Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
Good morning, Fresno.
Benjamin, an 8-year-old orange and white cat, seeks a calm, loving home at The Cat House on the Kings; he returned after his owner's housing loss and now needs a quiet setting where he receives gentle care (spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and insured).
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live (featuring Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot and the new Rhinomite) thrilled fans yesterday at 7:30 p.m. at the Fresno Fairgrounds as a transforming robot and the Freestyle Motocross Team delivered a high-octane outdoor show.
The Reveal Talent Show will take place on June 4th during ArtHop at the Tioga-Sequoia Brewery Beer Garden, where upcoming artists will perform across genres and can win concert opening slots, exposure, + mentorship from local professionals.
Ralph Edwards and Brad Jaurique Promotions are hosting the event.
Korean pop culture is shaping Fresno as the Fresno Grizzlies hosted a sold-out K-pop night on April 24 at Chukchansi Park and local classes and dance groups embrace new trends; stores now feature K-beauty products (e.g., sheet masks) as our community connects with the global Korean Wave.
Fresno officials said a May 21 hearing on a request to delay a blackjack ban could help curb a forecast $400K revenue dip (cardrooms contribute about $1M annually) as the mayor noted cannabis dispensary taxes have stabilized at roughly $3.3M amid slower new shop applications.
Fresno State is holding its 50th annual Chicano/Latino Commencement Ceremony today with over 1,000 graduates expected.
Organizers began planning nearly a year ago (streamlining logistics and setting stricter eligibility rules) to honor academic achievement and cultural heritage.
Interpreters at Phoenix Secondary Academy in Sunnyside are urging Fresno Unified to create a stronger campus safety plan after staff reported violent threats and severe incidents, including a student reportedly threatening lethal harm while the district investigates the concerns.
Fresno State will host the San Joaquin Valley Water Resilience Summit on May 20 and 21 to bring together state leaders, regional water agencies and policymakers to review water studies and discuss coordinated management approaches for the valley.
Registration is required.
A fire weather warning remains in effect through Monday as warm temperatures and strong winds raise wildfire risks across the area.
Local fire prevention experts urge homeowners to clear vegetation and create defensible space, with Sierra Land Management now offering free services for foothill seniors.
NOAA forecasts an 82% chance that El Niño will develop by July, potentially altering local weather patterns and contributing to warmer conditions later this season (experts warn that its strength remains uncertain).
Rep. Fong secured $5 million in Community Project Funding to launch a program designed to curb invasive golden mussels in water facilities in the Central Valley; the funding, moving to the full House Appropriations Committee soon, will upgrade decontamination equipment at key reservoirs & canals.
A dead bird in Fresno tested positive for West Nile virus, and county health officials say the virus is active in the community.
The department advises residents to use EPA-approved repellent (like DEET) and remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
Joshua, a 14-year-old patient at Valley Children's Hospital (Craycroft) is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and liver complications after suffering seizures earlier this month.
His recovery and future nursing goals reflect the strong support of his devoted mom.
Two MLB players with Fresno State ties carry on family legacies.
Tyler Soderstrom signed a seven-year extension with the Athletics and Nick Yorke, guided by his mom (a Fresno State softball legend), plays for the Pirates.
Fresno Urban Run
Course: Road — Expected participants: 500-1000 — Fresno, California — Challenge yourself with a unique run that starts at Chukchansi Park and includes stadium climbs.
VCTMS Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Admission includes a complimentary bottled water — Experience the chaotic and groovy alternative metal sounds from Illinois's own VCTMS.
Deceits Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Tickets from $72 — Experience the unforgettable live show of Deceits in Fresno.
2026 CAL USA Kids Freestyle State Championship
May 29-31 — Selland Arena, Fresno, CA — Entry details not specified — A competitive event highlighting the talents of young freestyle wrestlers in California.
Odd Mob Concert
6-10:30 p.m. — Rainbow Ballroom — From $130 — Experience an electrifying live performance by Odd Mob in Fresno's vibrant music scene.
Pictures and Pines Concert
2:30–4:30 p.m. — Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall — Ticketed event — Experience Mussorgsky’s iconic 'Pictures at an Exhibition' paired with Respighi’s enchanting 'Pines of Rome' performed by Fresno’s talented youth orchestras.
Fresno Teachers Association Awards Gala
5:30-8 p.m. — Satellite Student Union — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Celebrate educators and the conclusion of the school year with an awards gala.
THE RAID: REDEMPTION Film Screening
7:00 PM — Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience high-octane martial arts action with a cult classic film screening.
Wayne Hancock Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Ticket pricing not specified — Experience Wayne Hancock’s captivating blend of honky-tonk swing and storytelling in an intimate setting.
Fresno Unified School District Graduations
Doors open 12 p.m. — Save Mart Center, 2650 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA — $10 for autos, $20 for limos, $40 for RVs — Celebrate the achievements of graduates from Farber and Bullard High Schools.
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