Central Valley Daily

The news website Fresnoland has made a name for itself as a go-to site for hyper-local investigations of policy and process in the City of Fresno. Now, they’re expanding their offerings with a new series all about food in the city. Contributing Food Editor Vince Mancini explains how the idea took hold – and what he’s eating next. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield nurses plan to rally in...

UC Merced is working to increase its enrollment numbers that have fallen flat since the pandemic. But certain factors like location make it harder to attract new students. We speak with EdSource reporter Michael Burke about the challenges in drawing students to the campus. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Central Unified School District unites against SEDA; and California prepares to share inf...

A new California law requires that all corn tortillas contain folic acid. We look at how manufacturers are complying and the health benefits for expecting mothers. Plus, the latest news headlines: California could face tough budget cuts ahead; and a proposed bill goes after large housing investors.

California’s walnut industry is feeling the pressure of the war in Iran. In today’s episode, we learn how the battle over the Strait of Hormuz is adding to the strain of tariffs when most of its products are shipped overseas. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Tulare County deputy killed while on duty will be laid to rest, and questions remain over a new ICE facility in Kern County.

Residents facing deportation have historically been able to fight their cases out of jail while they await trial. But, under President Trump's latest immigration directives, immigrants are now largely being detained before appearing in court. On today's episode, Sonja Sharp with the Los Angeles Times explains how the mass detention of immigrants is overwhelming California's courts.

A new documentary focuses on the history of oil production in Kern County. The filmmaker explores the county’s oil towns and the people who live there. He says he wants the film to spark a conversation about the economic impact of less drilling. Plus, the latest news headlines: a San Joaquin River property undergoes a name change amid controversy, and a new ICE detention center opens in Kern Count...

The City of Fresno is charting a new path forward for Measure P arts grants. But community trust remains at stake after an embezzlement scandal threatened the last round of funding. We speak to a Fresnoland reporter about how the city proposes to address issues of transparency. Plus, the latest news headlines: Governor Gavin Newsom announces three new state parks; and the legal fight over state ho...

Classic theater in Fresno is getting an upgrade with the second season of Chanticleer Shakespeare Company opening this week with a production of The Tempest. This season, the city’s only professional theater company is adding creative flair with a collaboration with the Fresno Philharmonic. Plus, the latest news headlines: Delano leaders vote to remove Cesar Chavez’s name from public areas; and Fr...

Dust may be something that most of us only contemplate when cleaning. But researchers at UC Merced and throughout California say dust particles play a role in many parts of everyday life. KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal reports on research into the role of dust in our health, environment and climate. Plus, the latest news headlines: two people formerly involved in Bitwise Industries and the Fresno Ar...

The Jim Henson Company – which created Sesame Street, The Muppets, and Fraggle Rock – is bringing a new cast of characters to the Central Valley with the premiere of a PBS Kids show. “Wowsabout” was filmed in Sequoia National Park and aims to inspire families to experience and appreciate the world outside. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Soreath Hok speaks to the creators behind the show, Halle Stanfor...

A bill that would require an ID card to vote is making its way through Congress - and a similar measure is nearing California’s November ballot. How could voter ID requirements affect local elections? KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel spoke with elections officials in Fresno and Merced counties. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Mariposa woman was identified as the victim of a deadly tunnel collapse;...

CSU Bakersfield announced this week that the head coach of its women’s basketball team is resigning. The departure is just the latest in a series of controversies for the athletics department. On today’s episode, 23ABC Senior Reporter Mike Hart breaks down the turmoil within CSU Bakersfield’s sports. Plus, the latest news headlines: a bill barring sex offenders from office clears a hurdle in Sacra...

Tomorrow would have been the 55th birthday of the late Mexican-American singer Selena. Now, a new book features essays and poems about the legendary pop star. Fresno State professor Larissa Mercado Lopez, who co-edited the book, reflects on the lasting impact of Selena’s legacy, what the singer means to many Mexican-Americans, and what she hopes readers will take away from the book. Plus, the late...

The U.S. Forest Service recently announced that it would be closing three-quarters of its research facilities – including one in Fresno. Today, we speak with forest researcher and professor Matthew Hurteau about these changes and what they could mean for forest research. Plus, the latest news headlines: Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell drops his bid for California governor and announces he’ll...

Fresno city leaders are feeling the pressure to keep a major project known as the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) alive. On today’s episode, a behind-the-scenes look at how tensions over the contentious project escalated over text messages from Fresno’s mayor ahead of a crucial vote.

Environmentalists are questioning how oil and gas regulators will monitor hazardous incidents after California moved to increase oil production following a three-year moratorium on new drilling permits. On today’s show, journalist Marek Warszawski reports on a Kern County oil operator facing multiple criminal charges stemming from oil permitting violations. Plus, the latest news headlines: Texts r...

California's citrus season might almost be over, but the annual Orange Blossom Festival in the Tulare County town of Lindsay is only getting started. On today's episode, artist Shane Guffog tells us about the 'Citrus Dreamin' art show, one component of the 94-year-old festival. Plus, the latest news headlines: details emerge in an ICE officer-involved shooting in Stanislaus County, and a Clovis ac...

In early March, Fresno County Supervisors spoke out against soil being used along the San Joaquin River that had been produced through a process sometimes called human composting. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel breaks down what happened and also explores the growing practice of human composting and the science behind it. Plus, the latest news headlines: an ICE-involved shooting in the city of Patterson, a...

NPR’s popular podcast “Planet Money” tells stories about the economic forces that shape our lives. Now, there’s a “Planet Money” book all about those forces. It includes a story about a Fresno-based “raisin cartel.” On today’s show, authors Alex Mayyasi and Kenny Malone explain commodities through this lens. Plus, the latest news headlines: President Trump endorses a California governor candidate;...

Tariffs, inflation and rising costs associated with the Iran war are just the latest factors affecting farmers’ abilities to stay above water. On today’s episode, we speak to California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross about these issues.

The New York Times’ investigation into abuse by the late labor rights leader Cesar Chavez led to swift condemnation by the public. On today’s episode we discuss the fallout with Manny Fernandez, a Fresno native who co-authored the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Judge orders physician to oversee Kern County immigration center; and support for major water tunnel dwindles.

Comedian, writer and actor Patton Oswalt will debut his latest stand-up material on Friday at Warnor’s Theater in Fresno. On today’s episode, Oswalt discusses creativity, artificial intelligence, and why he’s secretive about what’s in his show. Plus, the latest news headlines: California's snowpack is dismally low; and the CSU releases a major study on artificial intelligence.

Universal transitional kindergarten fully launched last year after a multi-year rollout by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It aims to ensure high quality early childhood education for children no matter their income. But KVPR's Rachel Livinal reports the program is behind in a few ways. She joins today's episode to discuss her new reporting. Plus the latest news headlines: Researchers worry farmworkers are not...

For years, March 31st has been known as “Cesar Chavez Day.” But earlier in March, the New York Times published a bombshell investigation alleging the late civil rights leader sexually abused and assaulted women and girls in the 1960s and 70s. Some states have scrambled to rename the day. And farmworker communities are reeling – especially in Kern County. KVPR’s Kerry Klein has the view from the to...

In his latest book, a Bakersfield College professor explores the lesser-known history of civil rights with a focus on Bakersfield. Oliver Rosales, who holds a doctorate in history, discusses his research and highlights the introduction of ethnic studies courses into local schools.