Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Spokane Valley police took part in a back-to-school shopping spree on September 20 at Old Navy on East Indiana Avenue — where the Spokane Salvation Army and the store provided shopping credits for school supplies — as part of the area's first Shop with a Cop program.

Local officers used the event to build trust with children — Undersheriff Justin Lundgren said it marked a new community connection — and the program offered a positive start to the school year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed that Idaho added nearly 5,000 construction jobs—a 6.8% gain—while Washington lost over 11,000 jobs, a 4.9% drop attributed to a severe labor shortage affecting 92% of construction firms.

These differences show a clear contrast in regional construction trends.

WSU president Betsy Cantwell explained sweeping changes at a Spokane board meeting to boost enrollment, research, and sports.

She said a new redesign — with clear steps and an online portal for community input — will be presented to the board next June to update the university’s long-standing mission.

Spokane Transit Authority launched double-decker buses on September 20th with a ribbon-cutting at Eagle Station in Cheney to improve travel between Cheney and downtown Spokane.

STA officials said the new buses offer more seats and smoother rides—especially for commuters and students—and will expand transit capacity in the region.

Spokane Transit Authority has begun operating double decker buses to give riders extra capacity and comfort in Spokane Valley—regular service will start soon on familiar routes.

Spokane Transit Authority began service of its new double-decker buses today at Eagle Station in Cheney — the buses will connect Cheney and downtown Spokane and aim to provide more seats and a smoother ride for commuters and students.

Spokane Valley City Councilwoman Laura Padden faces a re-election challenge from Brad Hohn as he alleges that $350,000 from the public safety fund was used for legal fees related to Councilman Merkel—Padden contends the funds were reallocated from an unneeded position and denies any vote to defund police. Hohn, a political newcomer with ties to Merkel, argues the spending was not accountable and claims funding could have come from the capital reserve fund instead.

The Spokane Chiefs played a road game on Saturday at Sandman Centre and lost 6-4 to the Kamloops Blazers after a brief comeback attempt—Coco Armstrong scored his third goal in two games while JP Burlburt led Kamloops with a hat trick.

Folk Bird Quilting Workshop with Heather Black

5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. — Spokane Fairgrounds — Quilt Kit required — Create a delightful family of modern birds in this hands-on quilt workshop.

Cozy Village Quilting Workshop with Fran Gulick

5:30 p.m. — The Quilting Bee — Registration required — Learn to create a modern quilt with three dynamic house block patterns under expert guidance.

Wild Moose Chase Trail Run

8 AM — Riverside State Park — Entry fee applies — Experience one of the best trail runs in the Pacific Northwest with options for 5k, 10k, and 25k races.

Manufacturing Suppliers Expo

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM — Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center — Cost info not provided — Connect with key players in the regional manufacturing industry at this annual expo.