If they're taking public money and sticking it in their pockets or giving it to their friends and family, I would tell somebody. Who I told would depend on who I knew. If the corruption was happening in my town and I knew someone in state government who I was sure was honest, I would consult with them. If I thought the corruption was widespread, I'd call the FBI.

If I knew someone in the press, I'd also tell them about it, but I wouldn't likely turn everything over to someone in the press without also telling an official. If the corruption was not that serious, that's when I'd only alert the media.

It's going to be up to you to decide how serious of a matter this is. If you tell the FBI about it, they will do a very thorough investigation and they'll go wherever it leads them. Be prepared that if they start investigating your town, for instance, they are going to go through everything with a fine tooth comb and there will be people arrested who you might not necessarily want to be arrested. So think about all that very carefully before you proceed.

I speak out, regardless.
Just curious how others feel in this era of hostility to whistleblowers and independant journalism.
looking for bigger ideas of how to respond to entrenched, systemic corruption.
Perhaps the endless examples emanating from Fresno don't reflect the culture or climate of other communities.
Lately, the curious hirings of couples to high paid positions seems noteworthy.
maybe it is as it should be?

"entrenched, systemic corruption" as you say, then that's a job for the FBI. I don't really trust most journalists, frankly. They're often friendly with people in government, and many of them would likely alert the very people you want investigated. If you know someone who is more of a maverick, independent, thorough and fair reporter, then you might tell them about it too, but be wary of telling the media about it. Good reporters are a rarity nowadays, especially outside of major cities.