Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Greater Spokane Incorporated released its fourth survey showing that city residents report improved safety in downtown since Oct.

2024 — Valley residents, however, remain less confident. The Community Pulse rating reached 4.3 out of 10 as concerns over homelessness dropped and housing affordability grew over the last six months.

Bluebird’s Cottage reopened its renovated 1939 building in Spokane Valley (formerly the Mangrove Café) to serve custom coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and build-your-own bouquets.

Owner James Horn offers signature items like the Bluebird latte and themed beverages, inviting locals to relax on the patio or in the English cottage-style garden.

The statue of John Monaghan was removed last Wednesday from Riverside and Monroe where it had stood for 120 years and will be moved to Fairmount Memorial Park near the Monaghan Family mausoleum after Memorial Day.

The city hired Breithaupt & Sons for the $88,000 two-stage move amid controversy over a plaque's content.

Two surveys by the Association of Washington Businesses and Greater Spokane Inc. show 67% of Spokane County residents and business owners are thinking of leaving because tax hikes and rising living costs strain finances—local experts are split on whether policy changes will reverse this trend.

SpoCanopy addresses the tree canopy gap by planting free trees in Spokane neighborhoods with lower shade.

The City’s Urban Forestry Department and The Lands Council — working with volunteers and contractors — plan to boost coverage from 13% in some areas to at least 30% by 2030.

The Spokane Fire Department installed two new fire danger warning signs today on S Cheney Spokane Road and W Eagle Ridge Boulevard — YouthBuild Spokane built and painted the signs with two more planned at city-selected sites for wildland season updates.

Ten local libraries will ask voters on the August ballot to approve a levy increase to cover rising maintenance and digital technology costs; if approved, some homeowners may pay an extra $42 yearly and the new funding will take effect next year (based on a $350,000 home).

Opioid overdoses in Spokane County dropped from an average of 220 to 156 cases a month since September, and the Spokane Fire Department plans to expand its behavioral response unit (which referred over 140 locals to treatment) to boost timely help in emergencies.

Former Zags pitcher Kempner has made the MLB roster after a strong college season, and local fans celebrate his milestone + look forward to his next steps in the majors.

Several Spokane-area coaches will be inducted into state halls of fame—one ceremony is held today with additional events scheduled on May 9 and May 17—honoring decades of leadership in high school sports.

Arizona State transfer center Massamba Diop signed a financial aid agreement with Gonzaga, choosing the local team over St. John’s.

The 7-foot-1 center — who averaged 13.6 points last season — strengthens Gonzaga’s frontcourt as the Zags prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Mt. Spokane Wildcats earned the top seed in the District 6 3A tournament after a near-perfect season+ they will open their postseason campaign today at home against eighth seeded Shadle Park.