Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Amazon will hire nearly 2,000 people in Spokane for seasonal+part-time+full-time roles during its holiday hiring blitz running from October to December; some seasonal employees may transition to full-time positions and get extended healthcare starting Jan 1.

Hartland Coffee says a planned road change on South Geiger Road may block left turns and reduce customer access at its location.

The owner has contacted council members and raised concerns in discussions with Spokane and county engineers about safety near the business — the project's timeline remains unclear.

Spokane Traffic Unit is teaming with local schools to run the Teens in the Driver Seat program during National Teen Driver Safety Week; an app rewards safe driving and experts advise parents increase supervised practice (addressing risks like distracted driving).

Rep. Michael Baumgartner and Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited a Spokane Valley school Monday to urge Gov. Ferguson to consider joining the Education Freedom Tax Credit program (decision due by Jan.

1).

Spokane County plans to add $8 million to help fire victims from the Gray and Oregon Road fires, bringing available funds to nearly $28 million.

Commissioners are considering policy changes (including retroactive payments and income-based caps) to adjust reimbursements.

Spokane Valley has requested $125,000 from its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to cover operating costs for the cross country course in 2027 — the funds will come from local hotel lodging taxes to help meet maintenance expenses and boost the area’s sports tourism benefits.

Washington regulators are leaning toward a 13% boost in Avista electric rates that would add roughly $17.21 to residential bills if approved.

A final decision is expected by Dec. 15 for rates set to begin Jan. 1 – customers face higher costs as the commission reviews proposals.

Travelers at Spokane Airport can expect changes to the terminal curbside and traffic flow starting today.

Crews are placing barriers and building a two-lane bypass road while a temporary baggage claim facility is set up for American + Allegiant + Alaska airlines, with work planned to continue until 2030.

The annual Spokane Showdown wheelchair basketball tournament took place this past weekend at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake, where 25 teams + 12 programs competed and built connections + skills through adaptive sports.