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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 Garnet Fire swept through the mountains in eastern Fresno County this summer. Among the affected regions was a little-known area called the “Tea Kettle Experimental Forest.” Matthew Hurteau, a professor of biology at the University of New Mexico, joins us to discuss how the Garnet Fire thwarted his planned research at the site and what comes next. Plus, the latest news headlines: Labor and elected leaders form commission to support immigrant workers; and a Republican congressman calls for members to return to D.C. amid shutdown.

A brilliant engineering solution from the 1870s is still in use today in Kern County.

The federal government has been partially shutdown for more than three weeks. This is the second-longest government shutdown, surpassed only by the 2018 closure during President Trump’s first term. That one lasted 35 days. Republican Congressman Vince Fong explains why he thinks Congress is at an impasse and the urgency to make a deal with Democrats. Plus, the latest news headlines: State and local officials raise alarm over shutdown’s impact on food assistance; and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz visits the Valley.

Millions of Indians across the world are celebrating a five-day festival known as Diwali. The festivities end on Saturday, but for those who celebrate, they represent the start of a new year. The holiday marks the victory of good over evil. At one temple in Fresno, one Hindu member takes us inside the sacred space where the celebration is held. Plus, the latest news headlines: A million-dollar scam hits Fresno Unified; and Fresno police preparing for a new law around the use of artificial intelligence.

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.