Good morning, Temple.

Helping Hands Ministry in Belton served 243 households on Monday as 20 families sought help for the first time because of uncertainty over SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown.

Longer wait times—nearly an hour—reflect rising demand from local households.

Local food banks in the Killeen area are preparing backup measures as SNAP benefits are expected to soon run dry due to the government shutdown.

They will boost food distribution to help people who might lose this key support.

Central Texas families in Temple are lining up for school choice funding as the state will offer financial aid for alternatives to public schooling early next year — 15,000 signups have been received as local schools like Cultivate Academy share unique programs focused on agriculture and other subjects. The comptroller’s office is working to create an approved list of vendors to help make these new options possible.

A study by the Central Texas Food Bank found that Bell County had the highest food insecurity rate in Central Texas, with about 83,800 residents lacking enough food.

Community leaders met in Killeen on Oct. 29 to review the study and plan ways to help neighbors get healthy food — many facing hard choices between food and other needs.

Health insurance shoppers in Temple are getting ready as the annual enrollment window opens Saturday for individual plans, with many facing a possible 20% increase in costs amid a government shutdown and reduced navigator help.

Customers are advised to apply early and compare plan features+ check available tax credits before deadlines approach.

Monday, the University Interscholastic League approved a proposal that will ban foreign exchange students from competing at the varsity level in Texas high school sports—allowing them to play only at the sub-varsity level—and the rule will take effect in the 2026–2027 school year if approved by the education commissioner.

Light The Night Family Celebration

6-9 p.m. — Central Texas Christian School — Free entry — Enjoy trunk-or-treat, carnival games, and festive family fun.

Forest Church - Samhain Celebration

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Miller Springs Nature Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Gaelic festival of Samhain with a meaningful gathering in nature.

Ribs & Rods Car Show & BBQ Cook Off 2025

Fri-Sat, Nov 7-8 — Reuben D. Talasek Bend of the River — Register for car and cooking competitions — Experience classic cars, live music, and BBQ while supporting a great local charity.

Asleep At the Wheel Concert

7:30 p.m. — Cultural Activities Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Grammy-winning country band Asleep At the Wheel live in Temple.

SCOOTER DUBEC and Sterling Country

8 PM - 12 AM — Bo's Barn Dancehall — $10.00 — Experience an evening of traditional country music from local talent in a lively dancehall setting.

DaVision 1 Basketball Decision-Making Clinic

9 AM – 12 PM — Clarence Martin Gym — Bring your own ball — Training designed to improve decision-making skills under pressure for high school basketball players.

VPA Boys JV Basketball vs. Bartlett

6-8:30 p.m. — Central Texas Christian School — Free entry — Cheer on the Central Texas Christian varsity basketball team as they face Bartlett in a thrilling home game.

Kenny Orts and No Chance Live

8 PM – 12 AM — Bo's Barn Dancehall — $10.00 — Experience an evening of live music that celebrates a passion for country tunes.

Cake Pops, Pucks, and Cicles Class

3-6 p.m. — 603 Pumpkin Dr, Temple, TX — All supplies included — Have fun learning to make festive cake treats with various techniques.

TERRY HUGHES and The Debonairs

9 PM-1 AM — Bo's Barn Dancehall — $10 — Experience the nostalgia of the original dancehall band led by Terry Hughes.