Central Valley Daily

Major construction is happening at Arte Américas. For the first time in the cultural art center’s nearly 40-year history. This first phase of construction will tackle persistent problems, and executive director Arianna Paz Chávez envisions its future in the Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city leaders propose a new sales tax; and measles cases on the rise in California.

The demand for pistachios is booming worldwide, but here in the Central Valley, growers are worried that this year’s pistachio harvest could be smaller than expected. Today we hear from KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel, who visited a local orchard to hear from a farmer and learn more about what’s at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: New details emerge on sale of ICE facilities; and residents in Hanford protest plans for data centers at fairgrounds.

The Fresno Police Department is addressing growing community concerns over privacy and data that is captured by AI-powered cameras spread across the city. The cameras are from the company Flock Safety, and are a form of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto answers questions from Central Valley Daily about the use of the technology. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Trump administration admits to using keywords in cancelling UC grants; and a pesticide study finds no viable alternatives to harmful chemicals.

A Fresno church is taking advantage of a new state law that allows housing to be built on empty land. It’s part of a growing movement across the state and country. We speak to KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado about what the project seeks to accomplish and how it’s being done. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents plan to protest plans for Valley data centers; and California reading scores are improving.

Should the Democratic party be making a stronger push to appeal to voters who are in the political center? Merced Congressman Adam Gray thinks so. Today we speak with Gray about a new initiative called “Promise To America,” that he helped launch. The program is a counter attack to “socialist” politics.

Data centers have sprung up around the country to meet the growing demand of artificial intelligence and tech boom. But they’re facing steep opposition from communities because of the strain on local resources. Megan Fan Munce, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, joins us to discuss a new idea that could bring the centers to local fairgrounds. Plus, the latest news headlines: Effort begins to get rid of California’s top-two primary process; and a new analysis shows ICE detainment of children rising.

Yosemite National Park gets four million visitors every year, and summer is the busiest time. But how is the park managing its peak season with fewer staff and no reservation system in place? We speak to former Yosemite ranger and wilderness manager Laurel Munson Boyers, who is also the author of the new book “Across Yosemite’s Wilderness.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors block transportation measure; and what a daylight savings bill means for the Valley.

California Poet Laureate and Fresno resident Lee Herrick’s poem “My California” was selected for the America250 time capsule, one of seven contributions from the Golden State. In today’s episode, he talks about how his own background shaped his writing of the poem and what it represents about the experience of living in California. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors shoot down home kitchen ordinance; and Fresno Arts Council gets a new leader after embezzlement inquiry.

The growth of California’s ag industry is fueled by research funding – and much of it comes from the U.S. Farm Bill. But as Congress struggles to update the legislation, scientists are working with limited resources and growing needs. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what is at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: California congressmen request more fighter jets at the Lemoore naval base; and we now know what the turnout was for the June primary.

The federal government is ramping up its immigration enforcement in communities across the country. In Kern County, where the government now runs several immigrant detention centers, residents are concerned about conditions inside. We speak with a longtime county supervisor, Leticia Perez, who shares what she has heard from the community and what the county’s authority is.