Good morning, Spokane Valley.

The Spokane Housing Authority is building a childcare center at Orchard Vista—a low-income housing development near WinCo Foods, Valley Transit Center, and Spokane Valley Library—with over $500,000 in funding + $100,000 from the state; first apartments will be available in May.

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has named Jessica (Jessie) Laughery as its new president and CEO, effective May 11.

Laughery, who led strategic programs at Joya Child and Family Development, was chosen to boost local business growth and community development while replacing longtime leader Lance Beck.

The Spokane Engineering Board recommended a funding increase for repairs to fix the Skyway Cafe fire damage at Felts Field, where additional terminal and basement work may delay the restaurant's planned reopening.

Further electrical and mechanical upgrades will need to be addressed before reopening.

Musician Sam Barber will perform at Gesa Pavilion in Riverfront Park on Tuesday, July 14 — fans can buy presale tickets starting Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Spokane Symphony honors America’s 250th birthday early on Saturday at Fox Theater with musical virtuoso Byron Stripling performing a program that spans jazz, R&B, blues and gospel (tickets start at $58).

Winners of the Jessica Stein Memorial Art Contest have been announced.

Carrigan Nguyen (Ridgeline High) and Edie Bangle (Salk) earned first place while students from East Valley and Salk placed; the artwork will be on display April 14 at Temple Beth Shalom at 7 p.m.

The Idaho Central Credit Union Spring Market drew local buyers to Riverfront Park yesterday, helping small businesses get relief from rising costs such as gas, food ingredients, and shipping fees.

Whitworth University will hold commencement ceremonies on May 16 at 10 a.m. for graduates and on May 17 at 10 a.m. for undergraduates at the Pine Bowl; guests should follow ticket, parking, and bag policies (mobile tickets are sent a week before), and post-event gatherings will be held at The Loop.

Washington's oldest land trust, Dishman Hills Conservancy, is exploring a merger with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy to boost regional conservation efforts.

The partnership could add 15,000 acres to 30,000+ acres already protected and further link conservation lands in the community.

Hoopfest, the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, released a poster featuring local astronaut Anne McClain, a Spokane native who completed her second SpaceX Crew-10 mission last year.

The tournament (June 27 and 28) will be held in Downtown Spokane.

Junior Livestock Show of Spokane

All day — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Free entry — Experience the thrill of the Junior Livestock Show with youth competitors showcasing their agricultural talents.