Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Elk fire survivors face their third Christmas without permanent homes after the Oregon Road Fire, while one local has his home rebuilt with help from Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group (using county funds and donations).

Spokane County will vote next month to boost recovery support for others living in temporary shelters.

Visit Spokane on Friday announced its new board of directors for 2026, naming local leaders from transit, coffee roasting, hospitality and park management — appointments that will guide tourism efforts.

Melissa Green is Chair while Jody Sander serves as past chair.

DJI, a major drone maker (awaiting a security audit), said if the audit does not begin by Dec.

23 its drones will be banned from U.S. sales and local aerial photographer Andrew Thompson worries about the impact on his business.

Netflix announced on Thursday the development of a new series based on Spokane author Jess Walter’s novel So Far Gone—an adaptation that follows a reclusive journalist rescuing his grandchildren on a road trip through a divided America.

Walter and Tomorrow Studios will serve as executive producers.

The Christmas Tree Elegance event raised $546,000+ for the Spokane Symphony, beating last year’s record by over $20,000.

Volunteers bundled tickets and set up 16 decorated trees during the 13-day fundraiser held from Thanksgiving into December.

Students on South Hill left historic Adams Elementary (built in 1909) for its final day after voters approved its replacement last November; they will temporarily move to Jefferson Elementary in January while a groundbreaking for the new school is scheduled for March.

After a windstorm damaged property in Plummer yesterday, Spokane County Solid Waste advises residents to cut yard debris into pieces less than six feet (and three inches in diameter) before taking it to transfer facilities to avoid extra fees as cleanup efforts continue.

The Department of Veterans Affairs eliminated 137 vacant positions at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center on Dec.

12 as part of a nationwide effort to cut waste + ensure current staff remain employed; roughly 100 vacancies are still open.

The local Gonzaga women’s basketball team achieved a 68-49 win over Missouri State last Friday in Springfield — freshman Lauren Whittaker led with 19 points and 16 rebounds as the team played strong defense and controlled the boards.