Good morning, Gainesville.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida named John Thomas as its new Chief Philanthropy Officer, effective November 9—he brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

He will lead fundraising, events, volunteering and communications to support families in need.

The Buchholz High School Band, led by conductor Noah Graben, has been invited to perform at the FMEA President’s Concert on January 14 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center and at Carnegie Hall on April 3 as part of the National Band and Orchestra Festival— the band is also raising funds for travel costs.

The Florida Board of Governors discontinued the Latin American and Caribbean Scholarship that let students from 50 countries pay Florida tuition rates, forcing many new applicants to face nearly triple the cost and financial uncertainty.

UF will honor current awards through graduation—while USF has already revoked some, prompting concerns over declining international enrollment.

Florida universities have stopped offering new Latin American and Caribbean Scholarships, leaving out-of-state and international students facing much higher tuition costs.

UF will honor current awards and USF is helping students find other aid options while the Board of Governors will vote on repealing the program on November 6—adding to the financial uncertainty for many.

CDC reported that as of Oct 30, 27 people were infected and 6 died in a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals sold at retailers such as Walmart, Publix, and Trader Joe's — including several cases in Florida.

Health officials advised that consumers who bought the recalled meals should return or discard them — urging vulnerable individuals to seek help if they show symptoms.

Gainesville Health and Fitness trainer Adam shared isometric exercises—brief workouts to build strength—with viewers in this week’s edition of Your Fitness.

Florida women’s basketball opens its season today at 7 p.m. at the O’Connell Center against North Florida—coach Kelly Rae Finley said the team is starting fresh with key returning players from last season and a new mix of freshmen and sophomores.

Coverage will begin at 6:40 p.m. on WRUF.

After a close loss to Georgia on Saturday, the Florida Gators sit 3-5 and must win three of their four remaining games to earn a bowl bid.

Their next contest is a must-win road game against Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. Saturday — a crucial step in keeping postseason hopes alive.

Florida volleyball lost 3-1 to South Carolina in Columbia on November 3rd with a season-high 15 service errors—coach Ryan Theis said the team struggled in its final road game.

The Gators will face No.2 Texas on Friday at 7 p.m. at the O’Connell Center.

On Halloween night at Citizens Field, Eastside beat Gainesville 63-0 as quarterback Nelson Tambling threw six touchdown passes and the Hurricanes committed turnovers that kept them scoreless – marking their fourth straight shutout.

The Rams now await playoff details after their bye this week.

No. 3 Florida will open its season tonight at 7 p.m. in Las Vegas against No. 13 Arizona—Florida must rely on new backcourt players Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee to fill gaps after losing key guards, while Arizona lines up seasoned starters and five-star freshman Koa Peat in a tough test. Florida, riding a 12-game win streak, will look to use its familiar frontcourt to counter Arizona’s blend of experienced and new talent.

Florida: A History in Pictures

7-8 p.m. — Matheson History Museum — Free entry — Discover the visual history of Florida through engaging highlights from a popular Facebook group.

Tom Petty Weekend

2-7 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry for students & kids 18 & under — Celebrate the musical legacy of Gainesville's own Tom Petty with a weekend of outdoor and indoor performances.

Aura Photography Family Days

12-8 p.m. — Florida Aura Research & Photography LLC — Pricing not specified — Explore vibrant aura photography with family in a colorful environment.

Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k

8:00 – 11:30 AM — First Magnitude Brewing Company — Entry fees apply — Experience the scenic Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail at this popular running event.

Veterans in Business Fair

11 AM - 12 PM — Thomas Center — Free entry — Connect with procurement staff and fellow veteran-owned businesses while exploring available resources.

Florida Gators vs. Florida State Men's Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets start at $29 — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against their rivals in a thrilling basketball matchup.

Texas A&M Aggies at Florida Gators Women's Volleyball

7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Free aviator sunglasses for the first 200 students — Celebrate Military & First Responders Appreciation Night with thrilling volleyball action.

Chef Dinner & Wine Pairing – Wines of the Old World

6-9 p.m. — The Fat Tuscan — $100 per person — Experience a gourmet dinner with expertly paired Old World wines in an interactive cooking class.

Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Clarence R. Kelly Community Center — Free entry — Distributing essential diapers to families in need for a heartwarming day of giving.

Jeff Dunham Live in Gainesville

7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets starting at $91 — Experience an evening of laughter with the renowned ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.