Central Valley Daily

California has long allowed many groups of immigrants, including those without legal status, access to Medicaid. But policy changes at the state and federal level have led to lingering confusion among the immigrant community. Today, we speak about the mixed messages and fallout with Public Health Watch reporter Salina Arredondo. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno proclaims Native American Day...

Parents in Visalia and Bakersfield are pushing for surveillance cameras to be placed inside special-education classrooms. Reports of alleged child abuse set the effort in motion. But is that possible under California law? We speak to Edsource reporter Emma Gallegos about how parents are trying to make changes. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno celebrates Native American Day; and California p...

Drive through the San Joaquin Valley, and you’ll stumble upon at least four massive billboards from the mid-20th century advertising the soda brand 7UP. Where did they come from – and why are they here? KVPR’s Rachel Livinal reports on the quest by a few historians to learn the origins of these mysterious signs. Plus, the latest news headlines: Diocese of Fresno faces retirement plan crisis; and a...

Childcare costs are soaring across California. In cities like Fresno, it can take a deep toll on low-income families. Fresno city leaders recently created the Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access to tackle the crisis. We speak to Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, who says it’s one of the biggest issues concerning his constituents. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno P...

It’s been over 50 years since the death of singer and songwriter Jim Croce. His son, A.J., is helping keep his legacy alive. Later this month, he’ll bring his “Croce Plays Croce” tour to the Warnors Theatre in Fresno. A.J. sits down with Central Valley Daily to share his musical background and what makes his father's music special. Today’s episode is produced and hosted by Jonathan Linden.

A new bill moving through the state legislature could impact the fight for consumer privacy rights in the future. SB 690 is trying to curb frivolous lawsuits that target small businesses. But privacy advocates are questioning why Big Tech companies are some of the bill’s most staunch supporters. We speak to CalMatters reporter Katherine Ortiz. Plus, the latest news headlines: Seven journalists are...

Measure S is headed to the November ballot in Fresno County. The half-cent sales tax is projected to generate more than $7 billion for transportation projects over the next 30 years. But the citizen-led initiative is facing a major fight to sway voters ahead of the polls. On today’s episode we speak with KVPR’s Marek Warszawki about what the measure includes. Plus, the latest news headlines: New a...

Although highway traffic is one of the main contributors to air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley, thousands of cars also line up at drive-through burger restaurants, taco joints and coffee places each day. Central Valley Journalism Collaborative Reporter Tim Sheehan compiled some data on how all these restaurants may be contributing to the Valley’s air pollution problem. Plus, the latest news h...

In the competitive world of standup comedy, a longtime comedian is reinventing the path to stardom. Ali Siddiq is embracing his independent spirit with a prolific lineup of specials on YouTube. His videos have garnered as many as 20 million or 10 million views, challenging conventions of network-supported budgets and productions. His nationwide Custom Fit Tour comes to Fresno’s Tower Theater on Se...

Emergency dispatchers are commonly the first voices people hear in an emergency. But across the country, it’s getting harder to find people trained to answer those calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us inside a student program training future dispatchers. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Elizabeth Arakelian. Produced by Samantha Rangel, Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden.

Agave has become a more popular crop on California farms because of its resistance and tolerance of drought and heat. Valley schools like UC Merced are trying to answer farmers’ and policymakers’ questions about the crop. We speak to KVPR’s Rachel Livinal about agave’s expansion into classrooms. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Fresno talks financing over South SEDA; plus fast-food dri...

Earlier this year, the city of Bakersfield approved increases to its sewer rates. Over the next five years, that will mean sewage rates will more than triple for residents. In response to the increases, Kern County is suing to stop them. Today we speak with Bakersfield’s Californian reporter Peter Segall, who breaks down the situation. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno mayor formally opposes...

A new study from UC Merced and the Union of Concerned Scientists explores California’s worsening drought conditions. The study is the first of its kind to tie some of the state’s decreasing water supply to the Carbon Majors, 122 of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers. We speak to lead author Emily Williams about the data. Plus, the latest news headlines: Feds deny reporting over private land...

The dawn of the national park system began in Yosemite Valley in 1864 with President Lincoln’s signing of the Yosemite Grant. Now, 160 years later, Yosemite National Park remains the crown jewel of the national park system. But under the Trump administration, there’s now a deal in the works that could give a private developer access to a piece of the park. We speak with reporter Anna Kramer with N...

Central Valley musicians will get their chance to shine at this year’s Valley Music Hall of Fame. The 2026 inductees will be honored in a ceremony in September. On today’s episode, we speak to Valley Music Hall of Fame board chair, Don Priest, to learn about the rigorous process to select the artists and what it means to honor Valley music history.

Across the United States, Native American tribes come together for powwows. These are social gatherings that feature dancing and singing. In the Central Valley, the powwow season recently kicked off with an event in Fresno County. KVPR’s Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado brings us the story. Plus, the latest news headlines: NFL star Josh Allen extends hometown’s scholarship program; and a Kern County ci...

Guns that are used in crimes are no longer anonymous. New state data is tracking where they were sold and recovered. Central Valley cities top the list. A new reporting investigation focuses on one company with Valley operations where many of the guns are traced. Aaron Mendelson with The Trace joins us to discuss his reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno teachers union calls for distr...

The cost of healthcare is rising and could be a deciding factor for voters in the competitive House District 22 race in the Central Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what swing voters are considering and where the candidates stand. Plus, the latest news headlines: A court rules on Avenal’s recall election; and new deadlines for Fresno County’s transportation tax lawsuit. Toda...

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is fresh off a new $146 million expansion. But where does it go next? A new director of aviation is at the helm and already planning for more growth. We speak to Mark Thorpe about his new role and the changes you could be seeing in the future. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attacks on prosecutors raise security questions; and powwow season kicks off in the V...

New A.I. software is signaling a shift happening in the healthcare industry. The largest Medi-Cal insurance provider in Kern County is using A.I. to help boost enrollment numbers. But is it risking human jobs and quality of service? We speak to independent journalist Mark Kreidler from KFF Health News. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The queer community can face added challenges in establishing a safe space for housing. But a well-known TikTok star and trans advocate is lending her voice to the cause. We speak with Mercury Stardust, also known as the “Trans Handy Ma’am” about how she broke into the home repair industry. She will be a guest at this year’s Queer Housing Summit in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: Californ...

Thanks to a California law placing stringent water restrictions on Central Valley farmers, many are looking for alternatives in new crops that require little water. They’re planting a succulent often used in Mexico to make tequila and mezcal called agave. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us to a Merced farm to learn why many farmers are betting on this plant, and how they intend to...

The fight over a transportation tax in Fresno County has been through a maze of updates with local, state and city players vying for power over public funds. We speak to Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano to help us sort through the dispute that’s turned into a legal fight between Fresno County and state leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno school official dismisses calls to resign;...

A state-funded program is preparing for a future that could threaten jobs in California’s oil and gas industry. The so-called Displaced Oil and Gas Workers’ Fund is helping with career transitions for thousands of high-skilled workers facing potential job losses as the state moves toward closures of oil refineries and net zero emissions by 2045. We speak to KQED reporter Julie Small about how the...

The Bakersfield Californian was founded in 1866, and remains in print to this day. This year, the newspaper’s coverage of Bakersfield and Kern County history marks its 160th anniversary. A special art exhibit showcases its history in the community. We speak with Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Christine Peterson and Jeanette Richardson of the Arts Council of Kern in Bakersfield.