Good morning, Sparks.

SPCA of Northern Nevada has launched a $70,000 donation campaign that will match every dollar contributed from November 1 through December 5 to support local pet rescue and care programs — including rural rescue partnerships, affordable vaccines, and spay and neuter services.

Due to a federal shutdown that will delay SNAP payments starting Nov 1, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada will provide free groceries to Reno and Sparks residents through partner pantries and Mobile Harvest stops while Catholic Charities will offer free weekend dinners for SNAP families with children at St. Vincent's Dining Room in Reno on Nevada Day weekend—daily lunch meals remain available for everyone.

The Washoe County School Board will review Superintendent Joe Ernst's work Tuesday at 2 p.m.—he was rated effective with a score of 3.12 out of 4 and may receive a 2% raise if approved, while the board also reviews its 2026-2027 budget to address an $18 million shortfall.

This review covers key goals such as curriculum alignment, extracurricular growth, family connections, and school safety, though recruitment for educators remains a concern.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue will allow open and pile burning starting Monday for residents with an approved burn permit—burning is permitted only on designated burn days.

Sanford Center for Aging is expanding free health and wellness workshops for older adults and people with disabilities after receiving a $1,247,301 grant from the Administration for Community Living and a $75,000 grant from the National Council on Aging.

The new programs—including chronic disease and diabetes self-management and a new health coaching service for hypertension—will serve participants in seven Nevada counties.

Red Cross is offering free smoke alarm installation in Sparks — working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in house fires by 50% — to help keep homes safe.

The Reno-Sparks housing market turned more in favor of buyers in September as home prices fell and sellers made more cuts amid rising mortgage rates.

Sparks led the trend with its median home price dropping 1.6% to $553,500 (inventory stayed above 1,000 units) while affordability remained a challenge.

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.