Central Valley Daily

After nearly 18 years, professional hockey is back in Fresno. The Fresno Falcons are returning to the ice with a new roster, a new league, and a familiar name. KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel shows us how the team is preparing for a new season. Plus, the latest news headlines: Reports of ICE detainments surface in the Fresno area; and House District 22 candidates appear in debate. Today’s episode is...

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno is dealing with a pension crisis affecting current and retired employees. The diocese, already facing bankruptcy, announced this summer its retirement account was underfunded and pointed blame at a financial services company. But the problem is not just affecting retirees in the Diocese of Fresno. KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski talks about what he’s...

Shaver Springs, a community of roughly 200 residents in the Fresno County foothills, is dealing with persistent water quality issues. Residents are demanding local leaders investigate the water quality, and conduct an audit of the water services. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about how Fresno County and water district officials are reacting. Plus, the latest news headlines: A controver...

It’s been six months since allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls by labor rights leader Cesar Chavez were first reported by The New York Times. For the Central Valley, the news was hard to process. We speak with New York Times journalist Manny Fernandez as he returns to his Fresno roots and reflects on the story's impact on the community. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produ...

The Central Valley is one of 40 locations nationwide selected by the Smithsonian for a series of cultural arts festivals. Happening this weekend in Fresno, the Great Valley Gathering will celebrate the Central Valley’s cultural diversity with live workshops and performances. We speak to lead organizer Amy Kitchener about what to expect. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Diocese of Fresno is par...

An Exeter family thought their fallen WWII servicemember who died in battle overseas was lost forever. But decades later, he returned home. KVPR reporter Amaray Alvarez brings us the story of the celebration. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson visits Bakersfield to stump for Rep. David Valadao; and diesel truckers protest high prices. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath H...

A new podcast explores the culture of sexual abuse and retaliation by prison staff at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. We speak to reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman about their investigation for Snap Judgment and KQED about the woman who broke the case wide open. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Supreme Court will hear arguments over the Kern River, and Gover...

Farmers and truck drivers across the country are feeling the squeeze of high diesel prices, amid a record surge in September. On today’s episode we speak to Manuel Cunha, Jr., longstanding president of the Nisei Farmers League in Fresno about the pressure industries are facing, and why they’re calling for a one-day strike on Oct. 1. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson plans...

The story of the University of California system is also the story of California. In today’s episode, we speak to author Miriam Pawel about her new book, California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California. It explores the connection between California’s elite higher education system and the state’s own changing society and demographics.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of what’s predicted to be a record-setting El Niño. We speak to Anthony Edwards, newsroom meteorologist with the San Francisco Chronicle, about the signs pointing to strong storms and heavy rainfall in California in the coming months. Plus, the latest news headlines: Animal rights activists have charges dismissed; and new research shows valley...

California’s heat protections for indoor workers do not apply to correctional facilities. That means staff and incarcerated people are left sweltering when temperatures soar. On today’s episode, we speak to Erin Rode, a freelance journalist for Capital & Main, who tells us about the unique challenge these facilities face in getting protections. Plus, the latest news headlines: Opponents of Measure...

One of the most-talked about measures on the California ballot this November is Prop. 40, a one-time tax on billionaires. We speak to the California Budget & Policy Center to break down what’s in the proposal – and the opposing measures. Plus, the latest news headlines: High diesel prices could lead to a truck driver strike; and measles vaccination rates are falling in the Central Valley. Today’s...

West Nile virus cases are surging in California. Health experts say there’s not one clear reason, though a wet winter, warm spring and changing immunity in wild birds are partly to blame. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel rides along with mosquito abatement officials as they fight to control the spread. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Newsom declares emergency ahead of El Nino; and two pilots die fight...

The owner of the Fresno Bee, McClatchy Media, recently laid off seven reporters and one editor. That’s about 40% of the San Joaquin Valley newsroom. Across the country, McClatchy Media laid off at least 90 journalists. Today, we break down the significance of these layoffs by speaking with two former executive editors at the Fresno Bee, Joe Kieta and Jim Boren. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath...

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...