Good morning, Spokane.

As the government shutdown continues and SNAP cuts loom, Spokane food banks saw 1,000 more clients last month—Serve Spokane director Cathy Delpizzo said donations range from online contributions to garden produce—and local pantries now depend on neighbor support to meet the rising need.

Airway Heights Police Department shared food donation options amid challenging times — the Airway Heights Baptist Church Food Bank at 12322 West Sunset Highway will be open on the first and third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Cleone’s Closet Food Pantry at 13114 West Sunset Highway will operate on Mondays and Fridays starting at noon, while nonperishable donations can also be dropped off at City Hall, the police department or the fire department.

Community members gathered Thursday night at the intersection of East Everett Avenue and North Freya Street — where Mike Griese was killed in a hit-and-run on Saturday as Spokane Police Major Crimes investigates the case.

As Halloween nears, Spokane residents experience themed scares that trigger an adrenaline rush explained by local research into the body’s response to fear.

Experts say that controlled frights in horror films help people feel safe and bond during these shared experiences.

Live music lovers will enjoy the 30th annual Spokane Fall Folk Festival on November 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and November 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Spokane Community College, where over 100 groups will perform music and dance and local restaurants and food trucks will serve meals along with a fundraiser bake sale—free for everyone. Organizers expect about 6,000 people to attend—making it a cultural world tour over two days.

Nuestras Raíces Community Center is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration this weekend that runs from noon to 4 p.m.—with altars from Latino cultures, food, mariachi music and performances, then the festivities move to No-Li Brewhouse from 5 to 8 p.m.

Gonzaga University has established the Russell Larsen Memorial Endowed Scholarship to support students from Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties and honor the legacy of a local hero—Russell Larsen.

Two rural students have already received the award this fall, with the fund automatically considering eligible applicants each year.

Spokane officials are pushing to replace the Veterans Home with a new 42 acre facility—located near the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center—to better serve veterans needing nursing care.

Funding is a major hurdle as the VA will cover 65% of the $162 million cost while state leaders work to secure the remaining 35% and aim to sign the landowner agreement by Monday.

Carolina Ascent FC beat Spokane Zephyr 2-1 on Thursday night at ONE Spokane Stadium — midfielder Rylee Baisden scored in the 59th and 68th minutes with assists from Audrey Harding and Mackenzie George while Ally Cook scored a penalty in the 81st minute.

The Oh Hellos - Yours Truly

7-9 p.m. — Knitting Factory — Cost info not specified — Enjoy an evening filled with the enchanting sounds of The Oh Hellos.

Rodney Norman Live Comedy Show

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Experience the hilarious and unconventional humor of Rodney Norman.

Kadabra Live at The Big Dipper

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Ticket details pending — Experience the magic of Kadabra live in Spokane.

GHENGAR: Surrounded Tour - Spokane

8-9:30 p.m. — Riverside Place — Tickets from $30 — Experience an electrifying performance by GHENGAR live in Spokane.

Children Of The Sun Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music with Children Of The Sun as they perform their engaging tunes.

Darko Butorac Conducts Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony

3-4:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Ticket required — Experience a powerful performance featuring Prokofiev's Symphony and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with conductor Darko Butorac and violinist Karisa Chiu.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Creighton Bluejays

7-9 p.m. — Gonzaga University — Watch live college basketball action — Don't miss this thrilling game between two competitive teams.

Stand-Up Comedy with Melissa Villaseñor

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the first Latina 'SNL' cast member showcasing her comedic talents.

World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — First Interstate Center for the Arts — $50.00 - $120.00 — Experience the glitz and tragedy of Gatsby's world brought to life through ballet.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — First Interstate Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting story of the Nutcracker in this festive ballet perfect for all ages.