Powwows are common in many parts of the country where Native Americans call home. But did you know some regions have powwow seasons? California’s powwow season recently kicked off in Central California. And it brought tribes from as far as New York and Canada to Table Mountain Rancheria casino just outside of Fresno, where the sound of a long tradition rang out. Reporter: Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado, KVPR California sea lion poisonings are surging along the coast, and warm waters brought by El Niño could make things worse. Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED Researchers estimate that close to 6,000 unsheltered people live within a mile of venues for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Reporter: Libby Rainey, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Sur is being consumed by two wildfires …the Timber Fire to the north started in the first week of August. And at the end of the month, the Plaskett Fire broke out to its south. Earlier this week, KAZU spoke with folks keeping the now-opened strip of the Big Sur Valley alive. Reporter: Katie Brown, KAZU Labor Day weekend is here, and as you’ve heard we’re still in the middle of fire season without much rain in sight. We know many of you will likely be heading outdoors to enjoy California's wilderness so KQED Outdoors reporter Sarah Wright is joining us today to walk us through some ways to stay safe. Reporter: Madi Bolanos and Sarah Wright, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California prison officials and advocates met this week in Sacramento to discuss the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse and assault in men's prisons and work toward solutions. We spoke with formerly incarcerated community activist Darnel Washington about why sexual violence persists behind bars, and what needs to change to better protect incarcerated people. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, KQED California lawmakers have sent a slew of bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk aiming to increase state oversight of federal immigration detention. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his second term, president Donald Trump has done very little that can be considered even remotely bi-partisan. But one thing stands out - The Laken Riley Act. We explore the impacts of this immigration legislation a year after Trump signed it into law. Reporter: Gustavo Solis, KPBS A bill that could give the public more access to information about emergencies inside private immigrant detention centers is on its way to becoming a law. It just needs Governor Newsom’s signature. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR Students without legal status aren’t allowed to work for California’s public colleges or universities. A bill that could change that is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. Reporter: Mikhail Zinshteyn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, one of the top issues for voters across the country is healthcare, following major cuts last year to Medicaid. California’s 22nd congressional district has high Medicaid enrollment…and it’s one of the most competitive seats in the country…now that Democrats recently gained a voter advantage there due to redistricting. In a partnership with KFF Health News, KVPR spoke to residents in this district about how healthcare could influence their vote. Reporter: Samantha Rangel, KVPR California lawmakers are set to vote today on changes to what happens AFTER a damaging wildfire is sparked by utility equipment. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED An Imperial County judge appears poised to strike down the county's moratorium on data center development. Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices