The mood at three Clovis Unified schools was somber Tuesday, the first day back for students after a plane crash Friday claimed the lives of three of their classmates who were sisters.

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Question: What is the purpose of the road work at the railroad crossing on West Avenue north of Ashlan Avenue?– Shelley Law, FresnoAnswer: The city of Fresno is installing sidewalks, curbs, gutters and a median island to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe train crossing, city spokesman Randy Reed said.

Home sales continued to soar last month as bargain hunters scooped up houses faster than they came up for sale, creating bidding wars and driving down the inventory of unsold homes.

Women’s clothing retailer Forever 21 has submitted a bid in bankruptcy court to take over 16 Gottschalks locations, including four stores in the central San Joaquin Valley — at Fashion Fair mall, The Shops at River Park, Visalia Mall and Hanford Mall.

Clovis-based Plastic Jungle — which buys, trades and sells gift cards — has landed a $4.8 million investment from four Silicon Valley venture-capital firms.