Central Valley Daily

Thousands of cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled in the Central Valley and across California. Much of the shortage is caused by a lack of trained workers. Fresno State and other state universities are working to expand cybersecurity education to help fill the gaps. On today's show, we speak with Fresno State criminology professor Dr. Keith Clement, who is helping lead the charge in growing the local cybersecurity workforce.

With the new year comes new state laws in California. On today’s show, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff, who peels back the curtain on two new state laws – a ban on book bans and a law that aims to stop cities and towns from requiring voter identification.

This year, scandals, natural disasters, and human stories shaped the San Joaquin Valley. As we say goodbye to 2024, we look back at some of the stories covered by KVPR. We speak to KVPR news director Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado and Associate Editor Kerry Klein about the stories that kept the newsroom – and our airwaves – busy.

After a seven-year search, a neon sign belonging to the iconic Trout's bar in Bakersfield has returned home after being stolen. But it's not just any sign, it's part of Bakersfield's country music roots. Today, we talk to KVPR reporter Joshua Yeager, who shares the improbable story of how the sign was found – and what it means to musicians today. Plus, the latest news headlines, including farmworkers getting protective equipment against bird flu and how medical debt will not affect credit reports starting in 2025.

Despite being the most linguistically diverse state in the country, California struggles with bilingual education. Part of the struggle stems from a nearly 20-year ban on bilingual education that ended in 2016. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Tara Garcia Mathewson. She discusses recent reporting on the effort to expand bilingual education access in the state. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how health officials are optimistic about a bird flu emergency declaration and how did a Kern County inmate escape?

Oil production in California is in decline. But oil producers don’t show signs of going away any time soon. Some are looking to build on a new technology known as carbon capture. But as they move on, they leave behind what are known as idle wells – or wells no longer in production. And those wells could still leak dangerous chemicals. We speak with reporter Emma Foehringer Merchant about a recent investigation into how one company is dealing with this problem. Plus, the latest news headlines, including an emergency being declared in California over bird flu, and what former Bitwise Industries workers say about their former bosses.

In his new book, Central Valley native and author Fitz Cahall explores the stories of people who weren’t afraid to try something new. And he takes an up-close look at the outdoors. On today’s show, we talk with Cahall about what inspired him to do this work. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the prison sentence for the Bitwise founders and Fresno workers go on strike.

Tulare County is one of the country’s top dairy-producing counties. But now, four months after the first detection of avian influenza in California dairy cows, how is the county handling the outbreak? In today’s episode, we get an update from KVPR’s Kerry Klein. She tells us how bird flu is also affecting humans. Plus, the latest news headlines, including sentencing for Bitwise Industries co-founders, and, could blood tests determine unhealthy alcohol use?

California utility companies have spent billions to prevent wildfires, such as burying power lines and trimming brush near their equipment. Much of the cost of doing this is usually passed on to customers. But with high utility rates, some wonder: could these companies be doing their work more cost-effectively? We speak with CalMatters reporter Alejandro Lazo on his recent reporting on this issue. Plus, the latest news headlines, including former Rep. Devin Nunes, tapped for White House role, and what do California residents think of the economy?

Every winter, thousands of people up and down the Western Hemisphere gather to observe and count birds around them. It’s part of the annual Christmas Bird Count hosted by the National Audubon Society. On today’s show, we speak with Ian Souza-Cole from Audubon. He explains this unique experience and how you can take part. Plus, the latest news headlines, including tips about mistletoes and who is jumping into the special race for Assembly District 32.