Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Today the Christmas Bureau opens at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — a joint effort by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review — to provide grocery vouchers, gifts and handcrafted toy trucks and cars from local woodworkers for families in need.

On Wednesday, Hamilton Market and Mobil on Hamilton Street cut regular unleaded fuel prices by over $1 per gallon, with Hamilton Market offering a holiday special and Mobil quickly matching the deal.

Customers flocked to both stations—AAA Fuel Prices noted they undercut the $3.68 county average.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, nearly 1,000 students watched an open-heart surgery streamed from Portland at a local viewing event (Providence’s ProvReady initiative) near Providence Medical Park; the session gave students a firsthand look at potential healthcare careers.

The local IRC chapter in Spokane added safe AI lessons to its digital literacy classes on Dec.

10, teaching newcomers how improved translation tools can help with day-to-day tasks while avoiding scams (participants received a Lenovo tablet after class).

On Wednesday night, the Spokane and Spokane Valley fire departments sent swift-water rescue teams to western Washington to support state emergency aid amid historic flooding in the Puget Sound region; the team from Fire Station 5 left at 6:30 p.m. + comprised six firefighters.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on December 10 due to extreme winter weather causing high wind advisories, flood warnings, and road closures.

The proclamation activated the National and State Guards and allowed commercial drivers to deliver essential supplies until December 31 — emergency measures remain active.

Blair Health is a new online platform that uses AI-assisted diagnosis to provide treatment options for menopausal women facing long wait times.

Local doctors will follow up with appointments after patients answer a few questions.

Nine simple casserole recipes offer local home cooks comforting meal ideas for busy December weeks, including dishes like loaded cheeseburger casserole and creamy chicken and rice casserole.

The easy-to-follow instructions are featured online (providing a dependable guide for hearty, hassle-free dinners).

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park announced they will delay the season opening due to warm, wet weather affecting snow conditions — officials said they will monitor the forecast and update readers when temperatures drop.