Central Valley Daily

Two years ago, two civil rights groups sued the City of Fresno, alleging city leaders violated a public meeting law by negotiating the city’s budget behind closed doors. On today’s show, Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad brings us an update to that investigation – including a batch of illuminating emails he obtained between city leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A popular restaurant owner in...

Former Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro has died at the age of 58. He left a long legacy of promoting education in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. On today’s show, KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado shares Castro’s impact, reflecting on his time as a student newspaper editor at Fresno State. Plus, the latest news headlines: What California’s redistricting election is expected...

Dolores Huerta helped launch the modern farm labor movement. At 95 years old, she still has a lot to say about labor conditions and immigration policies today. Central Valley Daily’s Producer Jonathan Linden sits down with Huerta to discuss her views on the current political moment, and her legacy.

The Fresno State Bulldogs will kick off their football season Saturday against the University of Kansas Jayhawks. And there’s a lot of change afoot for the Bulldogs, including a new coach and quarterback. For today’s show, Central Valley Daily producer Jonathan Linden heads to Valley Children’s Stadium to speak with the team’s Offensive Coordinator, Josh Davis, about his strategy for the Bulldogs...

A Visalia police officer is suing the city, alleging high-ranking officers are imposing an illegal ticketing quota. The officer alleges he suffered retaliation when he refused to participate in the quota system. On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, we speak with Dave Adalian, a reporter at the Valley Voice, who is following the case. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno County supervis...

A historic piece of Bakersfield history is no more. This month, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace shuttered its doors. The iconic music venue was put up for sale last summer, but after a year with no buyers the family decided to wind down operations. KGET reporter Robert Price explains the significance of the venue, and why the family decided to sell. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County supervis...

On today’s show, we discuss the vermin that is causing millions of dollars of damage to crops in the San Joaquin Valley. Niamh Quinn is an advisor with the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She breaks down how roof rats are wreaking havoc on one of the Valley’s key crops. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno restaurant manager is caught in President Tru...

A new law, recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will require the High-Speed Rail Authority to provide a detailed funding plan for the Merced to Bakersfield segment. On today's show, we speak with the bill's author, Republican Assemblymember David Tangipa. He discusses the intent of the law, his thoughts on the project's future, and what it's like to be the youngest person in the state legisla...

A new type of housing has been unveiled in Fresno. We speak with Kiel Lopez-Schmidt of the South Tower Community Land Trust about what so-called land trusts are and how they could potentially help lower the cost of housing. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley fever cases in the state are on the rise – again; and the big change coming to Valley pediatric care.

Many people love to cook for friends and family, and some Valley residents have decided to monetize their expertise. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel spoke with folks who are turning their passion for food into a profit through their backyard businesses. Plus, the latest news headlines: A state audit says California can save money by keeping workers remote; and Kern County residents urge investigation into...

State leaders across the country have responded to Texas’ unprecedented push to redraw political districts to favor Republicans. The move, supported by President Trump, would increase Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives. Blake Zante, executive director of the Maddy Institute, breaks down how California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom is responding and the impact Newsom’s proposed plan could...

The Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has stoked fear in immigrants with and without legal status. But now, that fear has extended to even U.S. citizens. Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo spoke with several of them in Fresno who say they have started to carry their passports out of fear they will be racially profiled by immigration agents. Plus, the latest news headlines:...

Many visitors enjoy Yosemite National Park in the spring and summer, but behind the scenes, it hasn’t been so pretty lately. A hiring fiasco amid federal budget cuts has left some seasonal workers without pay. NPR reporter Chiara Eisner spoke with the workers who were asked to volunteer, and spoke with us about the status of hiring at the park during its busiest season.

A group of horse riders from Clovis is competing in this year’s “Run For A Million” competition in Las Vegas. We speak with some of the competitors about how they hope to fare at what is known as the “richest event in the history of horse reining.” Plus, the latest news headlines: The Fresno teachers union calls for open meeting on former official’s six-figure severance; and the two Valley college...

Their teenage years are a time when many adolescents need support, but should artificial intelligence be filling that void? New research from Common Sense Media reveals nearly 3 in 4 teenagers have used so-called AI companions. So, is it safe? Supreet Mann, who holds a doctorate in communications, leads research at Common Sense Media and breaks down the findings from a new study. Plus, the latest...

When the California Public Utilities Commission voted to slash the amount rooftop solar subsidies residents received, the industry started to decline. Environmentalists and consumer advocates quickly pushed back. Mother Jones reporter Henry Carnell breaks down the fight within the solar industry, and how California’s policies — and governor — could be impacting the industry. Plus, the latest news...

Farmers scrambled earlier this year to find enough bees to pollinate their crops. But beekeepers were searching too. That’s because a historic bee die off was shaking the industry. Professor Elina Niño, an apiculture expert who runs a bee lab at UC Davis, joins us to break down new research that sheds light on what was behind it. Plus, the latest news headlines: Yosemite National Park workers say...

The California High Speed Rail is a controversial topic, The federal government has slashed funding over its lack of progress. But the CEO of the High Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, says the rail can be a point of national pride if its given the chance to get done. Choudri visited the KVPR studios to give us an update on the project.

Fresno’s Tower District is known as an artsy district, and now among the homes and businesses is a celebrity hat maker. Keryn Nicholson makes custom hats by hand all on her own. She has even gotten an order by the likes of Post Malone. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us Nicholson’s story of how she turned her hobby into a business. Plus, the latest news headlines: A military fighter jet crashes down...

California’s water crises are perhaps best illustrated by the challenges seen along the so-called Delta. The Delta is a converging of rivers just east of the Bay Area that helps move water up and down the state. But it has long faced ecological challenges. But a new state plan could now offer new solutions to address them. Journalist Rachel Becker with CalMatters joins us to discuss the plans. Plu...

Five Planned Parenthood facilities, including one in Madera, recently closed their doors in California. It stems from a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which halts Medicaid payments to abortion providers. We speak to Andrew Adams of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, which has facilities in the San Joaquin Valley, to find out how the cuts could impact services. Plus, the latest news headli...

An unassuming building in Fresno is showcasing the city’s large Armenian enclave. On today’s episode, KVPR producer Jonathan Linden and host Elizabeth Arakelian visit the Armenian Museum of Fresno, where Elizabeth learns a little more about her roots. They speak with the museum’s director, Varoujan Der Simonian, and Photographer Robby Antoyan, whose exhibition “Fresno Armenians: 50 Years Ago” is o...

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes spending reforms on immigration, taxes and — most notably — healthcare. Billions of dollars will be cut from Medicare and Medicaid. KVPR’s Rachel Livinal discusses how these changes will impact healthcare in the San Joaquin Valley.

A new state law is reducing red tape for developers in California. Changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, will now allow builders to develop infill housing faster. Ben Christopher, a housing reporter for CalMatters, breaks down the changes to CEQA and if they can actually help address the state’s housing shortage. Plus, the latest news headlines: Two cases of measles reporte...

The Catholic Diocese of Fresno filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection earlier this month as it seeks to potentially settle decades-old claims of sexual abuse by clergy. But what does the bankruptcy process look like, and what comes next for the victims? KVPR’s Kerry Klein joins us to discuss her reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Leaked legislation language shows potential effort to s...