Central Valley Daily

Thousands of people in the United States die annually due to unintentional drowning. And the problem is much worse for children. So how does a community respond to this need? Journalist Alice Daniel speaks with us about how one community in Tulare County is looking to reduce drowning deaths with a new pool. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Kern County city continues support of ICE detention center; and could data centers come to the Valley?

Fresno County has one of the highest rates of 911 calls for domestic violence. But resources can be scarce. Now a new reporting series examines the link between domestic violence and homelessness. We speak to independent journalist Megan Myscofski about it. Plus, the latest news headlines: A change in ownership of California immigration detention facilities; plus the Valley’s Iranian community reacts to Iran leader’s funeral.

A whistleblower complaint alleges Fresno developer Darius Assemi diverted millions of dollars from Granville Homes to secretly buy back a family parcel of land. It’s land that the news website Fresnoland reports has been under a $700 million default as part of the Assemi family’s struggling farming business. We speak to Fresnoland reporter Gregory Weaver about the explosive claims. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno council candidate quits prosecutor job after protest; and a new bill seeks to energize oil permitting.

In the 1990s, a high school music teacher in Fresno couldn’t find sheet music to help teach Latin jazz to his students. So he decided to build a publishing company from scratch. In this encore episode, we talk with KVPR reporter Kerry Klein about how Steve Alcala is helping students play Latin jazz all around the globe.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we revisit a conversation on one of the nation’s most emblematic issues: immigration. Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno joins us in this encore episode. Plus the latest news headlines: What did California include in America’s 250th time capsule? And new figures show sluggish voter turnout in the primaries.

San Francisco Chronicle reporters Susie Neilson and Megan Fan Munce join us in this encore episode of Central Valley Daily to discuss their investigation into a system known as “360 Value.” Their Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting uncovered how major insurance companies rely on the program’s faulty algorithm to insure homes. Plus the latest news headlines: Investigators serve search warrants in Avenal amid city scandal; and a plan to share driver data with the federal government is moving forward.

While college student enrollment among older adults is very low, those who do enroll say they reap physical, mental and social benefits. On today's episode, KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal takes us into the classroom to learn how older adults are finding meaning in college at a later age. Plus, the latest news headlines: Local attorney reacts to Supreme Court’s birthright ruling; and Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the latest state budget.

County farm bureaus are important for connecting farmers and ranchers with local resources. In Tulare County, the long-time executive director of the farm bureau retires on June 30th. In this episode, KVPR’s Kerry Klein discusses the legacy and major accomplishments of Tricia Stever Blattler. Plus, the latest news headlines: A bombshell report accuses a Fresno developer of financial abuse; and a memorial is held for victims of a B-52 Bomber crash in Kern County.

You can find South Asian culture anywhere in California. But how much do we really know about how it got there? On today’s show, we speak with Madhushree Ghosh, author of a new book that explores how migration has helped shape a rich community in the state.

The historic Crystal Palace in Bakersfield may be gone, but not forgotten. We revisit our conversation with KGET reporter Robert Price about the venue’s closure and Buck Owens’ enduring country music legacy. Plus the latest headlines: Orange Cove rejects a controversial climate project; and UC Merced announces layoffs.

A Fresno cooking class is keeping Hmong food and language traditions alive. We speak to Central Valley Journalism Collaborative reporter Esther Quintanilla about the non-profit teaching Hmong culture to a new generation. Plus, the latest news headlines: An earthquake shakes a northern California region; and Fresno breaks ground on a new housing project.

President Trump’s second term in office has been marked by a crackdown on immigration. And in the latest wrinkle, the federal government has ended a program that protected some kids from deportation. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein discusses the policy change and who’s affected. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno passes a record budget; and a bill seeks to crack down on cockfighting.

Muralists recently took to downtown Merced to give the district a fresh coat of paint. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal reports from downtown, where muralists express the meaning behind their work. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County water leaders battle with golden mussels; and a public records law raises alarms among First Amendment advocates.

Fresno State’s 50th Chicano/Latino Commencement Ceremony celebrated the collective achievements of more than 1,000 graduates from the Class of 2026. The event is the largest bilingual graduation of its kind in the nation, and it’s the subject of a new Latino USA profile. We get a preview from producer Adreanna Rodriguez.

It’s easy for visitors to Yosemite National Park to marvel at the park’s ancient trees and landscape. But what about the many creatures that call the park home? Before you get out there this summer, there’s a book you’ll want to pick up first. On today's episode, we speak with Beth Pratt, the author of that new and unique book. Plus the latest headlines: A mountain lion is caught in a Valley city; and a proposed billionaire tax heads to the ballot.

