Rachel Livinal
Reporter / Central Valley Journalism CollaborativeRachel Livinal reports on higher education for KVPR through a partnership with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Rachel grew up in Merced and attended Merced Community College and California State University of Long Beach where she earned her B.A. in journalism with a minor in sociology. She is excited to share the stories that are shaping the higher education landscape in the San Joaquin Valley.
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Stanislaus State issued layoff notices to 18 employees in March. Budget deficits loom at Fresno State and CSU Bakersfield as well. -
Expenses for lawsuits, investigations, labor negotiations and contract reviews at the State Center Community College District rose from $300,000 in 2016 to more than $1.2 million in 2024. -
One of the endangered species that calls the vernal pools home has lived for millions of years. -
Have you ever been to a stand-up comedy show? How about one that’s at an unexpected place - like a laundromat or hair salon - and you only find out the address a few hours ahead of time? On today’s show, we’ll hear from KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal, who checked out a secret show in Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kern County fugitive is linked to the death of a Mexican police officer in Tijuana, and the city of Arvin plans for a special city council election. -
A traveling standup comedy show with two unique rules makes a pitstop in Merced, California. -
Madera police believe the suspect in the shooting drove miles from his home in Tulare County before carrying out the attack at a Walgreens. -
Officials in Merced County say there are no plans to change how its libraries are operated. They are dispelling concerns by residents who organized in recent weeks around rumors that the libraries were being privatized. Today, we talk with reporter Rachel Livinal, who unpacks this story and tells us where the concerns stem from. Plus, the latest news headlines: Why a Fresno State professor is facing backlash, and a new federal bill seeks to increase the number of doctors in the Central Valley.
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Amid widespread fears Merced County officials were looking to privatize public libraries, one county official has confirmed the topic was discussed with a company. -
As the new Trump Administration carries out its policy agenda, student loan borrowers in the San Joaquin Valley are wondering what will happen with their debt. -
President Donald Trump announced cuts to the Department of Education this week as part of a bigger promise to dismantle it. The department manages federal student loans. And the administration has already taken steps to change repayment and forgiveness options. On today’s show, we hear from one student loan borrower who is affected by the ongoing changes to student debt management, and he asks: what’s next? Plus, the latest news headlines: The ACLU seeks a court injunction in its lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, and Kern County is facing a budget deficit.
