Good morning, Spokane Valley.

At Union Gospel Mission, recovering addicts celebrated Christmas as a surrogate family amid recovery.

Brandon Gwyn, Dan Landry, and Anthony Logan found comfort in shared care and connections, with some planning video calls and future family reunions (lifting hopes beyond past isolation) as the holiday brought renewed spirit in community.

Playfair Race Course closed in 2000 after decades of thoroughbred racing, and the site has been redeveloped as Playfair Commerce Park plus locals notice a weathered hydrant that honors its storied past near downtown.

The Spokesman-Review invites Spokane residents to share their wishes for the city's future by emailing 280 characters by 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.

29 for potential publication in the New Year Day’s paper (submissions can suggest ideas like neighborhood cleanups or increased public funding).

On Christmas Day, Lunarium tea house welcomed community members with free cookies, tea and coffee for those spending the holidays alone.

Co-owners Amy Clark and Dorian Carahalios began the four-year tradition—ensuring a safe, friendly space for connection—to support those without family gatherings.

12-year-old Aviela Gordon busked at a local cafe for four weeks before the holidays to raise $450 for nonprofit Embrace Washington that supports local foster kids, and she will continue her annual fundraising tradition with music and community spirit.

Spokane County approved $200,000—a funding boost from document recording fees matched by Innovia Foundation—to support wildfire recovery in Elk and Medical Lake.

The funds will let Mennonite Disaster Services buy supplies and keep rebuilding efforts moving while local groups await federal recovery cash.

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness will mark its fifth anniversary tomorrow as Spokane Regional Health District guides community education and volunteer training to prepare for disease outbreaks, while local groups, including the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC volunteers), promote household readiness and support coordinated emergency response.

World Introvert Day on Jan.

2 offers introverts a needed break after busy holiday gatherings — locals can recharge with quiet activities like solo walks or reading while workplaces adjust routines to support calm, focused time.

The Eagle Holiday Classic — the region's largest high school basketball tournament featuring 41 varsity teams including 15 GSL squads — kicks off Saturday at West Valley High School, with local teams like Central Valley set to compete during a busy holiday week.