CVJC Newsletter Jan. 2 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that recently made headlines in the San Joaquin Valley

Happy New Year!
We are the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, a new nonprofit newsroom geared toward covering Merced and the San Joaquin Valley.
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The following is a collection of news items written by CVJC, in addition to our partners KVPR, Fresnoland and other publications.
Here’s a look at top healthcare headlines for the northern San Joaquin Valley in 2023
Although California’s northern San Joaquin Valley continued to face healthcare challenges in 2023, the year was underlined by glimmers of hope for the future. READ FULL STORY
Santa Nella community hosts posada celebration at Merced County fire station
Posadas embody a cherished tradition within the dynamic tapestry of Mexican culture. READ FULL STORY
Can Merced prevent a repeat of January’s flood? City leaders say they’ve been preparing
The city manager recently presented leaders with an update on the latest efforts. READ FULL STORY
Valley farm workers who persevered pandemic eligible for federal relief. ‘The money is going to help a lot'
The grant provides a one-time payment for those who worked to feed American families during COVID. READ FULL STORY
San Joaquin Valley asthma patients facing flare-ups with these winter weather triggers
Take a look at what a local advocacy group suggests to reduce asthma symptoms. READ FULL STORY
Beloved Turlock basketball coach dies in car accident (Turlock Journal)
What was supposed to be an evening of action-packed basketball at Pitman High School quickly turned into a night of tragedy. READ FULL STORY
California becomes first state to offer health insurance to all eligible undocumented adults (Cal Matter)
The health insurance expansion was decades in the making for immigrant advocates. READ FULL STORY
Cal Matters: These new California laws take effect in 2024
These laws change the rules in crime, healthcare, housing, schools, workplaces and on the streets. And they can hit the pocketbook. READ FULL STORY
Vince Fong secures last-minute victory to appear on ballot for Kevin McCarthy’s House seat (KVPR)
But Secretary of State Shirley Weber says she would appeal the court ruling that made it possible. READ FULL STORY
Madera hospital’s new reopening deal came down to two companies. Here’s what we know (KVPR)
A company with a history of taking over distressed or closed medical facilities is the newest potential operator of Madera Community Hospital. READ FULL STORY