Good morning, Spokane Valley.

On November 10 at 7 p.m., Chabad of Spokane County will host former hostages Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov at Southside Senior Community Center to share their experiences from being taken by Hamas on October 7 (tickets cost $30).

Santa Claus will appear at River Park Square on November 22 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the Merry and Magical Kickoff event.

The tree lighting from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.—which will include horse-and-carriage rides and festive treats—will mark the start of the holiday season, and families may reserve photo sessions or visit as walk-ups.

Salish School of Spokane hired Joy Peltier as the new development director to strengthen fundraising efforts and share the school’s story in its work to revitalize the Salish language—she will cover duties while the capital campaign manager is on leave.

The school also received the William J. Demmert Cultural Freedom Award earlier this month for its sustained work in language revitalization.

Spokane author Travis Baldree talked with SPR’s Owen Henderson today about his new book Brigands & Breadknives, the latest entry in his Legends & Lattes series that tackles his struggle with being a people pleaser.

The novel shifts from traditional cozy fantasy by blending familiar tropes with a more personal, challenging tone—adding honest self-reflection to the narrative.

On November 6, three Spokane economists spoke at Greater Spokane’s Economic Forecast forum at the Convention Center and explained how local and national economies might change by 2026 — Steve Scranton from Washington Trust Bank, Vange Ocasio Hochheimer from Whitworth University, and Grant Forsyth from Avista. Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez added that a fringe strain of Christianity is now shaping national political debate.

The Spokane Colleges Foundation announced it is seeking monetary donations to sustain student food pantries and emergency aid as many students face immediate food needs in Spokane.

Donations for food support will be split equally between Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College (emergency aid funds will help cover urgent costs like childcare or broken eyeglasses).

College students in Spokane are having a hard time getting food and other basics— the Spokane Colleges Foundation announced Wednesday it is asking for donations to help students at Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College get food and emergency supplies from campus pantries for those with student IDs.

Spokane Velocity is preparing for Sunday's semifinal match against the Portland Hearts of Pine at ONE Spokane Stadium at 6 p.m. and is asking fans to help fight hunger by donating two food items or $5 to 2nd Harvest—a free scarf is offered while supplies last.

Immunization Clinic at CHAS Health Valley

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — CHAS Valley Medical Clinic — Call to schedule or walk in — Get your flu shot at this community-focused vaccination event.