Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Volunteers of America Eastern Washington opened Monday a 12-unit veteran housing complex at 6208 N.

Lacey St. in Hillyard, offering on-site support services to help veterans transition to independent living; the $4.8M project received funding from the city + private partners.

The Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival runs January 9-11 at The Fox Theater to celebrate 50 years of outdoor films in Spokane.

Local outdoor advocate Paul Fish (with his son Whitney) will showcase movies that highlight adventure and inspire community exploration.

Emily Jackson was named Teacher of the Month for her dedicated work teaching hearing and language skills in the local classroom.

Current and former students praise her lasting impact on early learning.

Emily Jackson was named Teacher of the Month on Monday, Jan.

5 for her impactful work teaching hearing and language at a local school — former students praised her dedication and influence, celebrating the difference committed educators make in our community.

The Spokane Fire Department has reduced wildfire risk over 212 acres on South Hill Bluff since October 2025 using mastication, chipping & hand-crew work, and crews will finish final touches later this month before hosting an update on Tuesday, Jan.

13 at 6 p.m. at the Woman's Club of Spokane.

Sharon Colby, a longtime fire commissioner and public official with more than 43 years of county service, will end her term on Wednesday (after leading fire operations over a 570-square-mile area).

She reflects on life lessons of being a good neighbor as she retires from public service.

Pet insurance company Fetch shared guidelines based on Tufts University research to help dog owners keep pets safe during winter.

The chart shows small and medium dogs — more vulnerable below 40° — and recommends pet shoes to protect paws from harmful chemicals when temperatures drop below 30°.

On Monday, Kayla Myers from Spokane County Health District said federal vaccine guidelines for children were reduced from 18 to 11 shots (covering diseases like rotavirus and influenza).

Spokane Public Schools will follow state recommendations after further review.

Gonzaga dropped to No. 8 in the AP poll but climbed to No. 4 in the NET rankings after a short holiday and 4-0 start in conference play — the Zags will face Santa Clara at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.