Central Valley Daily

Agave has become a more popular crop on California farms because of its resistance and tolerance of drought and heat. Valley schools like UC Merced are trying to answer farmers’ and policymakers’ questions about the crop. We speak to KVPR’s Rachel Livinal about agave’s expansion into classrooms. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Fresno talks financing over South SEDA; plus fast-food drive-through lanes contributing to air pollution. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Rachel Livinal, Kerry Klein, and Jonathan Linden.

Earlier this year, the city of Bakersfield approved increases to its sewer rates. Over the next five years, that will mean sewage rates will more than triple for residents. In response to the increases, Kern County is suing to stop them. Today we speak with Bakersfield’s Californian reporter Peter Segall, who breaks down the situation. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno mayor formally opposes data centers in the city; and Fresno Falcons hockey returns after 17 year hiatus. Today’s episode is hosted by Kerry Klein, Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new study from UC Merced and the Union of Concerned Scientists explores California’s worsening drought conditions. The study is the first of its kind to tie some of the state’s decreasing water supply to the Carbon Majors, 122 of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers. We speak to lead author Emily Williams about the data. Plus, the latest news headlines: Feds deny reporting over private land sale in Yosemite; and a small jet crashes down near Porterville. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden, and Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado.

The dawn of the national park system began in Yosemite Valley in 1864 with President Lincoln’s signing of the Yosemite Grant. Now, 160 years later, Yosemite National Park remains the crown jewel of the national park system. But under the Trump administration, there’s now a deal in the works that could give a private developer access to a piece of the park. We speak with reporter Anna Kramer with NOTUS, or News of the United States, who broke the story last week. Plus, the latest news headlines: New data shows how much heat deaths are underreported in the U.S.; and a Fresno judge moves transportation tax forward. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Kerry Klein.

Central Valley musicians will get their chance to shine at this year’s Valley Music Hall of Fame. The 2026 inductees will be honored in a ceremony in September. On today’s episode, we speak to Valley Music Hall of Fame board chair, Don Priest, to learn about the rigorous process to select the artists and what it means to honor Valley music history.

Across the United States, Native American tribes come together for powwows. These are social gatherings that feature dancing and singing. In the Central Valley, the powwow season recently kicked off with an event in Fresno County. KVPR’s Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado brings us the story. Plus, the latest news headlines: NFL star Josh Allen extends hometown’s scholarship program; and a Kern County city denies appeals that challenge ICE facility. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Guns that are used in crimes are no longer anonymous. New state data is tracking where they were sold and recovered. Central Valley cities top the list. A new reporting investigation focuses on one company with Valley operations where many of the guns are traced. Aaron Mendelson with The Trace joins us to discuss his reporting. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno teachers union calls for district to restore field trips; and Kings County activists get charges reduced in alleged goat stealing. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The cost of healthcare is rising and could be a deciding factor for voters in the competitive House District 22 race in the Central Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what swing voters are considering and where the candidates stand. Plus, the latest news headlines: A court rules on Avenal’s recall election; and new deadlines for Fresno County’s transportation tax lawsuit. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is fresh off a new $146 million expansion. But where does it go next? A new director of aviation is at the helm and already planning for more growth. We speak to Mark Thorpe about his new role and the changes you could be seeing in the future. Plus, the latest news headlines: Attacks on prosecutors raise security questions; and powwow season kicks off in the Valley. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

New A.I. software is signaling a shift happening in the healthcare industry. The largest Medi-Cal insurance provider in Kern County is using A.I. to help boost enrollment numbers. But is it risking human jobs and quality of service? We speak to independent journalist Mark Kreidler from KFF Health News. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.