Good morning, Fresno.

The Fresno Fire Department responded to a fire just before noon Thursday on the 2300 block of South Minnewawa Avenue—caused by spontaneous combustion of oily rags—that damaged a home and displaced one adult and two children while rescuing three dogs, a chameleon, and a turtle with no injuries reported.

Toledo’s Mexican Restaurant opened its North Fresno location on Cedar and Nees Avenues after a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—today the restaurant is hosting an all-day happy hour and gift card contest until August 3 with food specials like all-day breakfast and Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays.

Beekeepers in the Central Valley reported a 60% loss of hives this spring due to mite infestations, rising input costs, and hive theft—threatening local crop pollination, while a Fresno County firm uses AI tools to help monitor hive health.

Fresno climbed 14 spots to 112th in RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters report due to fast job growth of 2.7% and rising renter incomes of 46.9%—the only city with such a leap—and Bakersfield advanced two spots among 150 cities evaluated for affordability, job opportunities and quality of life.

After a four-year process and three environmental reviews, Scannell Properties broke ground Wednesday on an 800,000-square-foot warehouse project on Marks and Nielsen avenues in southwest Fresno, with plans to complete the first building by June next year.

Mayor Jerry Dyer said the $100 million investment is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and attract further national and international interest (boosting the local economy).

Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 377 on Wednesday, which requires the High-Speed Rail Authority to update cost estimates, risk assessments, and service initiation options for the Merced—Bakersfield segment in its 2026 plan.

Assemblymember David Tangipa said the measure will help prevent an unfinished project that wastes taxpayer dollars amid rising costs and a federal funding lawsuit.

Fresno completed the Tulare Street underpass project yesterday to connect downtown and Chinatown—this 1,000-foot road was built 20 feet below rail tracks and took four times longer than expected.

Local leaders said the underpass will restore traffic flow and boost local businesses while other rail projects will finish by the end of 2026.

Fresno resident Howie Piper struggled with fentanyl addiction for 25 years and nearly died from an overdose before finding recovery at a local meeting and co-founding Fentanyl Anonymous (a peer-led group that supports others).

He remains active in service work and continues helping people overcome addiction.

Saint Agnes Medical Center and Community Regional Medical Center shared the No. 35 spot among the 60 best hospitals in California as reported by U.S. News and World Report, which recognized both for excellence in treating 13 procedures or conditions.

Leaders at both hospitals credited their teams for earning the honor.

Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake Summer Worship Nights Tour

7-9 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting worship music with Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake along with special guest Josiah Queen.

Speed Dating Night

7-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Early bird tickets available — Meet cool singles in a fun, structured speed dating environment and spark new connections.

RED LEATHER Put it All on Red Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Tickets starting at $26.18 — Enjoy an evening of live music with Red Leather on their tour stop in Fresno.

Second Annual CVP Elite Girls Basketball Camp

1 AM – 2 PM — Clovis West High School — Cost info not provided — A prestigious camp empowering young female basketball players in Fresno.

Just Friends Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Tickets from $26.18 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Just Friends, Carpool Tunnel, and Tommy Ragen.

FRIKITONA - Reggaeton Fiesta

9 PM – 1 AM — Fulton 55 — Check event page for pricing — Celebrate with classics and current hits in an electrifying reggaeton atmosphere.

Uncruel Summer Pop Dance Night

9 PM - 1 AM — Fulton 55 — Tickets at 22andgood4u.com — Dance the night away to hits from popular pop artists including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

Monster Jam Freestyle Mania

1-3 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate in freestyle excitement with Monster Jam Freestyle Mania.

Cocktails & Connections - Nimbus Bright Marketing Discussion

5-8 p.m. — Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden — $25 entry — Network with entrepreneurs while enjoying craft beers and marketing insights.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

2-3:30 p.m. — Downing Planetarium — $3—5 — Experience an entrancing planetarium show featuring the wonders of the universe.