Local pantries to donate to or receive food from in Boone County amid federal government shutdown

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Governor Mike Kehoe is asking Missourians to support their “neighbors” by donating to local food pantries while the government remains shut down and Congress is gridlocked on a funding bill.

Hundreds of thousands of SNAP users won’t receive their November benefits and according to Gov. Kehoe, an estimated 56,000 federal workers won’t receive their paychecks during the government shutdown.

With food insecurity rising, here are food pantries in Boone County that people can donate to or access free food.

The Food Bank Market, located at 705 Business Loop 70, Columbia.

Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-2p.m.

Annie Fisher Food Pantry, 1201 Paquin St., Columbia.

Wednesdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The City of Columbia has an extensive list of food pantries in network with the Food Bank for Central Missouri, which includes pantries in Hallsville, Centralia, Sturgeon and Ashland.

The Food Bank also has a food locator on its website.

Columbia has three free pantries that are registered on the Mini Pantry Movement, which is a grassroots movement designed for neighbors helping neighbors.

Columbia Meals on Wheels is expanding its hot meal service to people who lost their SNAP benefits, according to a Facebook post. Under regular circumstances, when the government is properly funded, Meals on Wheels delivers free hot meals to people 65 years old or older.

In its Facebook post, the organization said it’s opening meal plan applications on Wednesday. ABC 17 reached out to the organization’s director.

The Food Bank is working with Boone County Commissioners to receive additional funding to keep its shelves stocked across its pantry partners as the need increases.

About 656,600 Missourians received SNAP benefits in 2024, and households received an average of $332 a month in 2022, according to a January report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

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9th Annual East Coachella Valley Pride Festival brings colorful celebration to Coachella

KESQ on October 27, 2025

Timothy Foster

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – East Coachella Valley Pride returned this weekend, marking its ninth year of celebrating love, culture, and community in the heart of Coachella.

The annual event, held at Coachella Library Park and Gardens, brought together hundreds of residents for a day filled with live performances, art, food, and local resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. This year’s theme, “Orgullo floreciendo sin fin” or “Pride Blooming Without End”, symbolized the ongoing growth of acceptance and connection within the East Valley.

East Coachella Valley Pride first began in 2016 after local high school students conducted a survey that found one in ten young people in the area identified as LGBTQ+. The results inspired a community effort to create more safe spaces, support groups, and opportunities for connection in the eastern part of the Coachella Valley, where access to LGBTQ+ resources has historically been limited.

Miguel Navarro, Director of East Valley Programs at The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, said the event provides life-changing access to local LGBTQ resources and safe spaces for young people, allowing them to feel supported and not alone.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into more than a celebration. It has become a source of hope and belonging. With partnerships from organizations like Alianza Coachella Valley, the Youth Leadership Institute, and Planned Parenthood, the event continues to provide essential services and support to those who need it most.

Organizers said the mission behind East Coachella Valley Pride remains clear. They want to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, has a place to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

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Rampart High School Band dominates 4A state championship to claim back-to-back titles

KRDO on October 27, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Annnnnnnndddddd Still! Your 4A High School Band Champions are the Rampart Rams.

This weekend, marching bands from as far away as Fruita and Montrose traveled to Air Force’s Falcon Stadium for the 4A State Championship Competition.

The Rampart High School Band came in as the reigning champs and ended the night holding the trophy again after a dominating performance.

The Rams won with an 88.25 score, but that’s not all. They swept the High Music Performance, High Visual Performance, and High General Effect competitions.

Rampart High School is no stranger to band dominance. This is the second time on the other side of the century mark that the Rams have repeated as champions. In 2005 and 2006, the Rampart High School won back-to-back band championships, then had to wait more than 15 years to win again.

Congratulations to the Rampart High Marching Band!

Photo courtesy of Rampart High School.

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Locals attend free pumpkin patch at Yuma Palms

KYMA on October 26, 2025

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma residents were able to get into the festive fall season ahead of Halloween Sunday.

A free pumpkin patch was held at the parking lot of Five Below at the Yuma Palms Regional Center from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Locals were able to take their pick from a cluster of close to 1,000 pumpkins while enjoying refreshments from vendors.

Yuma Fire and Police Departments were also in attendance for the event that is a way for Yuma Palms to show appreciation to citizens.

“Giving back to the community…we’re all neighbors here in Yuma, and they give to us by shopping at our tenants’ stores, and we’re giving back by doing community events like this,” said Eric Bowlin, the event coordinator.

Yuma Palms also had close to 7,000 novelty toys and pieces of candy to give away at the event.

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Locals attend 13th Annual Bridget’s Gift

KYMA on October 26, 2025

Madeline Murray

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals attended the 13th Annual Bridget’s Gift Western Dance and BBQ this weekend.

