Central Valley Daily

Measles cases have now appeared in multiple U.S. states. Just last week, a case was confirmed in Fresno County. It was the first case of measles in two years for the region. So, how concerned should we be about emerging cases? In today’s episode, we speak with KFF Health News reporter Amy Maxmen to hear where we stand now. Plus, the latest news headlines: Homeowner insurance rates for some in California could go up this summer, and Fresno residents protest Tesla and Elon Musk.

President Donald Trump announced cuts to the Department of Education this week as part of a bigger promise to dismantle it. The department manages federal student loans. And the administration has already taken steps to change repayment and forgiveness options. On today’s show, we hear from one student loan borrower who is affected by the ongoing changes to student debt management, and he asks: what’s next? Plus, the latest news headlines: The ACLU seeks a court injunction in its lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, and Kern County is facing a budget deficit.

President Donald Trump’s executive orders have reached directly into the lives of regular Americans. His second term in the White House has been marked by getting rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The transgender community, in particular, has felt the direct results of these actions. Today we speak with a Central Valley reporter about what trans people in this region are saying about those actions. Plus the latest news headlines: New details about a case of measles in Fresno County, and the Central Unified School District superintendent is out.

For decades, student-athletes at colleges saw very little compensation for their work outside of the classroom. But that’s changing. In today’s episode, we talk with CalMatters reporter Adam Echelman about how new athletic rules in California are helping student-athletes get more credit – and compensation – for their performance on the field. Plus, the latest news headlines: A case of measles is confirmed in Fresno County, and why a Fresno political group must pay a fine.

The American Civil Liberties Union and a private law firm are challenging the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Border Patrol after an immigration raid was launched in Kern County in January. Attorneys accuse the immigration agencies of violating people’s rights during their operations. In today’s episode, we’ll hear what the ACLU is seeking in court. Plus, the latest news headlines: A political group is investigated over a campaign mailer in Fresno, and an elderly man challenges Fresno’s anti-camping ordinance.

The city of Fresno, California's fifth-largest city, is facing a $20 million deficit. In the coming months, the mayor and city council are expected to announce their plans to tackle the budget shortfall. Today, we speak with Fresnoland government accountability reporter Omar S. Rashad. He lays out what is causing the deficit and the potential solutions to fix it, including possible new taxes on residents. Plus, the latest news headlines: New details in Trump's order to dump Tulare County water and star spellers gear up for big competitions.

Republicans in Congress are zeroing in on Medicaid as they look to make big cuts to bring the federal budget in light with President Trump’s agenda. But the idea is not going over well with voters – including those in Republican districts. Today on the show, we get a sense of the role Medicaid plays on the ground. For that, we speak with Fresno area health researcher Tania Pacheco-Werner. Plus, the latest news headlines: Democratic Rep. Jim Costa and Gov. Gavin Newsom spark controversy in their latest actions, and turmoil is brewing in the State Center Community College District.

The weather terms “El Niño” and “La Niña” have long been indicators of how wet a year is likely to be. El Niño years are typically predicted to be super wet years, while La Niña years are considered dry. But new research suggests those forecasts aren’t always accurate. We speak with UC San Diego oceanographer Rosa Luna-Niño about why – and what she suggests we look at instead. Plus, the latest news headlines, including: Mass worker protests in Kern County and why two eagles in the San Bernardino Mountains are now internet celebrities.

Spring is weeks away, and it’s time for crops like almond farms to bloom. A key part of that process is bees, but they’re dying in large numbers. Today, we speak with San Francisco Chronicle reporter Maliya Ellis about this concerning phenomenon to hear what’s behind it and what it could mean for the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: DOGE cuts are hitting the Valley, and the Sierra Nevada snowpack is so far lower than last year.

National parks across the United States were already understaffed. But in recent weeks, the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government have led to even more uncertainty. So, what does that mean for the parks ahead of the busiest times of the year? Today, we talk with Bloomberg journalist Laura Bliss about how the layoffs are affecting the park service. Plus, the latest news headlines: Concern over where to dump California wildfire debris, and two men are accused of smuggling thousands of migrants into the country.