Central Valley Daily

Bull riders are descending on Fresno for the Professional Bull Riders Velocity Tour at the Save-Mart Center this weekend. On today’s episode, bull rider Edgardo Figueroa tells us what eight seconds on a bucking bull is really like.

In the small Kings County town of Avenal, city leaders are embroiled in a very messy dispute. The majority of its city council members are facing a recall by residents, and the county and city have slung lawsuits at each other over public meeting laws and special elections. KVPR’s Jonathan Linden speaks with us about how this all started. Plus, the latest news headlines: California threatens Valle...

Public outrage was palpable after allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar E. Chavez were published in the New York Times last week. His public image was virtually erased in mere hours. On today’s episode, we discuss the downfall of a civil rights icon with writer Miriam Pawel, who published the 2014 biography “The Crusades of Cesar Chavez.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Republican lawmakers p...

The Fresno arts community was shaken after reports that $1.5 million in taxpayer funding was allegedly embezzled from the Fresno Arts Council. When reporter Doug Hoagland wasn’t getting answers from the city, he published an open letter calling out one official in particular. On today’s episode, Hoagland discusses what prompted the letter and where the investigation stands today. Plus, the latest...

Students across the country left school in February to protest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions. In the city of Clovis, school district officials said they witnessed adults encouraging students to leave school. Then, threats of criminal charges followed. On today’s episode, Nigel Duara with our news partner CalMatters breaks down where things stand today.

The name “Cesar Chavez” turned from a symbol of benevolence into a blemish seemingly overnight, after a New York Times report detailed allegations of a pattern of sexual misconduct by the late civil rights leader. On today’s episode, KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado and Associate Editor Kerry Klein break down how the region of Central California, where Chavez built a farmworker movem...

Renters in the city of Merced are pushing to improve housing conditions. Some say they live in unsafe conditions and are calling out so-called slumlords for the problem. Alma Villegas with The Merced FOCUS breaks down how the residents are organizing and how the city is responding. Plus, the latest news headlines: Local reaction to damning reports about the late civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez...

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to permanently fund so-called “community schools” in California. This model provides more comprehensive services for students in need than traditional public schools. On today’s episode, Lasherica Thornton with our news partner EdSource recounts her visit to a community school classroom in Coarsegold. Plus, the latest news headlines: rumors surface about potential abuse all...

In the Central Valley, communities of young immigrants are finding financial value in a very old system of community lending with a modern twist. KVPR’s Israel Cardona Hernandez brings us a story on money pools known as “tandas.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Nurses in Fresno plan a “sympathy” strike; and prosecutors back reforms to mental health diversions.

The reserves at the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission dwindled from $15 million a few years ago to just $125,000. The anti-poverty organization helps thousands of Fresno County’s most vulnerable residents. On today’s episode, Gregory Weaver with our news partner Fresnoland explains why there are more questions than answers about the missing money.

A little-known developer is proposing building houses on private land near the edge of Yosemite National Park. On today’s episode, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander explains the reaction in Mariposa County, plus the state law that could work in the developer’s favor. Plus, the latest news headlines: Iran’s alleged threats against California are backtracked; and a candidate for gove...

The topic of immigration is often debated in policy terms. But there are people who are deeply impacted by it. An art exhibit in Fresno aims to show the human cost of these policies. On today’s episode, we go to Arte Américas in downtown Fresno to speak with artist Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana about her exhibit “Humanizar Historias.” Plus, the latest news headlines: U.S. says Iran has threatened Cal...

Miles Menetrey isn’t just a Mariposa County Supervisor – he’s now also the chair of the Rural County Representatives of California. On today’s episode, we speak with Menetrey to discuss the issues his region is facing and how he plans to advocate for Mariposa County and other rural areas in this new role. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno residents feel the pain of rising gas prices, and an...

Emergency dispatchers are commonly the first voices people hear in an emergency. But across the country, it’s getting harder to find people trained to answer those calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us inside a student program training future dispatchers. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno area Assemblymember responds to reports of rehab treatment, and a restaurant manager is released fro...

California’s High Speed Rail Authority recently released its 2026 draft business plan. The approach includes slashing spending while expediting construction. On today’s episode, Fresno Bee reporter Erik Galicia walks us through the latest change.

Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday. It means longer days and less sleep for many. On today’s episode, Dr. Hemmal Kothary with Dignity Health’s Central California Chapter explains how to stabilize your sleep schedule and minimize health risks. Plus, the latest news headlines: shooting at Fresno clinic injures one; and a Merced College dean responds to KVPR investigation.

The Del Monte cannery in Modesto is shutting its doors after 140 years. Now, farmers who have contracts to supply fruit to the cannery are left with few options. On today’s episode, Garth Stapley, with our news partner the Modesto Focus, explains the impact of the closure on farmers and the economy. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Bakersfield family reopens a cold case to the public, and local...

Being a teenage girl can be hard, and it can be even more difficult when you’re balancing a competitive sport. This Sunday, UC Merced is launching an inaugural event titled “Together We Will” to connect and inspire Valley high school girls who play sports. On today’s episode, event organizer Lisa Pollard explains what the free event offers these local student athletes. Plus, the latest news headli...

The Fresno Unified School District approved layoffs that could affect hundreds of people. It comes amid financial troubles hitting the district. Fresnoland reporter Diego Vargas joins us to discuss the potential impact on the district, but also on employees and students. Plus, the latest news headlines: What Fresno residents say about their city in a new KVPR survey, and what the latest storms hav...

In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging gender and racial discrimination by a Merced College dean. All of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but the dean still decided to move to a different department – before he later announced he will be stepping back into a faculty role. An investigation by Rachel Livinal found that the situation was still...

Whether it's a journal entry or a grocery list, writing is a way to self-regulate and build resilience. On today's episode, we explore the intersection of writing and neuroscience with UC Merced Professor Emily Johnston. Plus, the latest news headlines: layoffs hit Fresno Unified workers, and the country's largest agricultural water district addresses sinking land.

Water is scarce on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, but installing solar arrays could be a reliable new source of income for farmers. On today’s episode, Dan Charles discusses his report for NPR on the country’s largest solar project underway here in the San Joaquin Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Bakersfield girl was invited to the State of the Union speech, and how Fresno lead...

A college degree comes with a sense of accomplishment, but it comes at a financial cost. At California State University campuses, students pay fees in addition to tuition. On today’s episode, Amy DiPierro with our news partner EdSource explains why Fresno State enforced one of its sharpest fee hikes in the last decade. Plus, the latest news headlines: former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner’s...

Proposition 50 is now in effect in California. The law redrew congressional district boundaries, and one of the communities soon to have new congressional representation in Washington is Coalinga, which is now in the same district as parts of Silicon Valley. KVPR Samantha Rangel reports on what this could mean for the small agricultural town. Plus, the latest news headlines: Cartel violence in Mex...

Visitors won’t need reservations for Yosemite National Park this summer. Instead, the park will take a “targeted approach” to regulate traffic and crowd control. Park advocates warn this could have damaging effects. On today’s episode, conservation leader and author Beth Pratt explains her concerns.