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 about 15 minutes 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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Medical students are learning how to treat emergencies in remote environments. UCSF Fresno offers a wilderness medicine course, taken amid the backdrop of Yosemite National Park. KVPR Reporter Samantha Rangel tells us how the training applies to any medical discipline. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE arrests reported in Bakersfield; and Fresno County test scores show improvement. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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The candidates vying for California State Insurance Commissioner may be from the same Democratic party, but their politics couldn’t be more different. We unpack what there is to know about who the candidates are, and their priorities for the role. We speak to Marisa Lagos, co-host of Political Breakdown on KQED. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE agent pleads not guilty to charges in Fresno; and farmers are feeling the pinch of diesel prices. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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A proposed blast mine near the San Joaquin River will soon go before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The mining company CEMEX wants to blast deeper to collect gravel aggregate, used for road and building materials. But public opposition to the plan is mounting. We speak to KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski about the latest discussions. Plus, the latest news headlines: An ICE officer is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting a Fresno family, and a former Kern County doctor is on trial after the death of a pregnant woman in his care. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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Increased ICE operations in October have heightened fears and concerns across Central Valley communities. We speak to Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez about how the Valley Watch Network from the nonprofit Faith in the Valley is responding to immigrant needs during the operations. Plus, the latest news headlines: Charges are pending for ICE officer shot in Fresno; and what to know about measures competing with billionaire tax proposal. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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Storm preparations are happening ahead of schedule with a strong El Niño in California’s forecast. But some water districts are welcoming the prospect of extra precipitation in the Central Valley. They see the record rainfall as a way to pump up the region’s water supply under constant threat of heat, drought and overpumping. We speak to Laura Ramos, director of the California Water Institute, about the discussions underway to capture and store as much water as possible. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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California’s 22nd Congressional District is being called one of the most important races in the country. Weeks before Election Day, Republican incumbent David Valadao and his Democratic challenger Randy Villegas are out in full force to win the seat. KVPR reporter Amaray Alvarez has been following the race closely. We get a recap on where the candidates stand on the biggest issues. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE raids hit Fresno area; and a planning commission denies mining company’s bid along San Joaquin River. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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After nearly 18 years, professional hockey is back in Fresno. The Fresno Falcons are returning to the ice with a new roster, a new league, and a familiar name. KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel shows us how the team is preparing for a new season. Plus, the latest news headlines: Reports of ICE detainments surface in the Fresno area; and House District 22 candidates appear in debate. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno is dealing with a pension crisis affecting current and retired employees. The diocese, already facing bankruptcy, announced this summer its retirement account was underfunded and pointed blame at a financial services company. But the problem is not just affecting retirees in the Diocese of Fresno. KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski talks about what he’s learned about the pension crisis. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood speaks out on Zack Scrivner case; and Gov. Newsom orders threat monitoring after Trump comments. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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Shaver Springs, a community of roughly 200 residents in the Fresno County foothills, is dealing with persistent water quality issues. Residents are demanding local leaders investigate the water quality, and conduct an audit of the water services. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about how Fresno County and water district officials are reacting. Plus, the latest news headlines: A controversial blast mining project is back on the agenda in Fresno County; and the race for House District 22 gains steam ahead of the midterms. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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It’s been six months since allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls by labor rights leader Cesar Chavez were first reported by The New York Times. For the Central Valley, the news was hard to process. We speak with New York Times journalist Manny Fernandez as he returns to his Fresno roots and reflects on the story's impact on the community. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.