Central Valley Daily

The District 1 seat on the California Board Of Equalization is up for grabs this November with two Central Valley candidates competing for it. The politicians are making a name for themselves in a region that extends far beyond the San Joaquin Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about the race and the role of the Board Of Equalization. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno leaders...

The Fresno County community of Kerman is facing a wave of ICE activity. At a recent high school homecoming football game, residents took a break to cheer on their town, as Kerman mayor Maria Pacheco described the impact of ICE operations in the city. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield doctor found guilty of negligence; and Kings County declares storm emergency. Today’s episode is hosted...

Voters in November will decide on Prop 4, a ballot measure that would open access to public funding for local and state political campaigns in California. We speak to Calmatters reporter Yue Stella Yue about arguments for and against the measure. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County is no longer discussing privatizing its public libraries; and voters to decide whether to tax tourists for...

As immigration operations increase the number of detainees filling detention centers, the amount of people who manage to be released is also growing. Today KVPR’s Soreath Hok shares the story of Kern Welcoming And Extending Solidarity to Immigrants (KWESI), a local volunteer network that’s helping those recently-released people get back home. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city leaders ad...

Our national parks are filled with a hidden history of scientific discoveries. A Fresno State professor unearths the experiments that paved the way for human knowledge and advancement. We speak to Robert Lull, author of Our Natural Lab – Remarkable Stories of Science from America's National Parks.

Medical students are learning how to treat emergencies in remote environments. UCSF Fresno offers a wilderness medicine course, taken amid the backdrop of Yosemite National Park. KVPR Reporter Samantha Rangel tells us how the training applies to any medical discipline. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE arrests reported in Bakersfield; and Fresno County test scores show improvement. Today’s epis...

The candidates vying for California State Insurance Commissioner may be from the same Democratic party, but their politics couldn’t be more different. We unpack what there is to know about who the candidates are, and their priorities for the role. We speak to Marisa Lagos, co-host of Political Breakdown on KQED. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE agent pleads not guilty to charges in Fresno; and...

A proposed blast mine near the San Joaquin River will soon go before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The mining company CEMEX wants to blast deeper to collect gravel aggregate, used for road and building materials. But public opposition to the plan is mounting. We speak to KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski about the latest discussions. Plus, the latest news headlines: An ICE offic...

Increased ICE operations in October have heightened fears and concerns across Central Valley communities. We speak to Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez about how the Valley Watch Network from the nonprofit Faith in the Valley is responding to immigrant needs during the operations. Plus, the latest news headlines: Charges are pending for ICE officer shot in Fresno; and what to know about measures competing with...

Storm preparations are happening ahead of schedule with a strong El Niño in California’s forecast. But some water districts are welcoming the prospect of extra precipitation in the Central Valley. They see the record rainfall as a way to pump up the region’s water supply under constant threat of heat, drought and overpumping. We speak to Laura Ramos, director of the California Water Institute, abo...

California’s 22nd Congressional District is being called one of the most important races in the country. Weeks before Election Day, Republican incumbent David Valadao and his Democratic challenger Randy Villegas are out in full force to win the seat. KVPR reporter Amaray Alvarez has been following the race closely. We get a recap on where the candidates stand on the biggest issues. Plus, the lates...

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...