Good morning, Sparks.

Animal Ark is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Harvest Festival—announced on October 24th—and will offer seasonal attractions for visitors.

Washoe County Regional Parks announced that its first all-inclusive playground at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is now open with a grand opening celebration planned for next Saturday, November 1, from noon to 3 p.m. The playground—designed for children of all abilities—replaces the old structure and invites families from Truckee Meadows to enjoy an accessible play area.

The Truckee River Flood Management Authority voted to approve a plan for the Rock and McCarran flood project that will bring multipurpose fields — a nature park to Sparks near the Truckee River.

De Leon's Mexican Restaurant caught fire Tuesday and has remained closed, with an online fundraiser launched to support recovery efforts.

EmployNV is hosting career events and workshops across Northern Nevada next week, including a USPS hiring session for postal mail carriers serving Sparks on Tuesday, October 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.—other sessions in Elko, Carson City, Ely, and Reno will offer resume workshops and interview strategies.

A whistleblower lawsuit filed in April alleges that the Washoe County School District committed fraud by misusing payroll, credit cards, and inventory practices, and the complaint remains sealed until Sept.

17. District officials said they will review the sealed documents once received—adding they cannot comment further until the investigation is complete.

A section of Mount Rose Highway near Galena Creek Regional Park will be closed this Sunday—drivers should plan alternate routes.

On Friday, day 24 of the government shutdown, the Department of Social Services partnered with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to help residents learn about SNAP + WIC benefits as lawmakers remain stalled.

Over 400,000 Nevadans risk losing food-assistance funding in early November if no talks renew government funding.

Interstate ramps and part of the USA Parkway and Electric Avenue intersection are closed this weekend for a repaving project — local officials expect some delays for drivers.

Join Together Northern Nevada will host a prescription drug take back event today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10 Washoe County sites, including a new location at Bethel AME Church in Sparks—local law enforcement and the DEA will ensure safe collection of expired and unused medications. Unused sharps and inhalers will not be accepted and must be dropped off at designated alternative locations.

YES: The Fragile 2025 Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Grand Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classic hits and musical mastery with rock icons YES.