Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Connor Labrot said Spokane's One Piece card game community saved his life when he moved from California, as local venues (like Sage’s Portal Board Game Cafe) host regular tournaments and offer a welcoming space despite rising prices from scalpers.

A Vietnamese coffee shop opened inside a long-established nail salon on South Hill—offering Vietnamese coffee and sweet drinks made with local honey and custom fruit jellies.

Owner Tammy Nguyen runs the family business and will add bubble waffles and expand to another Spokane location in the next two years.

The Journal has selected finalists for its second annual Business of the Year Awards (including small, medium, large business and social-service nonprofit categories) and will disclose winners at 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Mar.

25 at Spokane Convention Center downtown.

Comcast is extending its high-speed internet network in underserved Spokane County communities, having reached more than 2,000 homes and businesses in Chattaroy, Four Lakes, and Medical Lake; crews now are phasing in Cheney to serve 2,700 customers throughout the year+ starting with 150 in March.

Hot sauce maker Elixir Sauce Co. opened its new 1,300 sqft production facility at 11816 E.

Mansfield, Suite 2 today and will soon install additional equipment to boost efficiency tenfold. The business plans to expand distribution to local retailers and restaurants while sourcing ingredients from nearby suppliers.

Local business community leaders Gordon Budke, Larry Brown, Frank Bouten, and Steve Strom died recently, leaving legacies in accounting, hospitality, construction, & technology.

Their contributions shaped regional development and civic initiatives and continue to inspire those they served.

Spokane poet, educator and author Maya Jewell Zeller will release her debut memoir Raised by Ferns Tuesday, March 3 and host a book launch at West Central Abbey on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. The memoir explores her personal journey and challenges typical views of childhood.

Black students at Gonzaga reported racial slurs and property theft during a Harlem Renaissance dinner and dance Saturday, prompting the administration to investigate and promise disciplinary action while students expressed disappointment with the response.

The DNR said that Dragoon Creek Campground in Spokane County and Skookum Creek Campground in Pend Oreille County may close as planned budget cuts will reduce maintenance support and staffing—potentially affecting safe visitor access.

Rapid Rabbit Run (5 mi)

10 a.m. — East Valley High School — Registration fee required — Participate in a lively 5-mile run with live and virtual options.