Central Valley Daily

Every summer, a prestigious international music festival invites students from universities around the world to perform. And for the first time ever, some of those students will hail from Fresno. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel talks with us about an ambitious group of clarinet players getting ready for an upcoming performance in South Korea. Plus, the latest news headlines: Results have been certified in a recall of Avenal’s city leaders; and sentencing for a crime spree near Yosemite National Park.

The number of detainees in immigration custody has grown dramatically since President Donald Trump took office for the second time. In a new report, the California Attorney General's office inspected many of these facilities – including four in Kern County – and found conditions are worsening and even inhumane. Today, we speak with Attorney General Bonta to discuss this latest report and hear how some groups are pushing back against these alleged conditions. Plus, the latest news headlines: former Democratic Congressman TJ Cox reports to prison; and a major Hanford-based cheese producer expands into Tulare.

One of the country’s most competitive primary races for Congress is a swing district right here in the Central Valley. Democrats here are hoping to flip a seat long held by Republican David Valadao. But first, they need a nominee. We speak with KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein. Plus, the latest news headlines: New data shows cuts to Medi-Cal are having a steep impact on some enrollees, and the Fresno Unified School District is implementing new rules for laptops and other electronics it issues to students.

Brandon Bakke, a former Fresno State men’s basketball player, has written about his time with the team, which was mostly spent on the bench. In his new book, “Lessons from the Bench,” Bakke reflects on how he found a unique purpose as a player off the court.

After over 400 episodes, some changes are coming to Central Valley Daily. Today, the podcast's founding host, Elizabeth Arakelian, speaks with our new host, Soreath Hok. We'll learn more about Soreath's background and what she's looking forward to in this new role.

While the race for California governor has gotten plenty of media coverage, there are many other races that are just as consequential, but aren’t necessarily making headlines. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Carolyn Jones to discuss the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and learn more about what the role entails. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno County transportation tax measure runs into signature hurdles; and a new report looks at the impact on water from data centers.

It’s been over a century since grizzly bears roamed the Central Valley and other parts of California. A new bill in the state legislature proposes looking into bringing some grizzlies back into the state. Journalist Marek Warszawski explains why proponents support the idea and why others, like ranchers, say it could create problems. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city attorney held at knifepoint; and a Kern County college leader steps down.

Merced County is paying more attention to mail-in ballots as Election Day approaches. A new rule at the United States Postal Service is changing up the process for voters and has resulted in hundreds of rejected ballots in the last special election. We speak with KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal about how voters can ensure their ballots count. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors approve Pride Month participation; the Diocese of Fresno will ordain a co-founder of a multi-billion-dollar company.

With the ongoing war in Iran and the blockade of a key oil shipping route, gas prices in California continue to remain high. Today, we speak with CalMatters reporter Alejandro Lazo to discuss what’s really driving these gas prices and whether we can expect them to continue going up. Plus, the latest news headlines: Mountain West and Pac-12 reach an agreement over poaching fees, and a mushroom poisoning outbreak is alarming California officials.

The rollout of a new artificial intelligence tool within newsrooms at McClatchy Media has alarmed journalists and sparked protests. On today’s episode, we speak with media reporter Katie Robertson from The New York Times. She breaks down what the tool does, and we get a reaction from the union at the Fresno Bee, one of McClatchy’s newsrooms.