The tragic Southern California fires earlier this year destroyed houses and killed dozens. Among the homes destroyed was Demitri Camperos’. Camperos is now trekking from Altadena to Paradise — the site of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire — to raise awareness for fire victims. Host Elizabeth Arakelian met Demitri halfway through his journey in Fresno.

“Dia de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead, is much more than commercialized imagery of colorful skulls and skeletons adorned with bright flowers. In this episode, the KVPR newsroom sets out to shed light on three of the key ingredients to honor the occasion. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Tule River Indian Tribe gets thousands of acres of land back from the state; and Fresno County officials explore a light rail to connect towns.

Voters in California are heading to the polls to weigh in on Proposition 50, which, if approved, could mean more Democratic seats in the House of Representatives. As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would send election monitors to polling sites in Fresno and Kern counties and three others in the state. Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad tells us what we know about the election monitoring plans. Plus, the latest news headlines: Groups protest plans to expand a Kern County ICE facility, and what a new report says about traffic in two Valley cities.

Glaciers in the Sierra Nevada have existed for thousands of years. However, new research published in the journal “Science Advances” projects that they will disappear by the end of the century. Andy Jones, a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-author of the research, explains the findings on today’s episode. Plus, the latest news headlines: Officials raise alarm over the future of Fresno County’s population, and why a Southern California man is walking 500 miles through the state.

New research reveals Latinos in the San Joaquin Valley have higher rates of obesity compared to their counterparts. That is especially true among children. Tim Sheehan, a reporter with our news partner The Intersection, breaks down this research and the factors contributing to the problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE places British commentator in custody at a Valley detention center; and a Lemoore fighter jet crashes in the South China Sea.

The beloved radio show and podcast “Hidden Brain” is celebrating its 10th anniversary. On today’s episode, we speak directly with the host, Shankar Vedantam, about why the show is so successful and needed in today’s world. Vedantam also tells us what is next for the show.

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 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.

A bill that would have trained law enforcement officials to target so-called “transnational repression” passed in the California legislature with bipartisan support. But Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed it this month. On today’s episode Richa Karmarkar, a national reporter with Religion News Service, explains why the bill divided Hindus and Sikhs. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Merced city council member resigns; and California election officials issue warning about special redistricting election.

On Nov. 4, California voters will decide whether to support or reject Proposition 50. That’s Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to counter surprise congressional redistricting in Texas and other red states. If Prop 50 passes, it could change the makeup of the Valley’s congressional representation. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein sets out to look into the potential reduction of GOP representatives in the state. Plus, the latest news headlines: Madera County officials will recognize a pair of heroic farmworkers; and Kern County begins construction on its first “carbon capture” project.