Central Valley Daily

Although the results of the primary election are slowly settling, a lot still remains in the air. Today, we take a look at the progress on some key statewide and local races with an analysis from Blake Zante of the Maddy Institute at Fresno State. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kings River gravel mining project may soon resume; and a record number of Fresno Unified graduates achieve bilinguali...

If it comes to fruition, Fresno’s Southeast Development Area (SEDA) could bring thousands of new homes to Fresno – but it also involves expanding the city limits. The project has faced significant pushback from many residents, school districts, and advocacy groups. Today, we have an extended conversation with Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, who discusses why he supports the proposal. Plus, the latest new...

Tuesday marked Primary election day in California, with all state-wide elected offices on the ballot, including governor, as well as many other city and county races. Today, we speak with KVPR associate editor Kerry Klein to break down the latest election results and discuss which candidates could be on the general election ballot come November. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield authori...

California U.S. Senator Adam Schiff anticipates a growing crisis in food aid, following deep federal cuts in the Republican megabill known as HR1. He speaks about the impact on food banks during a Fresno visit and how the Democratic party will navigate a divided Congress. Plus, the latest news headlines: Thousands of San Joaquin Valley residents cast their mail-in ballots; plus a major operation b...

The city of Dos Palos in Merced County is scrambling to resolve a fiscal crisis. Over a period of seven years, the city misspent $2.2 million generated by the city’s transportation tax, Measure V. We speak to Merced FOCUS editor Brianna Vaccari about efforts to repay the money and how taxpayers could be affected.

Every summer, a prestigious international music festival invites students from universities around the world to perform. And for the first time ever, some of those students will hail from Fresno. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel talks with us about an ambitious group of clarinet players getting ready for an upcoming performance in South Korea. Plus, the latest news headlines: Results have been certified in...

The number of detainees in immigration custody has grown dramatically since President Donald Trump took office for the second time. In a new report, the California Attorney General's office inspected many of these facilities – including four in Kern County – and found conditions are worsening and even inhumane. Today, we speak with Attorney General Bonta to discuss this latest report and hear how...

One of the country’s most competitive primary races for Congress is a swing district right here in the Central Valley. Democrats here are hoping to flip a seat long held by Republican David Valadao. But first, they need a nominee. We speak with KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein. Plus, the latest news headlines: New data shows cuts to Medi-Cal are having a steep impact on some enrollees, and the Fr...

Brandon Bakke, a former Fresno State men’s basketball player, has written about his time with the team, which was mostly spent on the bench. In his new book, “Lessons from the Bench,” Bakke reflects on how he found a unique purpose as a player off the court.

After over 400 episodes, some changes are coming to Central Valley Daily. Today, the podcast's founding host, Elizabeth Arakelian, speaks with our new host, Soreath Hok. We'll learn more about Soreath's background and what she's looking forward to in this new role.

While the race for California governor has gotten plenty of media coverage, there are many other races that are just as consequential, but aren’t necessarily making headlines. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Carolyn Jones to discuss the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and learn more about what the role entails. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno County transport...

It’s been over a century since grizzly bears roamed the Central Valley and other parts of California. A new bill in the state legislature proposes looking into bringing some grizzlies back into the state. Journalist Marek Warszawski explains why proponents support the idea and why others, like ranchers, say it could create problems. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city attorney held at kni...

Merced County is paying more attention to mail-in ballots as Election Day approaches. A new rule at the United States Postal Service is changing up the process for voters and has resulted in hundreds of rejected ballots in the last special election. We speak with KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal about how voters can ensure their ballots count. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors...

With the ongoing war in Iran and the blockade of a key oil shipping route, gas prices in California continue to remain high. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alejandro Lazo to discuss what’s really driving these gas prices and whether we can expect them to continue going up. Plus, the latest news headlines: Mountain West and Pac-12 reach an agreement over poaching fees, and a mushroom pois...

The rollout of a new artificial intelligence tool within newsrooms at McClatchy Media has alarmed journalists and sparked protests. On today’s episode, we speak with media reporter Katie Robertson from The New York Times. She breaks down what the tool does, and we get a reaction from the union at the Fresno Bee, one of McClatchy’s newsrooms.

This week, 21-year-old Shavana Trejo from the rural Fresno County town of Huron is representing California in a national boxing championship, after winning a state title last month. Reporter Alice Daniel brings us the inspiring story of how she got there. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Gavin Newsom releases a new proposed budget; and Fresno Unified trustees formally oppose a major housing p...

Federal data shows DUI-related traffic deaths happen in Central California at a higher rate than any other part of the state. New research at Fresno State could shed light on how those deaths can be prevented. We speak to Alyssa Kennett, director of the Central California Public Health Consortium about the group’s work. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration withholds Medicaid m...

Expecting Black mothers are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. It’s a national statistic that holds true in Kern County. On today’s episode, Cecil Egbele with the Bakersfield Observer explains the statistics and why doulas can help Black mothers-to-be in Kern County. Plus, the latest news headlines: Election officials urge early voting; and California is monitorin...

A recent ruling brought a long legal fight to an end in the city of Fresno. But what will it mean for how the city conducts public business in the future? We speak to Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad about the ruling on a transparency issue and the city’s reaction. Plus, the latest news headlines: Advocates in Fresno rally in support of LGBTQ outreach; and Gov. Gavin Newsom won’t say who he support...

Brent Stratton was sworn in as Bakersfield’s new police chief on May 1. His promotion comes after more than two decades with the department. On today’s episode, Stratton tells us how he plans to lead the department at a time when tensions are high, and sympathy for many law enforcement agencies is low.

Since day one in office, the Delta Conveyance Project has been a key pillar of Governor Gavin Newsom’s agenda. With him now leaving office, the project’s future still remains uncertain. Today, we speak with CalMatters water reporter Rachel Becker. She discusses the project's status and breaks down exactly what it would do. Plus, the latest news headlines: House District 22 candidates call for redu...

As wildfires become more destructive in California, the need for forensic investigations is increasing. KVPR’s Rachel Livinal visited a recent training in Fresno that taught first responders how to identify human remains ravaged by fire. Plus, the latest news headlines: The owner of a Reedley biolab is found guilty by a federal jury; and what legislators are saying about potential fuel shortages.

The San Joaquin Valley is home to a wide Asian diaspora, and yet few Valley universities have had programs that focus on studying the history of these communities – until now. The first class of the Asian American studies program will soon be graduating from Fresno State. KVPR’s Branden Sandoval explores what the program teaches and why students and faculty are celebrating. Plus, the latest news h...

The fungal disease valley fever is on the rise in central California. Kern County reported a record-high 3,800 cases in 2024. Kern County Public Health director Brynn Carrigan speaks with us about a new program aimed at informing the community about the disease. Plus, the latest news headlines: A man who was shot by ICE in the Valley appears in court; dozens of Valley groups join to launch a new c...

Dean Potter was a larger-than-life figure in the rock climbing world. But more than a decade after his death, a new docuseries on HBO explores the dark side of his personality that drove him to record-breaking stunts. Today, we speak with Nick Rosen, one of the filmmakers behind "The Dark Wizard."