Central Valley Daily
New episodes delivered every weekday morning by 5 a.m.
The Central Valley’s daily news podcast. Hear headlines and interviews on the issues that matter to Central Valley residents, delivered in 15 minutes or less every weekday morning. The KVPR Newsroom brings you stories from communities across Central California, including Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield, Visalia, and the Central & Southern Sierra.
Latest Episodes
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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 since the pandemic, and a new bill seeks to protect veterans from the predatory claims process.
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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 the World Ag Expo is in full swing in Tulare.
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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 Fresno Arts Council, and Valley health leaders issue a warning about Medicaid cuts.
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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.
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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 news headlines: Kern County sues an oil operator, and Amtrak offers discounted rides to Allensworth for Black History Month.
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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. citizens was cancelled last month in Fresno.
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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 construction milestone in Kern County.
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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 spotlight on Southeast Asian-run businesses.
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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 why.
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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 golden mussels situation stands for Valley water districts. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer speaks out against ICE tactics, and state lawmakers eye bachelor’s degrees at community colleges.