The growing popularity of raw milk has given a major boost to Fresno County dairy, Raw Farm. But the farm has been the subject of recalls and outbreaks in recent years that have increased scrutiny over the safety of their products. We speak to ProPublica reporter Annie Waldman about her recent investigative report featuring the farm’s owner, Mark McAfee. Plus, the latest news headlines: Victims of B-52 Bomber crash are identified; and how hospitals are faring after major warehouse fire.

A new report from the New York Times outlines a culture of abuse involving the men who worked with the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. This adds to the fallout from an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Chavez earlier this year. We speak with Fresno native and California Editor at the Times, Manny Fernandez, about the women coming forward with their stories. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors approve “nuclear family” resolution; and the latest on a B-52 Bomber crash at Kern County base.

Rising ocean temperatures are building momentum for what will be a strong El Niño year. Scientists are watching for major changes in climate patterns, including here in California. We speak with San Francisco Chronicle meteorologist Anthony Edwards about what to expect. Plus, the latest news headlines: A B-52 Bomber carrying passengers crashes in the Mojave Desert; and Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration is investigating him and his wife.

A new lawsuit makes claims of animal cruelty at Foster Farms locations in the Central Valley. The company declined to comment, but on today’s episode, we learn more about the undercover investigation at the center of the filing and hear from attorney Drew Givens about this case against the poultry giant.

A Fresno native is taking the field in Friday’s opening match for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the FIFA World Cup. We hear how Max Arfsten has been preparing for the game and how his upbringing in Fresno influenced his journey. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Avenal City Council meets in defiance of Kings County; and artificial intelligence is tested in California’s largest courts.

California’s meticulous ballot-counting process has dragged out the election results into a second week. The delay has triggered accusations of voter fraud from major Republican figures, including President Trump. We speak to a CalMatters reporter, Kate Wolffe, about how the counting process works and proposals on how to speed things up. Plus, the latest news headlines: A progressive Democrat will take on a Republican incumbent in a Valley House race; and a bill seeks to expand abortion access.

Medi-Cal enrollment has dropped sharply for immigrants without legal status in California. We speak with Salina Arredondo, from the nonprofit news outlet Public Health Watch, about the legislative changes driving the decline and the consequences for this population of losing access to healthcare. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley hospitals get federal notices about price transparency; and a Democratic candidate says he’s advancing to the general election in a tossup race.

Residents in the Fresno County city of Orange Cove could soon see hydrogen being blended into the natural gas that is delivered to their homes. The pilot project is part of Southern California Gas’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Today, we speak with independent journalist Marek Warszawski about the proposal and how many residents are upset by it. Plus, the latest news headlines: A new report highlights residents' views on the high-speed rail project near Merced; and how California is preparing for the World Cup.

The debate over the proposed 9,000-acre Southeast Development Area (SEDA) southeast of Fresno has sparked numerous community concerns. On today’s episode, we speak with Dillon Savory of the Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Central Labor Council and Veva Islas, President of the Fresno Unified School District Board of Education. They explain why they oppose the SEDA plan.

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 bilingualism.

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 news headlines: details emerge in the hostage situation that unfolded in Bakersfield on Tuesday; and primary election results continue to trickle in.

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 authorities navigated an hours-long hostage situation at a downtown bank; and local members of Congress requested emergency federal funding to combat invasive golden mussels.

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 busts a Valley crime network.

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 a recall of Avenal’s city leaders; and sentencing for a crime spree near Yosemite National Park.

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 some groups are pushing back against these alleged conditions. Plus, the latest news headlines: former Democratic Congressman TJ Cox reports to prison; and a major Hanford-based cheese producer expands into Tulare.

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 Fresno Unified School District is implementing new rules for laptops and other electronics it issues to students.

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 transportation tax measure runs into signature hurdles; and a new report looks at the impact on water from data centers.

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 knifepoint; and a Kern County college leader steps down.

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 approve Pride Month participation; the Diocese of Fresno will ordain a co-founder of a multi-billion-dollar company.

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 poisoning outbreak is alarming California officials.

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 plan.

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 money for California; and human rights concerns arise over the World Cup in LA.

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 monitoring four people exposed to a hantavirus outbreak.

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 supports to succeed him.

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 reducing extremism; and new analysis shows state impacts of remote work.

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 headlines: Judge rules the city of Fresno violated an open meeting law; and a bill that would shield information on the High Speed Rail project moves forward.

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 community initiative.

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."

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 support of a burn unit; and a unique pilot project in the Valley seeks to generate clean energy and conserve water.