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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 14/07/2025

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-...

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 25/06/2025

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...

themercedfocus.org

Suicide is among the leading causes of Valley deaths. What’s being done about it?

The San Joaquin Valley's suicide rate's about 15% higher than the statewide suicide rate of 9.4 per 100,000 residents from 2018 through 2024.

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 23/06/2025

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.

themercedfocus.org

‘We're trying to create differently for ourselves.’ Merced’s LGBTQ+ community looks ahead, while remembering its past

Merced County has a long, complicated history with the region's LGBTQ+ community.

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 15/06/2025

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.

themercedfocus.org

Merced and Modesto areas see massive turnout at ‘No Kings’ protests

The No Kings protest in Merced drew a huge crowd, showcasing solidarity against fascism and support for immigration rights.

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 13/06/2025

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

themercedfocus.org

Does Merced County need an independent commission to draw Board of Supervisors districts?

Merced County could join other central California counties who will have independent redistricting commissions after the 2023 census. But not everyone is on board with the idea.

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 19/05/2025

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...

themercedfocus.org

University of California President Michael V. Drake bids farewell to UC Merced’s largest graduating class yet

It was a surprise appearance at UC Merced by the 10-campous system's 21st president

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Reposted by The Merced FOCUS

Brianna Vaccari @briannavaccari.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

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?

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 22/04/2025

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.

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The Merced FOCUS @themercedfocus.org · 22/04/2025

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.

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