Good morning, Fresno.

Fresno residents can donate holiday gifts through new giving machines at River Park Shopping Center, which show a card and digital receipt for each donation.

The Light the World initiative by the LDS church partners with groups like FIRM and Family Healing Center (and international charities) to help families in need this holiday season.

Today you can help raise funds for the Poverello House—an organization that for over 50 years has provided meals, shelter and essential social services in our community.

CEO Zack Darrah said the 'Call for Hope' telethon will support emergency shelter, transitional housing and Papa Mike's Cafe, a no-cost restaurant named for its founder.

Today, Fresno Chaffee Zoo begins its Halloween event ZooBoo where visitors can enjoy animal encounters and photo opportunities from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. until October 25—on October 26, the zoo will hold its first-ever Sniffari night with a puppy parade emceed by Vanessa Vasconcelos.

The Clovis Haunted Trail will start Friday near Parkway Trails Shopping Center at Willow and Nees avenues and features zombies, creepy clowns, coffins and skeletons with eerie music, foggy trees and spooky lighting.

Tickets sold online help fund art programs—proceeds support local arts—while the event runs until October 26.

Fresno State now displays Figuras Monumentales, an art exhibition by Arte Américas that features 20-foot alebrijes and nahuales, including the Rabbit and Coyote statues chosen by a student poll.

The exhibit runs until Dec. 7—honoring Mexican heritage and fostering cultural diversity on campus.

At Washington Academic Middle School, students work in groups to solve math problems and practice writing, and their scores have grown above state averages over the years.

Teachers meet every week to check progress (a change that helped boost results) and plan new ways to improve learning.

The Central California Food Bank CEO warned that over 720,000 SNAP users in our five-county service area may see delayed benefits starting November 1 due to a Capitol Hill standstill, which could affect more than 5 million individuals and cut $46 million in local CalFresh aid.

Governor Newsom has announced that the California National Guard will be sent on a humanitarian mission to support food banks during the shutdown.

Soul Housing laid off nearly 90% of its workers at its Fresno shelter on Blackstone Avenue earlier this month with only about 12 hours' notice.

State officials say this may break the WARN Act that requires 60 days' notice—affected employees are urged to file wage claims for lost pay.

A California Health Care Foundation report shows that Latino obesity rates in the San Joaquin Valley are much higher than those of non-Latinos among both adults and children.

In Fresno County, 41.3% of Latino adults and 51.9% of Latino fifth-graders are obese compared to 39.3% of non-Latino adults and 33.7% of white children (other counties show even wider gaps), which may lead to more health issues later.

The Fresno State Bulldogs will play San Diego State on Oct.

25 at Valley Children’s Stadium for homecoming and to honor former Head Coach Jeff Tedford with a Ring of Honor induction — the final meeting between the teams before they join the Pac-12 next season. After a tough 49-21 loss to Colorado State marked by penalties and turnovers, Head Coach Matt Entz said the team remains focused on turning the page and improving their play.

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.

Fresno State Central Plant Tour

12-1 p.m. — California State University, Fresno – $0.75 for Members — Discover the operations of Fresno’s Central Utility Plant in a guided tour exploring modern mechanical infrastructure.

California Pickleball Classic

5 AM – 3 AM — Sierra Sport & Racquet Club — $9000 — Compete in Fresno's premier pickleball tournament and connect with local players.

Taco Truck Throwdown 2025

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Chukchansi Park — Food truck tasting — Savor delicious tacos from the best trucks in Central California with live entertainment.

Fresno State vs. Seattle University Women's Basketball

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer for the Bulldogs as they take on the Redhawks in an exciting women's basketball matchup.

Eric Church Concert

11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of country music with Eric Church and special guest Charles Wesley Godwin.