Central Valley Daily

The Trump Administration wants access to the tax data of undocumented people. And under a new agreement between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security, they might get it. Today, we speak with Wall Street Journal tax policy reporter Richard Rubin, who breaks down this decision and what it means for people in the U.S. without legal status.

Have you ever been to a stand-up comedy show? How about one that’s at an unexpected place - like a laundromat or hair salon - and you only find out the address a few hours ahead of time? On today’s show, we’ll hear from KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal, who checked out a secret show in Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: a Kern County fugitive is linked to the death of a Mexican police officer in Tijuana, and the city of Arvin plans for a special city council election.

We speak with Lois Henry, editor and CEO of the news website SJV Water, about the judge’s ruling and what lies ahead for those who have a stake in the Kern River’s water.Plus, the latest news headlines: Rep. Vince Fong introduces legislation to protect sequoias, and the White House’s DOGE team cuts funding for a Central Valley history program.

We just wrapped up the most deadly winter on record for commercial honeybees: a survey by the non-profit research organization “Project Apis m.” estimated that 62% of commercial bees died between fall and spring. These bees not only make honey but also pollinate more than 100 U.S. crops - contributing to a total of $18 billion dollars in agricultural revenue. What did these losses mean to commercial beekeepers – and the local ag industry that depends so much on them? On today’s episode, we talk about these sudden, massive die-offs with KVPR reporter Kerry Klein. Plus, the latest news headlines: A news investigation digs up details of January’s border patrol operation in Kern County, and some Central Valley students are losing their student visas.

Among the many surprising revelations of the 2024 election was Latino voters' support for President Trump. Voter surveys reveal Trump won more than 40% of the Latino vote, and he performed especially well among Latino men — despite his anti-immigrant rhetoric and calls for mass deportations that mainly target Latinos. Journalist Paola Ramos is the author of a new book titled "Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America." We spoke with her to break down this phenomenon. Plus, the latest news headlines: Health officials are puzzled by three deaths from a rare virus in the Sierra Nevada, and how could the stock market squeeze impact California next year?

California is pushing to secure as much renewable energy as it transitions away from fossil fuels. One of the places in the state where sunshine is in abundance is the Mojave Desert. However, a rush to build solar energy infrastructure there is having consequences for the famed plant known as Joshua Trees. Today, we speak with KVPR reporter Joshua Yeager about that battle. Plus, the latest news headlines: A winner emerges in a special Fresno council race, and when Sen. Bernie Sanders is expected to visit the Central Valley.

Batter up! Baseball season is here for several Central Valley minor league teams – including the Visalia Rawhide. Their home stadium, Valley Strong Ballpark, is one of the oldest in the minor league and has been around since 1946 — when it used to have a wooden grandstand. To learn about what fans can expect this season – including some recent stadium upgrades – we sat down with Griffin Epstein, the team’s broadcaster and community relations manager. Plus, the latest news headlines: Internet-famous baby eagles now have names, and California sends firefighters to help with Kentucky storms.

The city of Arvin in Kern County has gone nearly seven months with a vacant council seat. Filling it has been the subject of debate and has kept the city from moving forward with regular business. However, the decision on how to fill the seat could also face legal consequences. Today, we speak with Arvin’s mayor to hear how officials are trying to fix this delay and what it means for her city. Plus, the latest news headlines: What we know about a deadly shooting inside a Madera Walgreens, and Fresno is entering the cricket craze.

Officials in Merced County say there are no plans to change how its libraries are operated. They are dispelling concerns by residents who organized in recent weeks around rumors that the libraries were being privatized. Today, we talk with reporter Rachel Livinal, who unpacks this story and tells us where the concerns stem from. Plus, the latest news headlines: Why a Fresno State professor is facing backlash, and a new federal bill seeks to increase the number of doctors in the Central Valley.

What do the arts have in common with parks, recreation and neighborhood safety? In Fresno, they’re all funded by the sales tax known as Measure P - and the city is now accepting new applications for its second round of Measure P arts funding. The measure awards grants to local artists and organizations. But it’s been mired in issues since its inception. Independent journalist Doug Hoagland joined us to talk about what’s new this year, and why the program got off to such a rough start. Plus, the latest news headlines: a new wildfire is scorching part of the Eastern Sierra and thousands of farmworkers gathered in Delano yesterday to honor Cesar Chavez.