Central Valley Daily

Their teenage years are a time when many adolescents need support, but should artificial intelligence be filling that void? New research from Common Sense Media reveals nearly 3 in 4 teenagers have used so-called AI companions. So, is it safe? Supreet Mann, who holds a doctorate in communications, leads research at Common Sense Media and breaks down the findings from a new study. Plus, the latest news headlines: The way major wildfires may be contributing to mortality long after they’re extinguished; and a Bakersfield refinery is allowed to reorganize under bankruptcy protection.

When the California Public Utilities Commission voted to slash the amount rooftop solar subsidies residents received, the industry started to decline. Environmentalists and consumer advocates quickly pushed back. Mother Jones reporter Henry Carnell breaks down the fight within the solar industry, and how California’s policies — and governor — could be impacting the industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno supervisors go after unapproved holiday celebrations by county staff; and Fresno State’s new strategy to fund athletics.

Farmers scrambled earlier this year to find enough bees to pollinate their crops. But beekeepers were searching too. That’s because a historic bee die off was shaking the industry. Professor Elina Niño, an apiculture expert who runs a bee lab at UC Davis, joins us to break down new research that sheds light on what was behind it. Plus, the latest news headlines: Yosemite National Park workers say they weren’t paid for weeks; and a Valley hospital sees a sharp spike in facial injuries among young athletes.

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.