seat, and a food truck fight in Fresno’s popular River Park area.

The Trump Administration wants access to the tax data of undocumented people. And under a new agreement between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security, they might get it. Today, we speak with Wall Street Journal tax policy reporter Richard Rubin, who breaks down this decision and what it means for people in the U.S. without legal status.

Minna Eshleman ran the Minnewawa Ranch and was a pioneer in her scientific approach to agriculture.

KVPR reporter Joshua Yeager reports on recent visits by progressive politicians to Kern County, a conservative bastion in liberal California. Yeager discusses how voters are responding to recent shifts in national politics. Plus, the latest news headlines: Workers observe “May Day” occasion; and funding for a program that protects a fox species is pulled from a Valley university.