Central Valley Daily

The summer season brings hot temperatures and poor air quality to the San Joaquin Valley. In today’s episode, we revisit a conversation with former State Senator Dean Florez about how banning agricultural burning is one solution to fixing air quality. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents in Fresno protest federal immigration actions in Los Angeles; and Tower District business owners pick up after vandalism.

The city of Clovis has found itself at the epicenter of a national debate about the role of transgender athletes in sports. That’s because a trans female athlete competed alongside cisgender girls from across the state at the state track and field championships that took place at Buchanan High School. The competition was the subject of intense debate before, during, and even after it took place, and now the Department of Justice has escalated the situation for public schools. KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel breaks down the latest updates.

Have you ever seen cave bacon, or incandescent, lavender fairy pools? These are some of the many wonders visitors can now see at Crystal Cave beneath Sequoia National Park. KVPR Reporter Joshua Yeager tells us about what he saw on the first tour of the cave since it reopened after a parade of natural disasters. Plus, the latest news headlines: California’s big city mayors call for protecting homelessness funding; and what Newsom says about transgender athletes amid controversy.

Fresno leaders crafted a so-called Project Labor Agreement in 2022 that sought to guarantee a workforce to take on construction projects. But the agreement has fallen short of expectations. We speak with Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano about what changes could be made. Plus, the latest news headlines: Federal immigration officials allow a Bakersfield 4-year-old girl to stay in the country for now; and the Trump administration pulls funding for California’s High Speed Rail.

A night club in Merced is giving disabled adults a taste of the party life. Brianna Vaccari from our news partner The Merced Focus takes us inside Club 67 and tells us why it’s meaningful for those who are disabled, as well as those who care for them. Plus, the latest news headlines: A state bill would protect funding for schools whose students are absent during immigration raids; and President Trump ramps up pressure on California over a trans athlete.

Fresno native Ananya Vinay was 12 years old when she won the ultra-competitive Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2017. Now that this year’s champion has been crowned, KVPR’s Samantha Rangel talks with Vinay to hear how her own win all those years ago changed her life. Plus, the latest news headlines: Federal judge sentences man in Bitwise Industries fraud scheme; and Central Unified names a new superintendent.

A program is helping students in rural Fresno County get an early look at university life. Central Valley Journalism Collaborative reporter Esther Quintanilla brings us the story on how students as young as kindergarten through 8th grade are taking part.

A proposed development that would bring 45,000 homes to southeastern Fresno is now top of mind for city officials. However, pursuing the project could be financially risky. Fresnoland’s Gregory Weaver discusses the controversial Southeastern Development Area project. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County elected officials stand against a transgender athlete competing in Clovis, and Mexican residents in the Valley watch closely as elections are held this weekend.

A recent Kern County Grand Jury report is highlighting problems within Child Protective Services. High staff turnover, inadequate funding and employee burnout are among the issues. We hear from a veteran social worker about what it’s like on the ground. Plus, the latest news headlines: Federal government investigates California as a trans athlete plans to participate in championships; a Bakersfield family is fighting a deportation order.

California is looking at deep cuts to balance its budget before the next fiscal year starting in July. But how is it going to get there, and what programs could suffer? We speak with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff, who gives us clues. Plus, the latest news headlines: President Trump threatens state funding over a trans athlete competing in Clovis this weekend, and KVPR mourns the death of long-time host Marv Allen.