Good morning, Spartanburg.

OneSpartanburg released the Talent Gap Analysis 2.0 in partnership with Lightcast to show key skill gaps in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and hospitality.

The report—developed with local community input—offers strategies to help business and education leaders plan for a stronger workforce.

An article debunks six credit score myths by explaining that a soft pull does not lower your score while multiple hard pulls can have a slight negative effect, and it advises against closing old credit cards, noting that account history counts for 15% of your score.

The piece also states that a higher credit limit can help if spending is careful and that for couples, lenders use the lower score—so applying in one name may be beneficial.

Governor Henry McMaster activated the One SC Fund on Oct.

28 to collect donations for food pantries as SNAP benefits are paused starting Nov. 1 — the state guard is also helping with food bank operations to manage the expected increase in need.

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport started a donation drive on October 20 to help federal aviation workers who missed pay because of the government shutdown.

The drive now supports over 130 visitors and fills four to five donation boxes daily—donations are accepted at the information center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at the valet kiosk from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Families in the Upstate are worried that the ongoing government shutdown may cut SNAP benefits—nearly 74,000 households depend on this aid for daily food needs.

Local nonprofits in Spartanburg are preparing to adjust their services if support is reduced.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed eight measles cases in Spartanburg County since Friday, bringing the statewide count to 33 with many linked to home quarantines; mobile vaccine clinics are scheduled to start tomorrow at Inman Library — sessions will continue on Nov. 3, 5, and 6 at Boiling Springs Library.

Three new restaurants have opened in the region—Downtown Pizza on Magnolia Street in Spartanburg held its grand opening with New York style pizza, Piccolina in Asheville's River Arts District now offers Italian dishes and will begin dinner service this week, and Tahini on College Street in Greenville is drawing praise for its Mediterranean fast casual fare.

SCHSL volleyball playoffs in Upper State are heating up as Dorman beat Rock Hill on Oct.27 to boost three-peat hopes with 20 kills by senior Reese Shugart and 27 assists by setter Ramsey Chastain—Mauldin, Boiling Springs, Woodmont, Greenville and Pickens are set to face key semifinals matchups on Oct.29.

High school teams across the Upstate completed Week 10 with standout plays from the BHP Bears and Dorman Cavaliers that boosted their playoff hopes.

A preview show will air Thursday at 8 p.m.—laying out Friday night matchups as teams compete for region titles.

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.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — $30 for Alcove Upgrade — Experience the joy of a spectacular holiday ballet with an international cast and whimsical puppetry.

Lindsey Stirling Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Upgrade for $30 for exclusive pre-show access — Experience the enchantment of Lindsey Stirling's electronic violin performance.

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

6-8 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a heartwarming musical featuring Dolly Parton's beloved songs this holiday season.