Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Shriners Event Center has designed a 3.5-acre outdoor venue at 7217 W.

Westbow Blvd. to host weddings, concerts and community gatherings; the center will host a show with Men At Work, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Shonen Knife at 7 p.m. Aug. 15, with proceeds going to El Katif Shriners.

Spokane Civic Theatre’s new play Squalor, written by Bryan Harnetiaux, premieres Friday and runs through May 10, featuring a creative collaboration with director Susan Hardie+with post-performance conversations on Sunday and May 8 as the creators refine the work based on audience response.

Washington State awarded $5.6 million to seven early learning projects in Spokane County to add nearly 180 childcare slots.

Guardian Angels Childcare in Spokane Valley will use its $1.6 million grant to buy a new building — a major step to boost enrollment for low-income families.

Salish School of Spokane received a $724,000 grant from Avista Utilities to install solar panels + battery backup at its future campus on 2752 W.

Elliot Court along the Spokane River to power a community center and reduce carbon emissions.

Spokane County is reviving ALERT Spokane after a cyberattack disrupted the system last fall.

The updated service with Regroup Mass Notification has new maps and improved messaging, and residents must re-register to receive alerts (email, text, or voice).

A Spokane Valley City Council vote on April 28 will decide if construction of the ice rink at the Sullivan Property starts next week.

The proposal leases the site to Ignite Youth Ice LLC for $1 a year for 75 years (up to 99) and includes $9.4 million buyout option.

Spokane is advancing a 27-mile Urban Mobility Network approved in 2024 to connect trails and neighborhood streets with features like flex posts and safety medians, with much work scheduled through 2027.

The state has relaunched an e-bike rebate program (up to $1,200) available until March 29 via local bike shops.

MultiCare and Premera are negotiating new terms before their contract expires on May 31, a change that could affect over 64,000 patients using both services; they are discussing regional pricing differences (which may lead to higher rates for years to come).

Spokane will kick off its Summer of Soccer event later this week featuring local matches and soccer clinics planned at community fields.

Residents can enjoy the friendly competition + learn new skills, making this celebration a vibrant addition to the summer schedule.

Local longtime runners Rick and Bob Barbero are set to run the 50th Bloomsday this first Sunday in May as they move from fierce competition to a relaxed, family-focused race—planning to mark the event with a celebratory lunch afterward.

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.