Central Valley Daily

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers has introduced 10 new laws designed to strengthen consequences for California’s most dangerous drivers. The laws are inspired in part by reporting from our news partner CalMatters. On today’s episode, investigative reporter Robert Lewis explains how his series, “License to Kill,” is inspiring change at the Capitol. Plus, the latest news headlines: Yosemite doe...

In 2022, KVPR brought you a series of investigative stories highlighting a health crisis in Kern County - specifically, that mothers and babies were dying there at a higher rate than in the rest of the state. Now, almost four years later, has pregnancy-related health improved? KVPR’s Kerry Klein discusses new data and developments from the region. Plus, the latest news headlines: California’s atto...

Several Democratic candidates are vying to replace Republican Rep. David Valadao in the newly redrawn congressional district 22. On today’s episode, Maya C. Miller with our news partner CalMatters breaks down the strategy of two first-time congressional candidates hoping to turn the district blue. Plus, the latest news headlines: a second group attempts to reboot a transportation tax in Fresno Cou...

In light of violent immigration enforcement in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, immigrants around the country are wondering: could this happen in my community? KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein reports on fear and misinformation among immigrant communities in the San Joaquin Valley.

In 1948, a plane carrying mostly Mexican farm laborers crashed near Coalinga, killing all on board. When first reported, a local paper only referred to the laborers as “deportees.” Decades later, Tim Z. Hernandez set out to find their names and connect with their families. Today, we revisit our conversation with Hernandez, who discusses his book that remembers the crash victims.

School enrollment has been declining in California, yet more students are qualifying for special education. On today’s episode, Emma Gallegos with our news partner Ed Source explains how this phenomenon is playing out in one Kern County school district and how the state may help. Plus, the latest news headlines: Clovis police threaten charges for adults in student protests, and a Fresno church hol...

The climate patterns known as “La Niña” and “El Niño” have long been used as predictors of how cold and wet a winter season is likely to be. But their definitions are changing. Meteorologist Anthony Edwards of the San Francisco Chronicle tells us why and what to expect from weather forecasts moving forward. Plus, the latest news headlines: Cases of tuberculosis rose in Fresno and Merced counties s...

The City of Fresno has terminated its contract with the Fresno Arts Council. This comes as local and federal law enforcement investigate a former employee who allegedly embezzled $1.5 million. On today’s episode, Omar Rashad, with our news partner Fresnoland, breaks down what we know so far. Plus, the latest news headlines: Clovis considers adding “In God We Trust” in city council chambers, and th...

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer recently issued a critique of federal immigration actions that he says are eroding public trust. His comments were made at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. On today’s episode, Dyer explains why he felt compelled to speak out and how his law enforcement background shapes his views on public safety. Plus, the latest news headlines: A criminal investigation is underway into the...

The federal government is cracking down on commercial driver's licenses after recent fatal crashes involved truck drivers without legal status. On today's episode, journalist Gagandeep Singh explains how this impacts Central California's Sikh community, many of whom are truck drivers.

Women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla have filed a lawsuit against the prison. They allege they were rounded up and targeted with pepper spray in retaliation for making sexual misconduct complaints against guards. On today’s episode, Hannah Krenn recounts the leaked video of the alleged incident in her report for the San Francisco Chronicle. Plus, the latest n...

Fresno is home to many Southeast Asian communities, including the second-largest Hmong population in the U.S. On today’s episode, we discuss a pilot research study aimed at better understanding the needs of Fresno’s Southeast Asian business owners. Plus, the latest news headlines: Three dead after another house fire in Porterville, and confusion abounds after a ceremony to swear in new U.S. citize...

Congressman David Valadao is up for re-election in November, and several Democrats are hoping to unseat him. On today’s show, Maya C. Miller with our news partner CalMatters breaks down how Valadao’s vote to cut Medicaid could impact his political future. Plus, the latest news headlines: An illegal biolab busted in Las Vegas echoes one found in Reedley; state officials celebrate a high-speed rail...

Keely “Big Country” Cashman, a skier with Team USA, is set to compete in the upcoming 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. On today’s episode, she discusses how her upbringing in the small Sierra town of Strawberry shaped her athleticism, and what her hopes are for Italy. Plus, the latest news headlines: A biological lab in Las Vegas may have links to the Valley, and a Fresno study puts a spotligh...

Kettleman City is a small Kings County town with a big problem: pollution. That’s due in part to a nearby hazardous waste dump. Lawmakers took steps to protect residents from the harms of cumulative pollution in such towns, but critics say regulations have been delayed and may not be enough to fight the problem. On today’s episode, Alejandra Reyes-Velarde with our news partner CalMatters explains...

Golden mussels were first discovered in California in 2024. They’re not a dish in seafood restaurants – they’re an invasive species that can harm waterways and native fish. And now they’ve appeared in the San Joaquin Valley, sparking concerns for water districts who are burdened with eradicating the tiny pests. On today’s episode, Lois Henry, with our news partner SJV Water, explains where the gol...

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra recently announced it has extended its contract with conductor Stilian Kirov. The conductor and musical director will now usher the orchestra through to its historic 100th anniversary in 2032. On today’s episode, Kirov explains the art of conducting as well as which music resonates with Bakersfield. Plus, the latest news headlines: Regulations to control pollutio...

Fresno’s Tower District has coffee shops and restaurants, but also a lot of conspicuous, boarded up buildings. City leaders are trying to entice property owners to turn those vacancies into businesses. On today’s episode, Fresnoland’s Julianna Morano breaks down the ‘carrot and stick’ approach being used. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kern County highway pileup leads to emergency calls for bl...

California leaders are in the process of hammering out the state’s budget and will have to account for healthcare spending cuts from the federal government. On today’s episode, Tim Sheehan, with our news partner The Intersection, explains why people in California without legal status may feel the impact more acutely. Plus, the latest news headlines: state wildlife officials intercept shipment of i...

State investigators charged former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner with three felony charges in 2025, including child abuse. Scrivner’s efforts to obtain a mental health diversion — and avoid a legal trial — has garnered condemnation from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. On today’s episode, Senior Reporter Veronica Morley with 23ABC in Bakersfield breaks down the case that has...

Being disenrolled from a Native American tribe is tantamount to being disowned. Members can lose their livelihood, even in cases where they have proven their tribal lineage. So why does it keep happening? Director Ryan Flynn discusses his documentary, “You’re No Indian,” which explores this ongoing fight within some tribes, including in Central California. Plus, the latest news headlines: Californ...

Iranians began protesting against their government in December, when the country’s currency went into a freefall. In response, the country’s leaders cracked down on protesters, killing thousands by some estimates. On today’s episode, Fresno physician Dr. Mehdi Ghajar explains the conflict through the eyes of Iranian Americans. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration challenges Ca...

Earlier this month, city and county leaders in Fresno County parted ways after spending years attempting to renew the countywide sales tax known as Measure C – which was first passed decades ago and has generated billions to fund transportation projects. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein discusses a new sales tax recently proposed by a coalition of community groups and city leaders. Plus, the late...

Fresno reached a record-low homicide rate in 2025. Just 22 murders were reported in the city of more than 500,000 people, which is a number not seen since the 1970s. So what’s working? On today’s episode, Fresno City Police Chief Mindy Casto breaks down some of the department’s newest strategies and weighs in on how the police have handled the city’s “no camping” ordinance.

The High Speed Rail Authority is under pressure to complete this overdue and over-budget project. To expedite the process, the agency has proposed moving Merced’s station, initially planned for downtown, to an easier-to-construct location outside the city. Victor Patton with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and the Merced FOCUS breaks down local leaders’ responses to the proposal and ex...