Good morning, Spokane Valley.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded early Thursday morning to an RV fire at East First Ave & South Union Rd caused by an unsafe propane heater, and no one was injured.

Paula Poundstone, comedian and panelist on Wait Wait...

Don't Tell Me, tours nationally and will perform today at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane Valley (she discussed her approach and longtime tour on a video call).

A panel of local housing experts met this week to discuss what affordable housing means, examining how regulatory challenges and funding layers drive construction costs for low- and moderate-income families—efforts aimed at boosting regional housing opportunities.

Electricity prices across the nation have been rising as older grids, extreme weather, and higher fuel costs push bills up, and Spokane Valley households might see higher costs this winter.

Utility companies plan rate hikes that may affect energy affordability for consumers.

Education officials proposed three guidelines for safe AI use in classrooms following Washington's partnership with Microsoft to provide the Co-Pilot tool free to students and train 2,000 teachers; the guides focus on a human centered approach—practical classroom tips and ethical considerations in implementing AI.

Spokane Public Schools approved a $32 million purchase for 149 diesel buses to build its own fleet and cut future costs.

The district will use state funding to shift away from an outsourced service and add tracking technology so parents can monitor student rides.

Council Member Paul Dillon received the We Train Washington Legislative Champion award on Dec.

4 for advancing wage policies and employment pathways in the grocery sector. He expressed gratitude to We Train Washington and its partners (United Food and Commercial Workers International Union 3000 and Spokane Community College) for the recognition.

Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti announced plans to introduce a law that will require high school students to study financial education to close gaps in the current curriculum.

Local schools such as Lewis and Clark High School may adjust class schedules if the measure passes.

In Thursday's high school basketball nonleague games, Cheney won 70-58 behind Juleon Horyst's 26 points, and Lewis and Clark secured a 60-36 victory with Rhiannon Kilgore's 22 points.

Python for Scientists Training Class

N/A — Mon to Fri — Newcastle Training Centers Spokane — $2250 — Learn essential Python programming skills tailored for scientific applications.