Central Valley Daily

Being disenrolled from a Native American tribe is tantamount to being disowned. Members can lose their livelihood, even in cases where they have proven their tribal lineage. So why does it keep happening? Director Ryan Flynn discusses his documentary, “You’re No Indian,” which explores this ongoing fight within some tribes, including in Central California. Plus, the latest news headlines: California counties begin their homeless point-in-time counts; and a Kern County assemblymember continues her push for a federal investigation into charges against former Supervisor Zack Scrivner.

Iranians began protesting against their government in December, when the country’s currency went into a freefall. In response, the country’s leaders cracked down on protesters, killing thousands by some estimates. On today’s episode, Fresno physician Dr. Mehdi Ghajar explains the conflict through the eyes of Iranian Americans. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration challenges California’s buffer zones around oil and gas wells, and Fresno County expands a local jobs assistance program.

Earlier this month, city and county leaders in Fresno County parted ways after spending years attempting to renew the countywide sales tax known as Measure C – which was first passed decades ago and has generated billions to fund transportation projects. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein discusses a new sales tax recently proposed by a coalition of community groups and city leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: California Republicans again attempt to block new House maps in California; and California senators tour an immigration detention facility in Kern County.

Fresno reached a record-low homicide rate in 2025. Just 22 murders were reported in the city of more than 500,000 people, which is a number not seen since the 1970s. So what’s working? On today’s episode, Fresno City Police Chief Mindy Casto breaks down some of the department’s newest strategies and weighs in on how the police have handled the city’s “no camping” ordinance.

The High Speed Rail Authority is under pressure to complete this overdue and over-budget project. To expedite the process, the agency has proposed moving Merced’s station, initially planned for downtown, to an easier-to-construct location outside the city. Victor Patton with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and the Merced FOCUS breaks down local leaders’ responses to the proposal and explains what’s at stake.

Actor Travis Andre Ross grew up in Santa Nella, California. His rough upbringing inspired his gritty film “Central Valley.” On today’s episode, Ross explains what inspired him to write, produce, and star in the film that is now available on Amazon Prime. Plus, the latest news headlines: Merced’s high-speed rail dreams take a hit, and a Kern County school board member faces criticism related to son’s abuse charges.

More than 500 employees are taking advantage of an early retirement incentive offered by Fresno Unified School District. On today’s episode, Superintendent Misty Her explains why the district made the offer and how the multi-million- dollar savings will benefit the district. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County community groups introduce their own tax initiative to replace Measure C, and a federal court upholds California’s new congressional maps.

The Hanukkah massacre last month at Australia’s Bondi Beach may have taken place across the world, but it had a profound effect on a Bakersfield family. One of the 15 people killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, whose brother Shmuli Schlanger is also a rabbi - at the Chabad of Bakersfield synagogue. You may recognize his name from an episode just days before the attack. In today’s episode, we attended a memorial service Shmuli held for his brother, and spoke with Shmuli’s wife, Esther Schlanger, about the aftermath of Eli’s death. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno takes steps to become a professional soccer city, and the Kern County Sheriff weighs in on new accusations in the child abuse case against former County Supervisor Zack Scrivner.

A law in Fresno says government contracts only need city council approval if they exceed $100,000. A new investigation by our news partner, Fresnoland, shows that contractors have received multiple contracts exceeding that amount. Is this a legal loophole? Fresnoland’s investigative reporter Omar Rashad breaks down his findings. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County reports its first flu-related death of the year, and virtual reality delivers rehabilitation to those incarcerated in a Valley prison.

Sex abuse allegations at school districts in California have been rising as a result of a recent change in state law. But how school districts handle those allegations, including many in the San Joaquin Valley, shows a pattern of secrecy – including settlements that are protected from the public. Reporter Matt Hamilton discusses his latest investigation for the Los Angeles Times.