Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Local 8-year-old Gryffin is competing in a national Stan Lee Super Kid contest and needs more votes to break into the top 5 plus win $25,000, VIP Comic Con tickets, and a comic feature; voting ends today at 7 p.m.

The Coats 4 Kids campaign is nearing its halfway point today in Spokane Valley as local volunteers collect warm coats for children.

The initiative welcomes donations to help families prepare for winter.

Voters in the Central Valley School District will decide next month on renewing a levy that funds sports, extracurricular activities, support staff + special education while supporting 300 district jobs.

If approved, homeowners will pay $2.50 per $1,000 assessed value starting in 2028.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham spoke yesterday at Whitworth University’s Leadership Forum, urging the crowd to learn from America’s past to build a stronger future.

He shared a personal story (recounting a schoolyard memory) that highlighted how helping neighbors benefits us all.

Pines Road is closed from Mirabeau Parkway to Trent Avenue as crews complete paving and safety upgrades during the break near Trent Elementary.

The project is expected to finish early Monday to eliminate train crossing hazards and ease emergency delays.

Sen. Murray announced a public health task force that will meet with experts and community leaders to review local health measures — further plans will develop in the coming weeks.

Local ski areas are planning their season openings as early snow covers the peaks.

Lookout Pass seeks to open around Thanksgiving, with Chewelah planning a similar start and Mt. Spokane aiming for Dec. 5 or sooner while hosting its 62nd Ski Swap (entry $5) from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

After an Ohio Supreme Court ruling, the Zags confirmed that Bennett is eligible to compete, clearing the way for him to join the team (decision effective today).

The Spokane Velocity ended their five-match unbeaten run with a 4-3 loss to Greenville Triumph on Wednesday at GE Vernova Park after surrendering two early goals and a late surge — they will host Chattanooga Red Wolves at 6 p.m. Saturday in their final regular season match.