Daily
Spokane Valley
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Spokane Valley. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Spokesman-Review
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Spokane Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. KHQ
- ➤ 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. FOX 28 Spokane
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KHQ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Spokesman-Review
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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°. FOX 28 Spokane
- ➤ 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. The Spokesman-Review
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Spokesman-Review
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Spokane Valley
Welcome to the Daily Spokane Valley, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Spokane Valley, Washington community. If you like the Daily Spokane Valley, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Spokane Valley.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Spokane Valley and across Washington. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Spokane Valley
A free Spokane Valley community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyspokanevalley.com/sitemap