Central Valley Daily

A bill that would require an ID card to vote is making its way through Congress - and a similar measure is nearing California’s November ballot. How could voter ID requirements affect local elections? KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel spoke with elections officials in Fresno and Merced counties. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Mariposa woman was identified as the victim of a deadly tunnel collapse; and state lawmakers consider further restrictions on cell phone use in schools.

CSU Bakersfield announced this week that the head coach of its women’s basketball team is resigning. The departure is just the latest in a series of controversies for the athletics department. On today’s episode, 23ABC Senior Reporter Mike Hart breaks down the turmoil within CSU Bakersfield’s sports. Plus, the latest news headlines: a bill barring sex offenders from office clears a hurdle in Sacramento, and an environmental group warns against a blast mine near the San Joaquin River.

Tomorrow would have been the 55th birthday of the late Mexican-American singer Selena. Now, a new book features essays and poems about the legendary pop star. Fresno State professor Larissa Mercado Lopez, who co-edited the book, reflects on the lasting impact of Selena’s legacy, what the singer means to many Mexican-Americans, and what she hopes readers will take away from the book. Plus, the latest news headlines: a transportation sales tax nears the ballot in Fresno County, and a rockslide closes part of Highway 140 into Yosemite.

The U.S. Forest Service recently announced that it would be closing three-quarters of its research facilities – including one in Fresno. Today, we speak with forest researcher and professor Matthew Hurteau about these changes and what they could mean for forest research. Plus, the latest news headlines: Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell drops his bid for California governor and announces he’ll resign from Congress; and a Fresno high school receives some of the state’s highest UC Berkeley acceptance rates.

Fresno city leaders are feeling the pressure to keep a major project known as the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) alive. On today’s episode, a behind-the-scenes look at how tensions over the contentious project escalated over text messages from Fresno’s mayor ahead of a crucial vote.

Environmentalists are questioning how oil and gas regulators will monitor hazardous incidents after California moved to increase oil production following a three-year moratorium on new drilling permits. On today’s show, journalist Marek Warszawski reports on a Kern County oil operator facing multiple criminal charges stemming from oil permitting violations. Plus, the latest news headlines: Texts reveal backdoor push over Fresno expansion plans, and a popular restaurant owner is in the hospital.

California's citrus season might almost be over, but the annual Orange Blossom Festival in the Tulare County town of Lindsay is only getting started. On today's episode, artist Shane Guffog tells us about the 'Citrus Dreamin' art show, one component of the 94-year-old festival. Plus, the latest news headlines: details emerge in an ICE officer-involved shooting in Stanislaus County, and a Clovis activist avoids charges involving student protests.

In early March, Fresno County Supervisors spoke out against soil being used along the San Joaquin River that had been produced through a process sometimes called human composting. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel breaks down what happened and also explores the growing practice of human composting and the science behind it. Plus, the latest news headlines: an ICE-involved shooting in the city of Patterson, and Clovis police have charged a man with a misdemeanor after student walkouts protesting immigration actions.

NPR’s popular podcast “Planet Money” tells stories about the economic forces that shape our lives. Now, there’s a “Planet Money” book all about those forces. It includes a story about a Fresno-based “raisin cartel.” On today’s show, authors Alex Mayyasi and Kenny Malone explain commodities through this lens. Plus, the latest news headlines: President Trump endorses a California governor candidate; and Fresno cracks down on crime after violent week.

Tariffs, inflation and rising costs associated with the Iran war are just the latest factors affecting farmers’ abilities to stay above water. On today’s episode, we speak to California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross about these issues.