A new Merced photo exhibit centers the labor behind our food. How it evolved from a research project

Murder charge dropped against man accused of killing Sophia Mason, 8. The case drew nationwide outrage

Merced County chooses AMR as new ambulance service, severing longtime ties with Riggs Ambulance

Merced police recover stolen Applegate Zoo sign, after getting community tip. Story by @reportingmerced.bsky.social

The demonstration comes as a growing number of Americans question the ongoing military action in Gaza, amid images of children dying from starvation.
🔗 Full story by reporter Alma Villegas @reportingmerced.bsky.social

Swap meets in Merced and the San Joaquin Valley are feeling the pressure of Trump’s immigration policies.
🔗 Story by Merced Focus reporter Christian De Jesus Betancourt
themercedfocus.org/vendors-say-...

Over the last seven years, the suicide rate in the San Joaquin Valley has been significantly higher than the statewide rate, according to a review of state and federal data. Story by @timsheehannews.bsky.social
themercedfocus.org/suicide-is-a...

While Merced in recent years began flying the Pride flag, the history of the region's LGBTQ+ community activism didn't start there. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

In recognition of Pride Month, Merced FOCUS reporter Alma Villegas @reportingmerced.bsky.social examined how the community has evolved and what the future holds.

Hundreds turned out for "No Kings" protests on Saturday in Merced, Modesto and Turlock.
@themercedfocus.org and Central Valley Journalism Collaborative had reporters at all of those locations.
Some longtime residents said the events drew the largest turnout for local protests in recent memory.

Merced could join other central California counties who will have independent redistricting commissions determine Board of Supervisors district maps after the 2030 census.
But not everyone is on board with the idea, including the Board of Supervisors itself. Story by @briannavaccari.bsky.social

More than 1,500 UC Merced students graduated over the course of three ceremonies during the weekend, representing the largest graduating class of the school’s 20-year-history.

Story by @reportingmerced.bsky.social

themercedfocus.org/university-o...

“When you have people who feel respected and valued and appreciated in their positions, they do a better job,” said one union member and Merced County employee. Story by @briannavaccari.bsky.social
themercedfocus.org/merced-count...

While Merced has more than 500 new affordable housing units in the pipeline, smaller Merced County cities have none. Recently proposed legislation might help change that. Story by @reportingmerced.bsky.social

The city council member said he consulted with the city attorney before voting on his in-law's project.

Still, Merced's code of conduct requires members to take into consideration the appearance of a conflict of interest on council matters.

Hi! It took me a while, but I’m finally here.

Refresher: I’m a journalist working in California’s San Joaquin Valley, previously with @fresnobee.com. Now I’m at a nonprofit newsroom @themercedfocus.bsky.social.

I’m sort of trying to recreate my beloved Twitter feed (RIP). Am I doing this right?

San Joaquin Valley residents have the most to lose with planned federal cuts to food stamps.

The proposed cuts would have a significant impact on the San Joaquin Valley, which has the highest rate of households in California that use CalFresh, the program that helps low-income residents buy groceries. Link in the comments.

Two South Asian women who immigrated to the U.S. as young adults now lead Merced County’s largest public school districts in making policy decisions and keeping schools accountable. Story link in the comments.