Good morning, Spartanburg.

Spartanburg Soup Kitchen has named Monica Floyd as its new executive director after serving as interim leader following Lou Sartor's death—she will now lead the nonprofit that feeds up to 400 people daily at its South Forest Street location amid rising food insecurity and declining donations.

JPMorganChase will add 50% to its commercial and investment banking staff in South Carolina and coastal Georgia next year to support mid-size companies—executives said the move will help cover the entire state.

The bank, which started branch growth with a Clemson outlet in 2019, aims to boost regional business in the Greenville-Spartanburg area.

Rising cocoa prices—caused by supply chain issues in West Africa—are pushing up the cost of Halloween candy, and South Carolinians who favor Hershey's Milk Chocolate may face higher prices as spending on treats is set to hit $3.9 billion nationwide.

This price surge could affect local buyers in the coming weeks as the holiday approaches.

Spartanburg Regional Health System is in a contract dispute with United Healthcare that may remove employer-sponsored UHC patients from its network today (if no agreement is reached) and could also affect Individual Family plan patients on December 31.

United Healthcare said it is negotiating to ensure care access (with market-competitive rates) while SRHS seeks a fair deal to cover rising costs.

Upstate Ingles invites community members to cast multiple votes for its high school girls athlete of the week from Oct.6-12 with the poll open until noon on Oct.16.

The finalists (Bella Strawn, Claire Burns, Abby Schneider, Ansley Brinkman, Eva Lyle, Sutton Alexander, Mary Greene, Susan Seeley, and Rachel Overton) earned their spots with strong performances at the SCHSL swimming championships.

Coppélia

7 PM — Chapman Cultural Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting ballet 'Coppélia' with an evening of cultural artistry.

Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble Concert

6-9 p.m. — Fretwell — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of big band music performed by local musicians at this outdoor concert.

Gov't Mule Concert

7-9 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Upgrade experience available for $30 — Enjoy a night of GRAMMY-nominated blues rock in a relaxed setting.

12th Annual Fall Home & Garden Show Day 1

10 AM – 4 PM — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Free admission and free parking — Explore the latest in home and garden innovations at this beloved community event.

The Infamous Stringdusters Concert

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the GRAMMY® Award-winning bluegrass quintet known for their high-energy performances and innovative sound.

Puppy Pals Live Show

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Tickets required — Enjoy an action-packed show featuring rescued dogs performing spectacular stunts.

Lawson Brothers Band Halloween Party

7-11 p.m. — Local Hiker Pub — Free entry — Enjoy a lively Halloween night with the high-energy Lawson Brothers Band performing country tunes.

Pottery Sale at Red Barn Art

3 PM — Pineview Hills — Unique gifts available — Explore handmade pottery bowls, trays, and sculptures at this fall holiday sale.