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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Merced

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

🌱 How new nonstop L.A. and Vegas flights will change Merced travel

Merced, California Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning Merced! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new nonstop L.A. and Vegas flights will change Merced travel
  • What Merced pet owners should do after a cougar sighting on Cottonwood Creek
  • How dangerous is Merced’s dustier air getting for your health?

Also on today's calendar: cLadies Night: Take A Spin and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: How do you measure a fish? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and delightful, temps: high: 73, low: 47.
  • Friday: Delightful with some sun, with a high of 76 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Nonstop Flights to L.A. and Las Vegas Coming to Merced Airport (losbanosenterprise.com) — New nonstop flights from Merced Regional Airport to Los Angeles and Las Vegas are set to launch in early July, guaranteeing at least four more years of commercial air service here. Operated by Contour Airlines under the federal Essential Air Service program, the 30-seat jets will link Merced travelers to major hubs and easy connections nationwide, improving options for both residents and local businesses.
   

2. Mountain lion kills 2 California dogs in ‘unprovoked attack.' How to protect pets (sacbee.com) — After a mountain lion was recently spotted in a tree along Cottonwood Creek in North Merced, wildlife experts are urging residents to take extra steps to protect pets and livestock. The story recounts a deadly dog attack in Southern California and then lays out practical advice on avoiding cougars, securing yards, and when to call authorities. It’s a useful guide for anyone living near Merced’s open spaces.
   

3. UC Merced researchers sound the alarm on dust. What it could mean for your health (themercedfocus.org) — UC Merced researchers are tracking how increasingly dusty air in Merced and the Central Valley may worsen asthma, valley fever, heart disease, and even traffic accidents. They’re sampling local air, studying what’s in the dust, and pushing for better public warnings and forecasting so residents and farmers can better protect their health and safety.
   

4. Family mourns 11-year-old killed in suspected murder-suicide at Elko airport (kutv.com) — An 11-year-old boy who once attended Luther Burbank Elementary in Merced was killed in a suspected murder‑suicide at Elko Regional Airport in Nevada, leaving his family seeking answers and justice. Merced City School District called the loss an unimaginable tragedy, as relatives raise funds for funeral and legal costs while investigators continue probing the father’s background and the custody dispute.
   

📸 Around Merced

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Merced

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📣 Merced Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday April 22
  • Golden State Comedy
    Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge , 1207 Front St , Sacramento
    7:00 pm
    • Thursday April 23
  • Literacy Night
    Joe Stefani Merced, CA 95348
    5:00 pm
    • Friday April 24
  • Explore and Learn Playgroup
    Franklin High School , 6400 Whitelock Pkwy , Elk Grove
    10:00 am
  • Franklin & Friends at the Library
    San Diego County Library - Solana Beach , 157 Stevens Ave , Solana Beach
    10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Are there any camps or classes for kids ages 11-15?
    Also looking for homeschool groups/classes for 5th, 6th and 8th graders. TIA!! (Nextdoor Yosemite Lake)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Ash was LOST on April 7, 2026 in Merced, CA 95341 near Applegate park Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the owner,… (Nextdoor Bear Creek Merced County)
  • Panera Bread posted a job opening for Catering Lead in Merced. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for On-Demand: Guest Advocate (Cashier), General Merchandise, Fulfillment, Food and Beverage, Style (T0641) in Merced. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Merced here.

Ok Merced! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By inches because they have no feet. (Thank you Gypsy S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Merced

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Merced

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.