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In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging discrimination by a Merced College dean. Reporting by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS found all of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but college officials still decided to move the dean to a different department – before he later stepped back into a faculty role. Some complainants say they’ve been the subject of retaliation.

The college’s two ethnic studies professors resigned in late 2024. Though their reasons for leaving are not fully known, just a month before, they were among at least 10 employees who filed complaints against the dean, many of whom alleged workplace intimidation and discrimination.

After a dean at Merced College was transferred to a new school within the campus and later announced a second move into a faculty position, college faculty and employees who lodged complaints against him question whether the move resolves their concerns.

The lawsuit by a former coach and instructor is part of mounting criticism and pressure against Carole Goldsmith, chancellor of the State Center Community College District.

Fresno Unified is using innovative tools to help homeless families. State data shows that Fresno County now has the state's lowest rate of homeless students.

Three directors in charge of programs that aid marginalized and underserved students on campus were laid off earlier this month.

The funding will go to projects at Merced College and UC Merced.

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.

On Thursday, Honorable Judge John Kirihara, who served on the Merced County Superior Court for more than 20 years, officiated Congressman Adam Gray's second ceremonial oath.