Central Valley Daily

Who paid for an attack mailer during a recent Fresno election? That’s one of the questions at the center of an investigation by Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad. He joins us to talk about the lack of transparency in campaign funding, and what it implies about the influence of “dark money” in local elections. Plus, the latest news headlines: A challenger to Congressman David Valadao gets a national...

Workers at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino went on strike earlier this month to demand fairer wages and benefits. Workers have been doing their job without a new union contract, which expired late last year. We speak with an employee who tells us what the workers want management to know. Plus, the latest news headlines: What experts say about “dark money” in Fresno politics; and new data shows e...

Politics have grown increasingly divisive in recent years, and that is making people more depressed. So, how can we manage in this modern society as informed citizens? On today’s show, UC Merced political scientist Christopher Ojeda discusses his book “The Sad Citizen: How Politics Is Depressing And Why It Matters.”

When wildfires break out, it is not uncommon for pilots to fly overhead and drop fire retardant in the area. The substance is typically chalky-red and is used to mitigate fire damage. However, some environmentalists fear it could be causing problems of its own. We discuss this controversy with CapRadio’s Greg Miceck. Plus, the latest news headlines: Trump pulls funding for California’s high speed...

President Trump’s signature spending bill, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” includes historic funding for military and immigration enforcement. But it also includes cuts to social spending on things such as food assistance and healthcare. How will that impact food access? In this episode, we speak with the Central California Food Bank CEO. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley congressman is...

For students, summer is the time to take on new skills when they’re not in school. For a group of them in Fresno, this summer has included handling instruments and learning all about mariachi history. Journalist Esther Quintanilla with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative takes us to the rehearsal room to hear the students’ finished pieces. Plus, the latest news headlines: A UC Merced repor...

Immigration sweeps and raids in southern California and across the country are adding to fears among immigrants without legal status everywhere. But amid headlines of aggressive operations, there are stories of neighbors helping neighbors. Journalist Madi Bolanos brings us one of those stories from the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: States sue over freezing of education grants; a...

Hot shot Hot shot crews are the U.S. Forest Service’s most-elite wildland firefighters. Crews face demanding physical requirements in order to tackle the most aggressive and remote fires. So how does a woman with a poetry degree end up on a crew in this male-dominated field? Author Kelly Ramsey discusses her experience in her new memoir “Wildfire Days: A Woman, A Hotshot Crew, and The Burning Amer...

So-called star parties usually take place where there is little light pollution. But on a recent breezy night, a group set up massive telescopes in the small Fresno County town of Kerman. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel was there to witness the star-struck residents who got a glimpse at what’s beyond the night sky. Plus, the latest news headlines: A war of words continues over California’s high speed rail;...

Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the San Joaquin Valley. Journalist Tim Sheehan joins us to break down the data and the resources available to residents. If you or someone you know is at risk, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 9-8-8. Plus, the latest news headlines: Why Fresno County supervisors are rejecting a state project to create jobs; and speculation builds around a poten...

Large employers in California now have to cover fertility care for policyholders, including IVF. But lawmakers have delayed the coverage, potentially leaving families trying to conceive in a lurch. We speak to freelance journalist Sarah Kwon about what this means for a Central Valley family. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attorney General Rob Bonta responds to military presence at Los Angeles pa...

On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, we bring you the story of Yan Garcia-Heredia, who legally immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela. After he was arrested in Mendota in connection to a robbery, charges were dropped – and yet he is being held in ICE custody. San Francisco Chronicle reporter Raheem Hosseini has covered this case closely, and explains what’s at stake. Plus, the latest news he...

Wildfires in recent years have ravaged Giant Sequoia groves in California’s Sierra Nevada. But it turns out less-intense fire can actually be a tool for forest regeneration. Assistant Cooperative Extension Forest and Fuels Specialist Kristen Shive of UC Berkeley breaks down the latest research on sequoia restoration and addresses why human intervention can be controversial.

Fresno faith leaders are speaking out about the way the Trump administration has handled protests against immigration enforcement in places such as Los Angeles. They recently penned a letter raising alarm about further actions by the government. We speak with a reverend who joined the letter about what concerns he and others have. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno police catch an alleged ser...

A community of homeowners in western Stanislaus County are facing a 200 percent increase to their water bills. That’s because the agency that supplies water is threatening to stop. Lois Henry, CEO and Editor of SJV Water, breaks down the water woes of Diablo Grande. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno files for bankruptcy; and the federal government moves to take...

The San Joaquin Valley is considered the nation’s breadbasket. But it is increasingly becoming a dustier place to live. New research co-authored by UC Merced professors shows efforts to conserve groundwater in the face of drought may be worsening the region’s dust problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno gets much-needed funding to continue downtown revitalization; and air quality official...

Expectant mothers in Mariposa County often have to drive close an hour to the nearest hospital. In this maternal healthcare desert, doulas are helping fill a critical need for families. KVPR’s Rachel Livinal brings us more on how this support system is growing in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

A recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows snowpack in the Western U.S. is rapidly melting. We speak to Climatologist Dan McEvoy about what kind of conditions this phenomenon creates. Plus, the latest news headlines: A new heat dashboard shows Latino communities are hit harder; and a west Fresno school is first in the nation to be named after a Sikh activist.

California’s economy is deeply intertwined with people without legal status. And as mass deportations threaten communities and the state’s workforce, billions could be on the line for the state. We speak with a UC Merced researcher about the potential impacts. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley group opposes plans for an ICE facility in Kern County; and what the federal government is saying...

Reducing government spending has been a hallmark of President Trump’s second term in office. On today’s episode, KVPR President and General Manager Joe Moore discusses what the station stands to lose if funding cuts are approved against the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Plus, the latest news headlines: A state bill seeks to protect doctors who prescribe abortion medication; and Fresno Count...

Since the 1980s, residents in Fresno County have paid a half-cent sales tax that has funded road repairs and public transportation. The measure will now soon be up for renewal. We hear what the measure has accomplished. Plus, the latest news headlines: Most of the Valley is now facing drought; and Bakersfield is among areas getting the Hollywood treatment.

Central California is home to the nation's biggest agricultural economy, and farmers worry that the fear of immigration raids could lead to labor shortages as the harvest season arrives. KVPR's Joshua Yeager brings us a report on the concerns.

This weekend, cyclists will pedal thousands of feet into the Sierra National Forest for the “Climb to Kaiser.” The annual ride is ranked as one of the top 10 toughest rides in America. Fresno Cycling Club President Dennis Ball tells us why people take on the grueling challenge. Plus, the latest news headlines: President Trump made renewed calls to defund the High Speed Rail, a UC Merced study show...

Who should determine the voting districts in Merced County? Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria has introduced a bill that would take control from county supervisors and instead put it in the hands of an 11-member citizens' commission. We unpack that idea with journalist Brianna Vaccari. Plus, the latest news headlines: What farm leaders are saying about Trump's immigration crackdown, and is livestock...

National Democrats have failed to find a united front since President Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. So, what is the plan moving forward for California Democrats? We speak with Calmatters reporter Yue Stella Yu about the state party’s own dilemmas. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley mayor says Trump’s recent orders on immigration are contradictory, and a bus tour will call attention to...