Central Valley Daily

Women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla have filed a lawsuit against the prison. They allege they were rounded up and targeted with pepper spray in retaliation for making sexual misconduct complaints against guards. On today’s episode, Hannah Krenn recounts the leaked video of the alleged incident in her report for the San Francisco Chronicle. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County sues an oil operator, and Amtrak offers discounted rides to Allensworth for Black History Month.

Fresno is home to many Southeast Asian communities, including the second-largest Hmong population in the U.S. On today’s episode, we discuss a pilot research study aimed at better understanding the needs of Fresno’s Southeast Asian business owners. Plus, the latest news headlines: Three dead after another house fire in Porterville, and confusion abounds after a ceremony to swear in new U.S. citizens was cancelled last month in Fresno.

Congressman David Valadao is up for re-election in November, and several Democrats are hoping to unseat him. On today’s show, Maya C. Miller with our news partner CalMatters breaks down how Valadao’s vote to cut Medicaid could impact his political future. Plus, the latest news headlines: An illegal biolab busted in Las Vegas echoes one found in Reedley; state officials celebrate a high-speed rail construction milestone in Kern County.

Keely “Big Country” Cashman, a skier with Team USA, is set to compete in the upcoming 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. On today’s episode, she discusses how her upbringing in the small Sierra town of Strawberry shaped her athleticism, and what her hopes are for Italy. Plus, the latest news headlines: A biological lab in Las Vegas may have links to the Valley, and a Fresno study puts a spotlight on Southeast Asian-run businesses.

Kettleman City is a small Kings County town with a big problem: pollution. That’s due in part to a nearby hazardous waste dump. Lawmakers took steps to protect residents from the harms of cumulative pollution in such towns, but critics say regulations have been delayed and may not be enough to fight the problem. On today’s episode, Alejandra Reyes-Velarde with our news partner CalMatters explains why.

Golden mussels were first discovered in California in 2024. They’re not a dish in seafood restaurants – they’re an invasive species that can harm waterways and native fish. And now they’ve appeared in the San Joaquin Valley, sparking concerns for water districts who are burdened with eradicating the tiny pests. On today’s episode, Lois Henry, with our news partner SJV Water, explains where the golden mussels situation stands for Valley water districts. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer speaks out against ICE tactics, and state lawmakers eye bachelor’s degrees at community colleges.

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra recently announced it has extended its contract with conductor Stilian Kirov. The conductor and musical director will now usher the orchestra through to its historic 100th anniversary in 2032. On today’s episode, Kirov explains the art of conducting as well as which music resonates with Bakersfield. Plus, the latest news headlines: Regulations to control pollution in a Kings County town arrive seven years late, and Fresno County voters may see competing ballot measures in November.

Fresno’s Tower District has coffee shops and restaurants, but also a lot of conspicuous, boarded up buildings. City leaders are trying to entice property owners to turn those vacancies into businesses. On today’s episode, Fresnoland’s Julianna Morano breaks down the ‘carrot and stick’ approach being used. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kern County highway pileup leads to emergency calls for blood donations; and Fresno County groups begin collecting signatures for a sales tax ballot measure.

California leaders are in the process of hammering out the state’s budget and will have to account for healthcare spending cuts from the federal government. On today’s episode, Tim Sheehan, with our news partner The Intersection, explains why people in California without legal status may feel the impact more acutely. Plus, the latest news headlines: state wildlife officials intercept shipment of illegal animal parts to Fresno, and a nursing program graduates its first class in Visalia.

State investigators charged former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner with three felony charges in 2025, including child abuse. Scrivner’s efforts to obtain a mental health diversion — and avoid a legal trial — has garnered condemnation from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. On today’s episode, Senior Reporter Veronica Morley with 23ABC in Bakersfield breaks down the case that has caught national attention.