Central Valley Daily

Across the United States, Native American tribes come together for powwows. These are social gatherings that feature dancing and singing. In the Central Valley, the powwow season recently kicked off with an event in Fresno County. KVPR’s Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado brings us the story. Plus, the latest news headlines: NFL star Josh Allen extends hometown’s scholarship program; and a Kern County city denies appeals that challenge ICE facility. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Guns that are used in crimes are no longer anonymous. New state data is tracking where they were sold and recovered. Central Valley cities top the list. A new reporting investigation focuses on one company with Valley operations where many of the guns are traced. Aaron Mendelson with The Trace joins us to discuss his reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno teachers union calls for district to restore field trips; and Kings County activists get charges reduced in alleged goat stealing. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The cost of healthcare is rising and could be a deciding factor for voters in the competitive House District 22 race in the Central Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what swing voters are considering and where the candidates stand. Plus, the latest news headlines: A court rules on Avenal’s recall election; and new deadlines for Fresno County’s transportation tax lawsuit. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is fresh off a new $146 million expansion. But where does it go next? A new director of aviation is at the helm and already planning for more growth. We speak to Mark Thorpe about his new role and the changes you could be seeing in the future. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attacks on prosecutors raise security questions; and powwow season kicks off in the Valley. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

New A.I. software is signaling a shift happening in the healthcare industry. The largest Medi-Cal insurance provider in Kern County is using A.I. to help boost enrollment numbers. But is it risking human jobs and quality of service? We speak to independent journalist Mark Kreidler from KFF Health News. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The queer community can face added challenges in establishing a safe space for housing. But a well-known TikTok star and trans advocate is lending her voice to the cause. We speak with Mercury Stardust, also known as the “Trans Handy Ma’am” about how she broke into the home repair industry. She will be a guest at this year’s Queer Housing Summit in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: California is experiencing one of the highest rates of West Nile virus; and what data says about deaths at nearby national parks. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Thanks to a California law placing stringent water restrictions on Central Valley farmers, many are looking for alternatives in new crops that require little water. They’re planting a succulent often used in Mexico to make tequila and mezcal called agave. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us to a Merced farm to learn why many farmers are betting on this plant, and how they intend to localize the agave industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield residents raise questions over ‘Flock’ cameras; and Fresno mayor joins others to support a housing bond. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The fight over a transportation tax in Fresno County has been through a maze of updates with local, state and city players vying for power over public funds. We speak to Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano to help us sort through the dispute that’s turned into a legal fight between Fresno County and state leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno school official dismisses calls to resign; and a country singer wants to save a historic Bakersfield venue. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A state-funded program is preparing for a future that could threaten jobs in California’s oil and gas industry. The so-called Displaced Oil and Gas Workers’ Fund is helping with career transitions for thousands of high-skilled workers facing potential job losses as the state moves toward closures of oil refineries and net zero emissions by 2045. We speak to KQED reporter Julie Small about how the program works. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley cities are gearing up to fight data centers; and a Fresno Unified school official faces a call to resign. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The Bakersfield Californian was founded in 1866, and remains in print to this day. This year, the newspaper’s coverage of Bakersfield and Kern County history marks its 160th anniversary. A special art exhibit showcases its history in the community. We speak with Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Christine Peterson and Jeanette Richardson of the Arts Council of Kern in Bakersfield.

State housing requirements are not being met at the local level – hurting the supply as the population grows. This is fueling growing tension between state and local governments. We speak to CalMatters housing reporter Ben Christopher on the state’s latest progress report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Prosecutors cite two women’s prisons over sexual abuse; and Fresno officials miss key tax measure deadline. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new plan aims to create a roadmap to restore natural ecosystems in the central San Joaquin Valley. The effort comes as California continues to regulate groundwater and farmers deal with what’s left of their land. Today we speak with Logan Robertson Huecker, the executive director of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust. The group put together this new restoration plan. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Unified rolls out new app to track students; and major oil firm buys Kern County pipelines. Today’s episode was hosted by Elizabeth Arakalian and produced by Jonathan Linden. Soreath Hok conducted the interview.

What contributes to a home’s survivability in a wildfire? New research from UC Merced looks at the factors that can determine how structures can be more resilient. We speak to Mukesh Kumar, a post-doctoral scientist who led the research and John Abatzoglou, a professor of climatology at UC Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County officially moves forward with transportation tax; and Fresno State opens new student dorms. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

There may be hope for a new drug to treat the most severe cases of Valley fever. Olorofim has shown promising results in clinical trials. We speak to Dr. Fariba Donovan from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Valley Fever Center for Excellence, who is researching the drug and a possible new rapid test to check for an infection. Plus, the latest news headlines: A long-awaited downtown Fresno housing project breaks ground; and a former nonprofit executive is sentenced for embezzlement. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

In the wake of Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse allegations, how will educators approach teaching about the civil rights leader and his legacy? As the new school year draws near, we speak with Bakersfield College history professor Oliver Rosales to hear his perspective and his new approach. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A court-appointed medical review shines a spotlight on conditions inside a Kern County ICE detention facility. A closer look at what an independent investigation found at the California City location. We speak to a medical expert, Dr. Joseph Nwadiuko, to help analyze the results of the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Newsom signs a bill to place a local Fresno County tax on the November ballot; and Kern County reports two cases of Measles. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A multi-state outbreak of the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis has sickened thousands. But how is California monitoring potential cases? We speak to an official at the California Department of Public Health about where California stands and precautions to take over food safety. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors, state leaders fight over tax measure; and Bakersfield opens new senior center. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Luis Valdez, a Delano native and prolific artist known as the father of Chicano theater and film. We speak with the director, David Alvarado, ahead of a special event and screening in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: How public land protection could sway voters in House District 22; and Merced officials place a new city tax on the November ballot. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

