The California High Speed Rail is a controversial topic, The federal government has slashed funding over its lack of progress. But the CEO of the High Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, says the rail can be a point of national pride if its given the chance to get done. Choudri visited the KVPR studios to give us an update on the project.

Fresno’s Tower District is known as an artsy district, and now among the homes and businesses is a celebrity hat maker. Keryn Nicholson makes custom hats by hand all on her own. She has even gotten an order by the likes of Post Malone. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us Nicholson’s story of how she turned her hobby into a business. Plus, the latest news headlines: A military fighter jet crashes down on a Fresno County field; and Gov. Newsom signs a bill that adds a cost accountability measure to the high speed rail project.

California’s water crises are perhaps best illustrated by the challenges seen along the so-called Delta. The Delta is a converging of rivers just east of the Bay Area that helps move water up and down the state. But it has long faced ecological challenges. But a new state plan could now offer new solutions to address them. Journalist Rachel Becker with CalMatters joins us to discuss the plans. Plus, the latest news headlines: The battle for a mega Costco in the Valley; and Kern County officials propose slashing the public health budget.

Five Planned Parenthood facilities, including one in Madera, recently closed their doors in California. It stems from a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which halts Medicaid payments to abortion providers. We speak to Andrew Adams of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, which has facilities in the San Joaquin Valley, to find out how the cuts could impact services. Plus, the latest news headlines: A woman’s body is found in Sequoia National Park after months of searching; and more California students are attending UCs.

An unassuming building in Fresno is showcasing the city’s large Armenian enclave. On today’s episode, KVPR producer Jonathan Linden and host Elizabeth Arakelian visit the Armenian Museum of Fresno, where Elizabeth learns a little more about her roots. They speak with the museum’s director, Varoujan Der Simonian, and Photographer Robby Antoyan, whose exhibition “Fresno Armenians: 50 Years Ago” is on display. Plus, the latest news headlines: Republican Congressman David Valadao pushes back on Gov. Newsom’s redistricting fight, and a judge blocks defunding of Planned Parenthood.

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes spending reforms on immigration, taxes and — most notably — healthcare. Billions of dollars will be cut from Medicare and Medicaid. KVPR’s Rachel Livinal discusses how these changes will impact healthcare in the San Joaquin Valley.

A new state law is reducing red tape for developers in California. Changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, will now allow builders to develop infill housing faster. Ben Christopher, a housing reporter for CalMatters, breaks down the changes to CEQA and if they can actually help address the state’s housing shortage. Plus, the latest news headlines: Two cases of measles reported in Tulare County; and the CSU system faces a steep funding gap as costs rise.

The Catholic Diocese of Fresno filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection earlier this month as it seeks to potentially settle decades-old claims of sexual abuse by clergy. But what does the bankruptcy process look like, and what comes next for the victims? KVPR’s Kerry Klein joins us to discuss her reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Leaked legislation language shows potential effort to streamline permitting of oil wells, and Planned Parenthood in California loses hundreds of millions in funding.

Who paid for an attack mailer during a recent Fresno election? That’s one of the questions at the center of an investigation by Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad. He joins us to talk about the lack of transparency in campaign funding, and what it implies about the influence of “dark money” in local elections. Plus, the latest news headlines: A challenger to Congressman David Valadao gets a national endorsement, and a beloved Fresno park is set for a makeover.

Workers at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino went on strike earlier this month to demand fairer wages and benefits. Workers have been doing their job without a new union contract, which expired late last year. We speak with an employee who tells us what the workers want management to know.Plus, the latest news headlines: What experts say about “dark money” in Fresno politics; and new data shows employment rates for UC graduates.