Good morning, Fresno.

Fresno’s new Target at Fancher Creek Town Center will open Sunday, Oct.19 with 148,000 square feet of space — including a 13,000 square foot grocery section with Starbucks Cafe, CVS Pharmacy, and liquor sales.

The store broke ground in 2024, is near Clovis and Tulare avenues, and will hire over 200 workers.

Gold prices have soared to over $4,000 an ounce as Fresno Coin Gallery is buying more gold from locals who need cash and from investors looking for a safe asset.

The increase of more than 50% in 2025 comes as global trade tensions push people to convert gold into quick cash + secure long-term value.

On Wednesday night, six members of Fresno Unified School Board approved a supplementary retirement plan that offers 1,900 employees aged 55 and older 80% of their salary over five years—this move comes as the district faces lower enrollment with 820 fewer students than last year.

The board will know by December 5 how many opt in and will vote two weeks later on whether to approve the plan, with resignations accepted through the end of June.

New state data shows Fresno County students outperformed the rest of the state in English Language Arts and math during the 2024–25 school year, with third graders earning a 3% gain compared to a 1.41% state rise.

County officials credited targeted classroom support and community engagement for the improvements among Hispanic/Latino, African American, and disadvantaged students.

Fresno Unified test scores released Thursday showed improvements of 2.39% in English and 2.01% in math, with 37.11% and 27.15% of students meeting standards, though these rates remain below pre-pandemic levels (38.27% in English and 29.85% in math).

Superintendent Michele Cantwell-Copher said she is encouraged by the progress but warned that more work is needed to help students reach grade-level benchmarks.

A Southeast Fresno improv team called the Krabbie Baddies qualified to represent California at the DI Global competition in China from December 13–15—however, they need $15,000 more to reach their $25,000 goal by the end of October.

Coach Meghan Christopherson said the high school students are calling on local support to help them make their first airplane trip and compete internationally.

Fresno State put professor Barri Brennan on leave after a viral recording showed her remark about Charlie Kirk’s death, which raised free speech and privacy questions in classrooms.

Faculty and free speech advocates say clear rules for recording in class are needed—university officials will soon clarify these policies.

Section 8 housing payments in Fresno continue despite the federal shutdown as HUD funding supports public housing authorities through October and into mid-November.

Fresno Housing remains open and will update residents if any changes occur.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan bill Thursday that lets the FAIR Plan request state-backed loans and spread claims payments over several years after a disaster—this change aims to stop the insurer from running out of money during wildfire events.

The law will help keep home insurance available for people with risky properties.

Local leaders and real estate experts will meet on Oct.

16 at Fresno State to discuss long-term housing sustainability—focusing on new construction, zoning reform, and regional coordination to ease Central Valley housing pressure. The panel will include Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, Bernadette Austin, and Carol J. Ornelas, and will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Alice Peters Auditorium.

Golf simulators are expanding in the Central Valley—local setups like Par-Tee Golf Simulators bring mobile, inflatable experiences to birthdays and backyard parties while traditional courses continue to offer outdoor practice.

Hanford's Marchbanks Speedway was the first high-banked superspeedway west of the Mississippi — built by farmer R.L.

Marchbanks in 1950, it hosted NASCAR and Indy Car races with top drivers until closing in 1969 before being torn down for farmland.

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

6:45-7:44 p.m. — The Grand 1401 — Tickets selling fast — Experience a magical musical journey through the masterpieces of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Shonen Knife Concert

9-10:30 p.m. — Fulton 55 — Tickets available — Experience a night of rock and roll with Shonen Knife and special guests The Pack A.D.

Morgan Wallen Tribute Night

8-11 p.m. — Rainbow Ballroom — Paid entry — A lively evening featuring Morgan Wallen's top hits, line dancing, and cold beer.

The Fresno Donut Run

8-10 a.m. — Woodward Park — Fun event for families and runners — A deliciously themed 5k run featuring a Kids Donut Dash for the little ones.

Fresno State Bulldogs Women's Volleyball vs. New Mexico Lobos

6-9 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Reserved premium parking available — Catch the thrilling volleyball match between the Bulldogs and Lobos for an exciting evening of sports.

Solar Solutionary Teacher Training Workshop

4-7:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center — Free entry — Engage in hands-on solar learning and comprehensive training for educators.

Gaonou Gloria Her String Student Recital

7:30-8:45 p.m. — Wahlberg Recital Hall — Online tickets only — Experience a remarkable string student recital showcasing talent from Fresno State School of Music.

Jason Matthew Gil Student Recital

7:30 PM — Wahlberg Recital Hall — Tickets available online — Experience an evening of captivating student compositions at Fresno State.

Harvest Fest

6-9 p.m. — RH Christian Center East Campus — Free entry — Celebrate a family-friendly, Christ-centered alternative to Halloween with community outreach and fun activities.

USC Upstate Spartans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Men's Basketball

6-8 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting first home game of the season as the Bulldogs take on the Spartans.