Central Valley Daily

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.

State housing requirements are not being met at the local level – hurting the supply as the population grows. This is fueling growing tension between state and local governments. We speak to CalMatters housing reporter Ben Christopher on the state’s latest progress report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Prosecutors cite two women’s prisons over sexual abuse; and Fresno officials miss key tax mea...

A new plan aims to create a roadmap to restore natural ecosystems in the central San Joaquin Valley. The effort comes as California continues to regulate groundwater and farmers deal with what’s left of their land. Today we speak with Logan Robertson Huecker, the executive director of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust. The group put together this new restoration plan. Plus, the latest news headlines: F...

What contributes to a home’s survivability in a wildfire? New research from UC Merced looks at the factors that can determine how structures can be more resilient. We speak to Mukesh Kumar, a post-doctoral scientist who led the research and John Abatzoglou, a professor of climatology at UC Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County officially moves forward with transportation tax; and...

There may be hope for a new drug to treat the most severe cases of Valley fever. Olorofim has shown promising results in clinical trials. We speak to Dr. Fariba Donovan from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Valley Fever Center for Excellence, who is researching the drug and a possible new rapid test to check for an infection. Plus, the latest news headlines: A long-awaited downtow...

In the wake of Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse allegations, how will educators approach teaching about the civil rights leader and his legacy? As the new school year draws near, we speak with Bakersfield College history professor Oliver Rosales to hear his perspective and his new approach. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A court-appointed medical review shines a spotlight on conditions inside a Kern County ICE detention facility. A closer look at what an independent investigation found at the California City location. We speak to a medical expert, Dr. Joseph Nwadiuko, to help analyze the results of the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Newsom signs a bill to place a local Fresno County tax on the Novem...

A multi-state outbreak of the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis has sickened thousands. But how is California monitoring potential cases? We speak to an official at the California Department of Public Health about where California stands and precautions to take over food safety. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors, state leaders fight over tax measure; and Bakersfield open...

A new documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Luis Valdez, a Delano native and prolific artist known as the father of Chicano theater and film. We speak with the director, David Alvarado, ahead of a special event and screening in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: How public land protection could sway voters in House District 22; and Merced officials place a new city tax on the Novembe...

More questions are unfolding following a marathon session at the Fresno City Council last week. On today’s episode, we look at the flurry of measures discussed, and what it will mean for the November ballot. Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo helps us break it all down. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley Republican now leads her party in the Assembly; and what a report says about farmwork...

California’s public defense system is in chaos. A new report documents the counties in the state where caseloads are sky-high and where questions abound over financial conflict of interest, including in the Central Valley. We speak to Josh Schwartz, a researcher with the Wren Collective, about his findings. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.