More questions are unfolding following a marathon session at the Fresno City Council last week. On today’s episode, we look at the flurry of measures discussed, and what it will mean for the November ballot. Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo helps us break it all down. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley Republican now leads her party in the Assembly; and what a report says about farmworkers and immigration enforcement. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

California’s public defense system is in chaos. A new report documents the counties in the state where caseloads are sky-high and where questions abound over financial conflict of interest, including in the Central Valley. We speak to Josh Schwartz, a researcher with the Wren Collective, about his findings. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

California ecosystems are highly invaded by non-native species that have creeped in for hundreds of years. Getting rid of those species is a big, costly job. But KVPR News Director brings us a story of one effort in Fresno County where conservation groups are using a natural solution to help bring back some of the original landscape. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents rally to support a transportation tax measure in Fresno County; and a new study says small farmers will struggle to survive under groundwater rules. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Is the Central Valley prepared for another wet year? A strong El Niño is brewing, and the Tulare Lake Bed is at risk of flooding once again. We speak with Fresno-based civil engineer John Ennis about new research he hopes will help those in the lake’s path. Plus, the latest news headlines: Children have been picked up by ICE in the Valley; and a new report outlines concerns for healthcare amid policy shifts. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Critical transportation funding is on the line this November in Fresno County as a tax is poised to expire. The delay of a citizen-led tax initiative is pushing Fresno city leaders to oversee a radical plan to create their own tax measure. We speak to a Fresnoland reporter who is following the proposal, which is under a tight deadline. Plus, the latest news headlines: A new report details medical conditions inside Kern County immigrant facility; Fresno leaders propose tobacco license ordinance. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Can performing arts help you stay sharp as you age? Jane Parsons and Mac McIntosh say so, and there’s scientific research to back them up. Today we hear from KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal, who spoke with Parsons, McIntosh, and others about how being on the stage helps them feel young. Plus, the latest news headlines: Former Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels has been formally charged with a DUI, and Fresno’s city has announced a series of proposed measures for the November ballot. Today’s episode was hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The massive San Andreas Fault line in California has not produced a major earthquake in decades. But new research indicates it's under major strain. We speak to scientist Dr. Liliane Burkhard, who authored a new study that explores the increasing potential for the next big quake. Today’s episode was hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Major construction is happening at Arte Américas. For the first time in the cultural art center’s nearly 40-year history. This first phase of construction will tackle persistent problems, and executive director Arianna Paz Chávez envisions its future in the Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city leaders propose a new sales tax; and measles cases on the rise in California.

The demand for pistachios is booming worldwide, but here in the Central Valley, growers are worried that this year’s pistachio harvest could be smaller than expected. Today we hear from KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel, who visited a local orchard to hear from a farmer and learn more about what’s at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: New details emerge on sale of ICE facilities; and residents in Hanford protest plans for data centers at fairgrounds.

The Fresno Police Department is addressing growing community concerns over privacy and data that is captured by AI-powered cameras spread across the city. The cameras are from the company Flock Safety, and are a form of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto answers questions from Central Valley Daily about the use of the technology. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration admits to using keywords in cancelling UC grants; and a pesticide study finds no viable alternatives to harmful chemicals.

A Fresno church is taking advantage of a new state law that allows housing to be built on empty land. It’s part of a growing movement across the state and country. We speak to KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado about what the project seeks to accomplish and how it’s being done. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents plan to protest plans for Valley data centers; and California reading scores are improving.

Should the Democratic party be making a stronger push to appeal to voters who are in the political center? Merced Congressman Adam Gray thinks so. Today we speak with Gray about a new initiative called “Promise To America,” that he helped launch. The program is a counter attack to “socialist” politics.

Data centers have sprung up around the country to meet the growing demand of artificial intelligence and tech boom. But they’re facing steep opposition from communities because of the strain on local resources. Megan Fan Munce, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, joins us to discuss a new idea that could bring the centers to local fairgrounds. Plus, the latest news headlines: Effort begins to get rid of California’s top-two primary process; and a new analysis shows ICE detainment of children rising.

Yosemite National Park gets four million visitors every year, and summer is the busiest time. But how is the park managing its peak season with fewer staff and no reservation system in place? We speak to former Yosemite ranger and wilderness manager Laurel Munson Boyers, who is also the author of the new book “Across Yosemite’s Wilderness.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors block transportation measure; and what a daylight savings bill means for the Valley.

California Poet Laureate and Fresno resident Lee Herrick’s poem “My California” was selected for the America250 time capsule, one of seven contributions from the Golden State. In today’s episode, he talks about how his own background shaped his writing of the poem and what it represents about the experience of living in California. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors shoot down home kitchen ordinance; and Fresno Arts Council gets a new leader after embezzlement inquiry.

The growth of California’s ag industry is fueled by research funding – and much of it comes from the U.S. Farm Bill. But as Congress struggles to update the legislation, scientists are working with limited resources and growing needs. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what is at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: California congressmen request more fighter jets at the Lemoore naval base; and we now know what the turnout was for the June primary.

The federal government is ramping up its immigration enforcement in communities across the country. In Kern County, where the government now runs several immigrant detention centers, residents are concerned about conditions inside. We speak with a longtime county supervisor, Leticia Perez, who shares what she has heard from the community and what the county’s authority is.

It’s stone fruit season in the Central Valley. But getting access to the rich bounty of local farms can be tough. In this episode, KVPR goes to the 18th annual Stone Fruit Jubilee in Kingsburg to get to know some local organic farmers and hear some of the challenges you may not know about. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno State launches a supercomputing system; and Valley leaders plan to advocate for immigration reform.

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.