Central Valley Daily

California has long allowed many groups of immigrants, including those without legal status, access to Medicaid. But policy changes at the state and federal level have led to lingering confusion among the immigrant community. Today, we speak about the mixed messages and fallout with Public Health Watch reporter Salina Arredondo. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno proclaims Native American Day with celebration; Kern health officials conduct food vendor sweeps. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Kerry Klein and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Parents in Visalia and Bakersfield are pushing for surveillance cameras to be placed inside special-education classrooms. Reports of alleged child abuse set the effort in motion. But is that possible under California law? We speak to Edsource reporter Emma Gallegos about how parents are trying to make changes. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno celebrates Native American Day; and California passes new wildfire smoke regulations. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Drive through the San Joaquin Valley, and you’ll stumble upon at least four massive billboards from the mid-20th century advertising the soda brand 7UP. Where did they come from – and why are they here? KVPR’s Rachel Livinal reports on the quest by a few historians to learn the origins of these mysterious signs. Plus, the latest news headlines: Diocese of Fresno faces retirement plan crisis; and a Kings County judge faces a criminal charge. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden and Kerry Klein.

Childcare costs are soaring across California. In cities like Fresno, it can take a deep toll on low-income families. Fresno city leaders recently created the Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access to tackle the crisis. We speak to Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, who says it’s one of the biggest issues concerning his constituents. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Pacific University receives massive donation; and reaction to the closure of Maya Cinemas in Fresno. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

It’s been over 50 years since the death of singer and songwriter Jim Croce. His son, A.J., is helping keep his legacy alive. Later this month, he’ll bring his “Croce Plays Croce” tour to the Warnors Theatre in Fresno. A.J. sits down with Central Valley Daily to share his musical background and what makes his father's music special. Today’s episode is produced and hosted by Jonathan Linden.

A new bill moving through the state legislature could impact the fight for consumer privacy rights in the future. SB 690 is trying to curb frivolous lawsuits that target small businesses. But privacy advocates are questioning why Big Tech companies are some of the bill’s most staunch supporters. We speak to CalMatters reporter Katherine Ortiz. Plus, the latest news headlines: Seven journalists are laid off at The Fresno Bee; and a UC Merced tour highlights campus’ green energy. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden

Measure S is headed to the November ballot in Fresno County. The half-cent sales tax is projected to generate more than $7 billion for transportation projects over the next 30 years. But the citizen-led initiative is facing a major fight to sway voters ahead of the polls. On today’s episode we speak with KVPR’s Marek Warszawki about what the measure includes. Plus, the latest news headlines: New accuser sues over Cesar Chavez sex abuse; and Fresno County may allow prosecutors to carry guns. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Although highway traffic is one of the main contributors to air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley, thousands of cars also line up at drive-through burger restaurants, taco joints and coffee places each day. Central Valley Journalism Collaborative Reporter Tim Sheehan compiled some data on how all these restaurants may be contributing to the Valley’s air pollution problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: A woman is ordered to pay Fresno after an embezzlement investigation; and Rep. David Valadao says he can win his House race in November. Today’s episode is hosted by Kerry Klein and produced by Jonathan Linden.

In the competitive world of standup comedy, a longtime comedian is reinventing the path to stardom. Ali Siddiq is embracing his independent spirit with a prolific lineup of specials on YouTube. His videos have garnered as many as 20 million or 10 million views, challenging conventions of network-supported budgets and productions. His nationwide Custom Fit Tour comes to Fresno’s Tower Theater on Sept. 12. We speak with him about his unique storytelling style, which has earned him fans around the world. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Samantha Rangel and Jonathan Linden.

Emergency dispatchers are commonly the first voices people hear in an emergency. But across the country, it’s getting harder to find people trained to answer those calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us inside a student program training future dispatchers. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Elizabeth Arakelian. Produced by Samantha Rangel, Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden.