Central Valley Daily

Before President Joe Biden left office, he was urged to designate a large area of the central Sierra Nevada as a national monument. But the proposed “Range of Light National Monument” was not among those actually established in Biden’s last days. Advocates for outdoor recreation say this is a win. In this episode, a leader of a group who opposed the monument shares her reasons and what’s next. Plu...

Farmers in the Central Valley have relied on burning agricultural waste to get rid of it for decades. But a new law that finally took effect this year is putting an end to that practice. Today, we speak with a former legislator who crafted the ag-burning legislation in California, and we hear why it took so long to implement. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the UFW getting a threatening...

With the Democratic Party losing control of the federal government's executive and legislative branches, how will Democratic leaders in the Central Valley respond? Today, we speak with Ruben Zarate, chairman of the Fresno County Democratic Party. He discusses why Democrats might have struggled with this election and how they intend to respond to Trump’s immigration policies. Plus, the latest news...

For first responders, fighting raging fires in Los Angeles County is one thing. But how do you fight misinformation building around the fires? In recent weeks, the news cycle has been consumed not just by fire coverage on the ground, but also by headlines sparked by false information online. Today, we’re joined by Lois Henry, editor of SJV Water, who helps debunk a claim that a billionaire couple...

The November election was the first time since 2004 that Fresno County voters swung red – supporting President-Elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. What does this political shift mean for the region? Today, we speak with Peter Halajian of the Fresno County Republican Party, who also pulls back the curtain on some conflicts within his political organization. Plus, the latest news h...

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom battles with Donald Trump over his response to raging wildfires in Los Angeles County, he’s also staring down other fights when the incoming president takes office. Since becoming governor in 2019, Newsom vowed to dramatically improve healthcare access and services in the state–with mixed results. Today, we speak with Angela Hart from KFF Health News about how Trump...

President-elect Donald Trump made many promises during his re-election campaign. Mass deportations and tariffs on foreign goods were at the forefront. Today, we speak with Richard Gearhart, an economics professor at California State University, Bakersfield, on how things could shape up. He also shares how some economic policies could impact the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines, incl...

Madera Community Hospital has remained closed for more than two years. The building’s poor condition, as well as hiring challenges, have stood in the way after it was purchased by a new company last spring. Today we speak with the man who will serve as the hospital’s new CEO, Steve Stark, about the return of Madera County’s only general hospital. Plus the latest news headlines, including Californi...

The death toll from fires raging in Los Angeles County has risen to 24. Thousands of structures are destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation. As that wildfire disaster continues to unfold, what awaits us in our own backyard? We speak with Ashley Nebeker, executive director of the Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council, about the critical information residents in places...

This week, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency conducted dozens of arrests in Kern County. More arrests are expected in other parts of the Central Valley, according to officials. On today's show, we speak with Eleazar Valdez of the non-profit Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, or CVIIC. He discusses people's rights when encountering border patrol. Plus, the latest news h...

In August, Community Health System, operator of two of the largest hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley, was sued for $1 billion. The lawsuit was filed by two nonprofit groups alleging the health company misused public funds between its hospitals in Clovis and Fresno. On today’s show, we speak with Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano. She’s been following the case, and shares the latest. Plus, the...

California Gov. Gavin Newsom marked a significant milestone in the construction of the state’s high-speed rail this week. He visited Kern County to break ground on a railhead needed to begin laying track. But where exactly does the long-anticipated – and costly – project stand today? On today’s show, we speak with Fresno Bee reporter Tim Sheehan, who has been covering the project for a decade. Plu...

A group of synthetic chemicals known as “PFAS” are more commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they are difficult to break down in the environment. They are found in everyday products like non-stick pans and waterproof clothing. But they are also posing health risks. Today, we speak with Hannah Norman, a reporter with KFF Health News, about how the chemicals are being detected in an unexpec...

The land beneath the Central Valley has been sinking since the 1920s. New research from Stanford University shows that the sinking, known as “subsidence,” is continuing at a record-breaking pace. Today, we speak with Drs. Rosemary Knight and Matthew Lees. They discuss their new research and what they say are solutions to reverse land sinking. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the status o...

Thousands of cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled in the Central Valley and across California. Much of the shortage is caused by a lack of trained workers. Fresno State and other state universities are working to expand cybersecurity education to help fill the gaps. On today's show, we speak with Fresno State criminology professor Dr. Keith Clement, who is helping lead the charge in growing the loca...

With the new year comes new state laws in California. On today’s show, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff, who peels back the curtain on two new state laws – a ban on book bans and a law that aims to stop cities and towns from requiring voter identification.

This year, scandals, natural disasters, and human stories shaped the San Joaquin Valley. As we say goodbye to 2024, we look back at some of the stories covered by KVPR. We speak to KVPR news director Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado and Associate Editor Kerry Klein about the stories that kept the newsroom – and our airwaves – busy.

After a seven-year search, a neon sign belonging to the iconic Trout's bar in Bakersfield has returned home after being stolen. But it's not just any sign, it's part of Bakersfield's country music roots. Today, we talk to KVPR reporter Joshua Yeager, who shares the improbable story of how the sign was found – and what it means to musicians today. Plus, the latest news headlines, including farmwork...

Despite being the most linguistically diverse state in the country, California struggles with bilingual education. Part of the struggle stems from a nearly 20-year ban on bilingual education that ended in 2016. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Tara Garcia Mathewson. She discusses recent reporting on the effort to expand bilingual education access in the state. Plus, the latest news headlin...

Oil production in California is in decline. But oil producers don’t show signs of going away any time soon. Some are looking to build on a new technology known as carbon capture. But as they move on, they leave behind what are known as idle wells – or wells no longer in production. And those wells could still leak dangerous chemicals. We speak with reporter Emma Foehringer Merchant about a recent...

In his new book, Central Valley native and author Fitz Cahall explores the stories of people who weren’t afraid to try something new. And he takes an up-close look at the outdoors. On today’s show, we talk with Cahall about what inspired him to do this work. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the prison sentence for the Bitwise founders and Fresno workers go on strike.

Tulare County is one of the country’s top dairy-producing counties. But now, four months after the first detection of avian influenza in California dairy cows, how is the county handling the outbreak? In today’s episode, we get an update from KVPR’s Kerry Klein. She tells us how bird flu is also affecting humans. Plus, the latest news headlines, including sentencing for Bitwise Industries co-found...

California utility companies have spent billions to prevent wildfires, such as burying power lines and trimming brush near their equipment. Much of the cost of doing this is usually passed on to customers. But with high utility rates, some wonder: could these companies be doing their work more cost-effectively? We speak with CalMatters reporter Alejandro Lazo on his recent reporting on this issue....

Every winter, thousands of people up and down the Western Hemisphere gather to observe and count birds around them. It’s part of the annual Christmas Bird Count hosted by the National Audubon Society. On today’s show, we speak with Ian Souza-Cole from Audubon. He explains this unique experience and how you can take part. Plus, the latest news headlines, including tips about mistletoes and who is j...

California universities are required to return Native American remains to their rightful tribes. However, a recent state audit shows many San Joaquin Valley universities still hold many of the items. KVPR's Rachel Livinal discusses her recent reporting on what is being done to get the remains and artifacts returned. Plus, the latest news headlines, including former Rep. TJ Cox's plans to plead gui...