The event took place at the Cocopah Casino event lawn at 5:00 p.m., and is to raise money to help breast cancer patients in our community.

They had many local performers take the stage before country music artist Chris Young, who was headlining the event, performed at 9:00 p.m.

During the concert, Young announced he was going to donate $25,000 to Bridget’s Gift to support breast cancer awareness.

Wendy McKay, one of the organizers, talked about the process to make this event happen.

“This is a labor of love. It’s a lot of work, a lot of volunteers come together to make this event happen, planning starts, shortly after start looking at new artist, and just start figuring out what we’re going to do next year,” McKay shared.

The event lasted until 11:00 p.m.

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Hundreds line up for annual Real Heroes Trunk or Treat

KIFI on October 26, 2025

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Hundreds of people gathered for the annual Real Heroes Trunk or Treat in downtown Idaho Falls this weekend. First responders and local businesses were excited to pass out candy for the kids and families.

“We have several different police vehicles, including a vehicle that we put our drones in and use for some of those drone operations,” said Idaho Falls Police Public Information Officer, Jessica Clements. “Lots of patrol vehicles, of course. We have dispatch here, we have code enforcement, and we have animal control.”

Clements says this is one of IFPD’s favorite annual events, especially since a lot of people always attend. This year, hundreds of people were lined up around the Bonneville County Courthouse for their chance to get candy from the first responders. Some people even got in line two hours before the event started.

This event gave people an extra chance to wear their halloween costumes this year. Costumes ranged from K-Pop Demon Hunters to Demon Slayers, from Minions to villains.

With Halloween coming up, police remind kids and families to be careful when they go trick-or-treating on the special night.

“Make sure to talk to kids about crossing the street safely. Don’t just duck out between cars and in neighborhood areas,” Clements said. “Make sure that they’re looking for crosswalks [and] well-lit areas.”

Clements says you plan to wear dark-colored costumes, also wear something reflective so you’re easier to see in the dark. The main thing to remember when trick-or-treating this Halloween is to stay safe and have fun.

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Car wash fundraiser held to help Vargas family

KYMA on October 26, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (5:38 PM): According to Kelley Hammond, the organizer of the fundraiser, they have raised roughly $700.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County got the chance to get their cars washed for a good cause.

A car wash fundraiser took place at the Torch Lite Lodge parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and it is to help the family of Jonathan and Matthew Vargas, who were killed in a murder-suicide in Winterhaven earlier this month.

The fundraiser also sheds light on the need for better mental health resources.

“A lot of families come into issues with the fact that once their children aged 18 and up, there’s nothing we can do as far as getting them help,” said Kelley Hammond, the organizer of the fundraiser. “The laws need to be changed so that as family or even close friends, we need to be able to do something to help our friends and our family get the mental help that they need.”

According to Hammond, the minimum fundraising goal is between $600 and $700.

The car wash fundraiser will go until at least 5:30 p.m., and you can also donate to the Vargas family HERE.

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Locals attend Dia de los Muertos event in Yuma

KYMA on October 26, 2025

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals flooded the Colorado River State Historic Park Saturday night to attend the Dia de los Muertos event.

The event took place at the park at 5:00 p.m., and had live entertainment which included music and dancing. There was also food and drink vendors and plenty of activities for people of all ages.

For some newcomers, the celebration came with a lot of anticipation.

“It’s the first time I’ve been here, so I’m excited to see what we’re gonna get into tonight,” said Adriana Hernandez, a vendor.

“I’m excited to also see what’s going to happen and see all the little faces coming by,” said Shilo Noriega, another vendor.

The event lasted until 10:00 p.m.

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Crews respond to water rescue in Pismo Beach

KEYT on October 26, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

PISMO BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) – CAL FIRE SLO crews helped rescue a person in the water near Price Street in Pismo Beach around 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Crews found the person and conducted a full surf rescue, including swimmers, before pulling them up at Port St. Luis, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

Crews then began CPR procedures before helping the person via ambulance following recovery efforts, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

CAL FIRE SLO crews received help from a CHP helicopter, Port San Luis Harbor Patrol, Pismo Beach Fire and the SLO County USAR Team.

CAL FIRE SLO also reminds people that high surf and unsafe conditions can always be dangerous. CAL FIRE SLO also reminds people to keep a safe distance from the shoreline and always watch the surf.

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The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens host Howl-O-Ween event

KESQ on October 26, 2025

Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is celebrating the spooky season ahead of Halloween.

This weekend, the zoo is kicking off its Howl-O-Ween event.

It runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday and Sunday.

The event features trick or treat stations, face painting and brand new limited edition animal trading cards.

Organizers encourage guests to come dressed in their costumes and bring their own candy bags to help the Coachella Valley stay green this Halloween.

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