Fresno

Fresno County leaders gathered to oppose outsourcing library management, saying public libraries should remain public institutions. Supervisor Luis Chavez pointed to a report for the Oct. 20 board meeting that lays out $8 million in possible savings. The savings ideas could involve reduced hours and layoffs, which would affect residents who use local libraries.

Central Unified administrators say a new rule keeping phones locked in pouches is changing behavior on campus. Teachers report students are scoring better on quizzes and tests, and students talk with each other more face to face. The rule applies to Central Unified students, so it shapes daily school life for local families.

A marketing campaign urges nonstop flights between Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Orange County. Airport officials say a public charter might be the best way to make that connection. Southwest Airlines serves John Wayne and Fresno airports today, and a nonstop route would matter to travelers.