Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Pines Road reopens at 6:00 a.m. today after a five-day closure for paving and a new access point for Trent Elementary School between Mirabeau Parkway + Trent Avenue.

Drivers note lane restrictions as crews finish sidewalks and landscaping while the full project is set to complete in spring 2027.

Spokane Colleges received a $1.87 million federal grant (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) to help student parents secure childcare as they pursue their degrees, with funding running through Sept.

29.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Spokane on Monday to promote the Education Freedom Tax Credit (which provides up to $1,700 annually for qualifying contributions) that will give parents more options in education starting in 2027.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon & Rep. Michael Baumgartner met in Spokane Valley as they urged Governor Ferguson to opt in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit program, which gives eligible taxpayers a credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying cash contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations. The governor must decide by Jan. 1, 2027.

Local safety officials and first responders stress the need for safe driving discussions during National Teen Driver Safety Week.

They advise parents to set clear expectations before teens get their license — a proactive step to reduce risks on Spokane Valley roads.

Health officials confirmed a Spokane County resident in their 80s with underlying conditions died this week from influenza — the first flu-related fatality of the season among 13 currently hospitalized county residents.

A Spokane doctor reported that school nurses have seen more students feeling sick after skipping breakfast in favor of energy drinks.

She warned that kids under 12 should avoid these drinks and those aged 12 to 18 must limit caffeine to 100 mg per day.

Coach Pat Tyson will be inducted into the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday for his long-standing cross country legacy at Mead and Gonzaga; Gonzaga University will host the first Pat Tyson Invitational at the Course Spokane Valley on Friday to recognize his retirement effective next spring.

Gonzaga debuted at No. 15 in Monday’s preseason AP poll+ marking its highest ranking since 2024 and 26 straight appearances.

The Bulldogs will meet the Blue Devils on Feb. 20 in Detroit.