Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Spokane’s first Light the World Giving Machine raised nearly $228,000 for seven nonprofits during the holiday season, with Second Harvest receiving the largest donation of $44,205.

The totals were announced yesterday at the Wolff Family Child Hunger Solution Center at Second Harvest.

Terrain Gallery is hosting its annual fundraiser this Friday at its Monroe Street space (starting at 6 p.m.) where local artists donate artwork priced at $200 each (supporting the nonprofit that boosts local art).

The Night Market and Street Fair season will kick off on Friday, May 8 at the University District Gateway Bridge, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every second Friday through Oct.

9 and featuring live music, 50 local vendors, food trucks, themed festivities, and hands-on activities.

Since the start of 2026, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife intercepted two watercraft carrying invasive freshwater mussels (one in Pasco and one in Spokane) and urged boaters to clean watercraft, gear, and drains to protect local waters.

A new study from the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center shows that state and local officials need stronger heat wave plans after the record 2021 event caused over 200 deaths, $9 billion in damages, and widespread natural damage—urging agencies to coordinate better.

Spokane County commissioners are discussing options to keep the Patricia Simonet Laughing Dog Park open as its lease ends on April 21 due to budget shortfalls.

They are talking with the Department of Transportation and SCRAPS to cover some expenses at the park near the Idaho border.

MultiCare held a ribbon cutting Tuesday for its new internal medicine residency clinic (with 22 exam rooms, virtual care, and a resident workspace) and will open with four providers on April 6 while recruiting residents in fall to begin training in summer 2027 to ease the doctor shortage.

Spokane and county officials are running a Garden Springs Road water filling station for West Plains households with PFAS-contaminated wells while planning whole-home filter installations by the end of June.

The measures offer a temporary fix for water made unsafe by firefighting foam used near the airport.

The Day of Giving event will support the 2026 Special Olympics USA games by rallying community donations and volunteer efforts.

Organizers say the event will help athletes gain needed resources (a community-driven initiative) as the games approach.

Herb Tea Garden Class

6-7:30 p.m. — Scale House Market — No entry fee — Discover the art of growing herbs for delicious homemade teas.