Good morning, Fresno.

Today, the Big Fresno Fair is in full swing with perfect weather, rides, tasty food, and live entertainment for families.

Visitors enjoy a livestock pavilion with miniature donkeys and goats, and upcoming junior livestock auctions will feature goats, rabbits, and later swine — offering Fresno residents fun fair activities.

Southwest Airlines began twice daily nonstop flights connecting Fresno Yosemite International Airport and San Diego International Airport on Thursday.

The new route adds San Diego as a destination alongside Las Vegas, Denver, and Dallas and expands travel options for Central Valley residents—providing more convenient connections to Southern California.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo announced that it earned two awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—Kingdoms of Asia received the Top Honors Exhibit Award and its Coexist with Wildlife campaign earned the Top Honors AZA Advocacy Impact Award.

The awards were presented at AZA’s annual conference in September and underline the zoo’s strong focus on design, animal care, and conservation.

Fresno Fright Nights opens today at Island Water Park, offering six acres of haunted zones and special effects designed by Allen Hopps—this Halloween event includes a 12-minute boat ride called the Blood River Bayou and will feature horror film celebrities on Oct.

12 with tickets starting at $39.99.

The federal government shutdown has frozen SBA lending, furloughing 1,456 workers and delaying reviews and new loans for Fresno small businesses.

Cen Cal Business Finance Group said local business owners may face extension fees or need bridge loans if the shutdown continues beyond this weekend.

California DMV is rolling out a new design for driver's licenses and ID cards as residents renewing them now see a digital security signature on one barcode — the magnetic strip is removed and a scenic image of redwoods, poppies, and the coastline is featured.

The change started on October 1 and current cards remain valid until they expire with fees of $45 for licenses and $39 for IDs.

California lawmakers are debating Assembly Bill 1336 to help workers who get sick from high heat by making them eligible for workers' compensation when employers do not follow safety rules — the law is now waiting on Gov. Newsom's signature.

This measure aims to protect workers who face serious heat risks every summer.

Proposition 50, a ballot measure to set up partisan redistricting, became the ninth most expensive initiative as campaigns raised a combined $127.7 million by this week—supporters contributed $87.5 million while opponents raised $40.2 million—ahead of a special election on Nov.

4. Further finance reports are due days before voters cast their ballots.

Kings County Department of Public Health confirmed the first West Nile virus death in 2025 after five infections were reported since July 10.

A health official urged residents to remove standing water and use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.

cCare is teaming with California Urology and Central Valley Medical and Women's Imaging to improve cancer care in Central California—adding six urologists and three advanced practice providers for faster treatment today.

Dr. Jedidiah Monson says the new group—built on years of referrals—will ease patient care by coordinating specialists under one roof.

Community Health System held the grand opening on October 2 for the redesigned Burnett Extended Care Center on the Community Regional Medical Center Campus in Downtown Fresno—where the facility now features over 150 beds and hired more than 50 staff with plans to increase to 200.

The $35 million project offers improved long-term care and recovery options for patients.

Valley Pink Patch held a beauty day for 24 breast cancer survivors at Clovis Community on October 2 to kick off its 2025 campaign; survivors received beauty tutorials from ULTA Beauty and were escorted down a pink carpet by local officers as the campaign raised $134,000 and will continue with law enforcement selling pink uniform patches (benefiting the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Cancer Center).

Fresno State Bulldogs vs. San Jose State Spartans Women's Volleyball

1-3 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Ticket availability limited — Catch an exciting matchup between two collegiate volleyball teams in Fresno.

2025 Far Western District Fall Convention

12 PM to 12 PM — Saroyan Theatre — $40+ — A weekend of incredible a cappella performances and music workshops awaits.

The White Buffalo Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Ticket details available — Experience a night of soulful rock with The White Buffalo.

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.