Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Spokane-area trade companies introduced young people to careers in construction, welding, and painting at NewTech Skills Center’s Trades Night (hands-on event) where attendees operated heavy machinery like rollers and excavators to tackle the workforce shortage.

Updated public records show that new marriages and legal dissolutions have been recorded in Spokane and nearby areas.

In Spokane Valley, licenses were issued to local couples like Brett B. and Larissa Ramon and Nicholas G. and Britany Ashmead — reflecting routine legal updates.

YWCA Spokane marks October as Domestic Violence Action Month by urging residents to recognize abuse signs and support survivors; the organization offers a hotline (509-326-2255) to help those facing physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.

Healthcare union contract talks began last week at Spokane hospitals, where nurses, techs and service workers united to challenge a move to separate bargaining; both sides aim to reach a new agreement before current contracts (expiring Dec.

31) end.

Cougars football is set for a challenging October — a key Saturday night game at Gesa Field against Fresno State and winnable road games to boost bowl hopes — while Washington State and Gonzaga will face off in Pac-12 play on Jan.

6 in Pullman.