Central Valley Daily

California universities are required to return Native American remains to their rightful tribes. However, a recent state audit shows many San Joaquin Valley universities still hold many of the items. KVPR's Rachel Livinal discusses her recent reporting on what is being done to get the remains and artifacts returned. Plus, the latest news headlines, including former Rep. TJ Cox's plans to plead guilty to financial crimes and a special election is set for Assembly District 32.

An effort is growing to designate over a million acres of Sierra Nevada land as a national monument. But the proposal also has strong opposition. Opponents say it would devastate the local outdoors economy. On today’s show, we speak with Deanna Lynn Wulff, who is part of a group advocating for the “Range of Light National Monument.” Plus, the latest news headlines, including a new social media bill going before the state legislature and Fresno city workers plan to strike.

A new solar project has been launched in the city of Visalia. It aims to bring an alternative source of energy to residents who might not otherwise have access to it. We speak with Brandon Smithwood, a vice president at Dimension Energy, about how community solar projects work and how state efforts are aiming to expand them. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, did college students win Adam Gray his race, and where Rep. John Duarte might be going next?

Earlier this year, Merced County officials raised alarm over a struggle to keep necessary staffing at the sheriff, district attorney, and fire departments. The county proposed a tax measure on the November ballot to help with funding. But the measure failed. We speak with Brianna Vaccari, a reporter with the Merced Focus newsroom, to hear what might be next for the county. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Rep. Jim Costa eyeing a top committee spot in Congress and milk being ordered to be tested for bird flu nationwide.

California homeowners have had their insurance dropped or significantly increased in recent years. And many say the California Department of Insurance could be doing more to help them. On today’s show, we speak with Stephanie Sierra, an investigative reporter with ABC7 in San Francisco. She recently spoke to people impacted by insurance increases and even tracked down the state insurance commissioner himself. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, final results in Fresno area elections, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., tapping a Valley man for an advisory role.

In the November elections, residents in the city of Los Banos ousted their mayor and re-called two city council members. Leading up to the elections, Los Banos residents were discontent with the controversial appointment of their city manager. We speak with Mike Dunbar, reporter at The Westside Express, about ongoing turmoil within the Los Banos city government. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, what led to Adam Gray’s defeat of John Duarte, and a manhunt in Delano for an escaped inmate.

Every year on Thanksgiving, millions tune in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But there’s another show that also draws a loyal crowd: The National Dog Show. Vito, a pug, took home the grand prize this year. On today’s show, we speak with George Milutinovich of Fresno. He was this year's “Best in Show” judge, where he picked the winner out of seven breeds. We talk to him about his judging process. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, Democrat Adam Gray declaring victory in the tight 13th Congressional District race, and health officials saying respiratory illnesses are rising in the Fresno area.

The University of California Health Milk Bank is working with groups across the state to help get human milk to children who need it most – but might not have access otherwise. Experts say breastmilk is one of the best ways to help nurture a newborn to health when they are born sick or premature. In this episode, we speak with Alison Wolf, executive director of the milk bank, to discuss the program helping ensure there's enough supply. Plus, the latest news headlines, including why Fresno area bus drivers are protesting working conditions, and elections offices rush to certify results before the deadline.

Donald Trump is set to return to office in January when he’s sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Immigrant communities across the U.S. worry he will make good on promises of mass deportations. So how are groups preparing to support immigrants who might be caught up in those actions? We speak with KVPR’s Esther Quintanilla on the steps some local groups and officials are taking now. Plus, the latest news headlines, including, what does California’s lieutenant governor know about a retaliation case at Fresno State? And more disruption for a Valley raw milk producer.

Republican Rep. David Valadao is returning to Congress for a sixth term in January after beating former state Assemblymember Rudy Salas for a second time. The contest drew millions of dollars in campaign spending to unseat Valadao. But we speak with KVPR’s Joshua Yeager about why voters keep sending Valadao to Washington. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a Fresno County patient infected with rabies who has died, and Rep. Vince Fong’s response to Newsom’s economic push.