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.

Politics have grown increasingly divisive in recent years, and that is making people more depressed. So, how can we manage in this modern society as informed citizens? On today’s show, UC Merced political scientist Christopher Ojeda discusses his book “The Sad Citizen: How Politics Is Depressing And Why It Matters.”

When wildfires break out, it is not uncommon for pilots to fly overhead and drop fire retardant in the area. The substance is typically chalky-red and is used to mitigate fire damage. However, some environmentalists fear it could be causing problems of its own. We discuss this controversy with CapRadio’s Greg Miceck. Plus, the latest news headlines: Trump pulls funding for California’s high speed rail; and a coalition is gearing up to campaign in vulnerable GOP House districts.

President Trump’s signature spending bill, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” includes historic funding for military and immigration enforcement. But it also includes cuts to social spending on things such as food assistance and healthcare. How will that impact food access? In this episode, we speak with the Central California Food Bank CEO. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley congressman is supporting a new immigration reform bill; and why there’s leadership turmoil in California City.

For students, summer is the time to take on new skills when they’re not in school. For a group of them in Fresno, this summer has included handling instruments and learning all about mariachi history. Journalist Esther Quintanilla with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative takes us to the rehearsal room to hear the students’ finished pieces. Plus, the latest news headlines: A UC Merced report analyzes the potential cost of immigration raids on jobs; and a Kern County supervisor’s husband remains in jail.

Immigration sweeps and raids in southern California and across the country are adding to fears among immigrants without legal status everywhere. But amid headlines of aggressive operations, there are stories of neighbors helping neighbors. Journalist Madi Bolanos brings us one of those stories from the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: States sue over freezing of education grants; and what the Diocese of Fresno says about IRS policy on political endorsements.

Hot shot Hot shot crews are the U.S. Forest Service’s most-elite wildland firefighters. Crews face demanding physical requirements in order to tackle the most aggressive and remote fires. So how does a woman with a poetry degree end up on a crew in this male-dominated field? Author Kelly Ramsey discusses her experience in her new memoir “Wildfire Days: A Woman, A Hotshot Crew, and The Burning American West.”

So-called star parties usually take place where there is little light pollution. But on a recent breezy night, a group set up massive telescopes in the small Fresno County town of Kerman. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel was there to witness the star-struck residents who got a glimpse at what’s beyond the night sky. Plus, the latest news headlines: A war of words continues over California’s high speed rail; and a major health clinic for veterans gets the green light in Bakersfield.

Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the San Joaquin Valley. Journalist Tim Sheehan joins us to break down the data and the resources available to residents. If you or someone you know is at risk, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 9-8-8. Plus, the latest news headlines: Why Fresno County supervisors are rejecting a state project to create jobs; and speculation builds around a potential challenger to a Valley House Republican.

Large employers in California now have to cover fertility care for policyholders, including IVF. But lawmakers have delayed the coverage, potentially leaving families trying to conceive in a lurch. We speak to freelance journalist Sarah Kwon about what this means for a Central Valley family. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attorney General Rob Bonta responds to military presence at Los Angeles park; and a former employee speaks out about a suicide death at a Valley meat plant.