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Oil is at the heart of Kern County’s economy. But as the state looked to transition to cleaner energy sources under a changing climate, the economic reality clashed with ambitious policy goals. We speak with Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove about the recent signing of a state law that seeks to reboot the county’s oil industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: The looming battle with Fresno and its bus driver union, and the Clovis police car that will livestream around the clock.

California City in Kern County used to house a state prison. The federal government's recent move to turn it into an immigrant detention facility sparked confusion and outrage. San Francisco Chronicle reporter Sara DiNatale explains the “David versus Goliath" political battle playing out in this tiny desert city.

Officials and experts agree there is no wildfire “season” anymore, only a wildfire year. So, lawmakers put money in the budget this year to transition seasonal firefighters into year-round positions. What could this mean for the firefighters and those they serve? On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes this special report on how firefighters feel about the change. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield State Senator Shannon Grove reacts to the new law increasing Kern County oil production, and a new state law will notify students and parents if immigration officers enter a school campus.

The assasination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves across the country, including in the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno County leaders called for civility among dissenting groups in the wake of the killing, and today we speak with Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig. He reflects on the local response to Kirk’s assasination and weighs in on how we can repair society.Plus, the latest news headlines: A Catholic bishop’s experience with Charlie Kirk before his assassination; and UC Merced students protest staff layoffs.

Madera County is one of only nine in the state where expecting mothers do not have access to birthing services. Instead, they have to travel to out of county hospitals. Journalist Tim Sheehan explains why the county’s hospital chose not to continue birthing services when it reopened – and what that means for expecting mothers. Plus, the latest news headlines: A bill to revamp Kern County oil drilling heads to Gov. Newsom’s desk; and hundreds attend a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

It was the biggest scandal involving the executive branch before Watergate, and it had roots in a Kern County oil field.

Billowing smoke, flaming trees and thousands of axe-wielding hotshot firefighters: these are some of the images from the front lines of the Garnet Fire burning in eastern Fresno County. KVPR’s Kerry Klein takes us on a tour of the north flank of the fire, and shares her reporting on what firefighting operations have looked like. Plus, the latest news headlines: Questions raised over a state legislator’s bill; and what a new study on student loan payments says about Valley borrowers.

A controversial bill that would allow more solar panels on farmland in the San Joaquin Valley has passed in the state legislature. So why did the legislator who introduced it pull it at the last minute? CalMatters reporter Rachel Becker shares where AB 1156 stands, and why it’s dividing the agriculture industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: A new study shows steady progress among English learners in the Valley; and how Tulare city officials plan to attract more visitors.

Accidents are so common at a Fresno intersection that a neighbor set up a webcam to monitor traffic 24 hours a day. Thousands now tune in to a YouTube channel just to watch accidents and close calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel joins us today to talk about the residents who are fed up with the accidents and what’s being done to fix the intersection. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Sanger police officer gets five life sentences, and a complaint goes after a committee group for a Fresno County tax.

Called one of the most influential Americans of all-time, California Governor and Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren grew up in Bakersfield.