Central Valley Daily

The Central Valley is one of 40 locations nationwide selected by the Smithsonian for a series of cultural arts festivals. Happening this weekend in Fresno, the Great Valley Gathering will celebrate the Central Valley’s cultural diversity with live workshops and performances. We speak to lead organizer Amy Kitchener about what to expect. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Diocese of Fresno is part of a nationwide pension crisis; and the family of former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner speaks out. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

An Exeter family thought their fallen WWII servicemember who died in battle overseas was lost forever. But decades later, he returned home. KVPR reporter Amaray Alvarez brings us the story of the celebration. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson visits Bakersfield to campaign for Rep. David Valadao; and diesel truckers protest high prices. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new podcast explores the culture of sexual abuse and retaliation by prison staff at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. We speak to reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman about their investigation for Snap Judgment and KQED about the woman who broke the case wide open. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Supreme Court will hear arguments over the Kern River, and Governor Newsom signs a law banning law enforcement from using gloves that deliver electric shocks. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Farmers and truck drivers across the country are feeling the squeeze of high diesel prices, amid a record surge in September. On today’s episode we speak to Manuel Cunha, Jr., longstanding president of the Nisei Farmers League in Fresno about the pressure industries are facing, and why they’re calling for a one-day strike on Oct. 1. Plus, the latest news headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson plans Valley stop; and a Valley man is sentenced in million-dollar real estate scheme. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The story of the University of California system is also the story of California. In today’s episode, we speak to author Miriam Pawel about her new book, California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California. It explores the connection between California’s elite higher education system and the state’s own changing society and demographics.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of what’s predicted to be a record-setting El Niño. We speak to Anthony Edwards, newsroom meteorologist with the San Francisco Chronicle, about the signs pointing to strong storms and heavy rainfall in California in the coming months.Plus, the latest news headlines: Animal rights activists have charges dismissed; and new research shows valley fever could be in more places. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden. Test

California’s heat protections for indoor workers do not apply to correctional facilities. That means staff and incarcerated people are left sweltering when temperatures soar. On today’s episode, we speak to Erin Rode, a freelance journalist for Capital & Main, who tells us about the unique challenge these facilities face in getting protections. Plus, the latest news headlines: Opponents of Measure S in Fresno County launch campaign; and Republicans question spending tied to high-speed rail project. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

One of the most-talked about measures on the California ballot this November is Prop. 40, a one-time tax on billionaires. We speak to the California Budget & Policy Center to break down what’s in the proposal – and the opposing measures. Plus, the latest news headlines: High diesel prices could lead to a truck driver strike; and measles vaccination rates are falling in the Central Valley. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

West Nile virus cases are surging in California. Health experts say there’s not one clear reason, though a wet winter, warm spring and changing immunity in wild birds are partly to blame. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel rides along with mosquito abatement officials as they fight to control the spread. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Newsom declares emergency ahead of El Nino; and two pilots die fighting fire near Yosemite National Park. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The owner of the Fresno Bee, McClatchy Media, recently laid off seven reporters and one editor. That’s about 40% of the San Joaquin Valley newsroom. Across the country, McClatchy Media laid off at least 90 journalists. Today, we break down the significance of these layoffs by speaking with two former executive editors at the Fresno Bee, Joe Kieta and Jim Boren. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.