Spokane News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Microsofts Co-Pilot AI tool is being integrated into Washington states schools, with two thousand teachers receiving training. The initiative focuses on ethical and safe AI use, emphasizing human involvement and reflection. The Quincy School District in Grant County is leading the charge, aiming to prepare students for a future with AI.

Owen Pitts, a terminally ill student, was honored with a special basketball game and graduation ceremony at Medical Lake High School. He scored the first basket and received an honorary diploma, surrounded by supportive teammates and community members. The Washington State mens basketball team also sent a message of encouragement, contributing to an unforgettable night of joy and recognition.

Get ready for a thrilling sports weekend! Friday kicks off with college basketball and football championships, including Gonzaga vs Kentucky and the Crosstown Shootout. Saturday features more football championships and basketball games, along with NBA, hockey, and soccer action. Sunday wraps up with a full day of NFL games. Dont miss out on this exciting lineup!

Seattle Kraken suffer a tough loss against Edmonton Oilers, with Connor McDavid scoring a hat trick. The Krakens power play struggles, failing to convert on 17 opportunities across 5 games. The Oilers capitalize on their power plays, scoring 4 times on 5 attempts. The Krakens losing streak extends to 4 games, with their last 3 losses in regulation. The team needs to improve their power play and defense to break their losing streak.

Washington States Child Care Partnership Grants: A $680,000 Boost for Accessible, Affordable Care The Washington State Department of Commerce has allocated over six hundred eighty thousand dollars in Child Care Partnership Grants to thirteen organizations, aiming to expand child care access in various communities, particularly in rural and underserved counties. These grants support community-driven planning and pre-design work to enhance local child care capacity and meet growing demand. Organizations like Boys and Girls Club Columbia Basin and Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation are among the recipients, demonstrating the varied needs and scales of projects being supported.

Gonzaga Womens Basketball Secures Narrow Victory Over Grand Canyon: Despite 22 Turnovers, Zags Pull Off Win in Final Seconds Gonzagas womens basketball team narrowly defeated Grand Canyon 62-58, securing the victory in the final seconds with crucial defensive plays and clutch free throws. The game, played at the McCarthey Athletic Center, saw four thousand five hundred fifty-eight fans witness the hard-fought contest. The win came down to the wire, with graduate transfer Taylor Smith blocking a three-point attempt by Grand Canyons Chloe Mann with just three point five seconds left on the clock. Earlier, redshirt freshman Lauren Whittaker made two free throws to give Gonzaga a two-point lead, but Mann quickly tied it up. Sophomore guard Allie Turner then made a driving basket with fifty-five seconds to go, putting the Bulldogs ahead for good. Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier acknowledged the teams struggles, particularly their twenty-two turnovers throughout the game, with fourteen of those occurring in a chaotic first half. She described the win as ugly but praised her team for finding a way to get the job done when it mattered most. The Zags committed eleven turnovers in the second quarter alone, a period Fortier suggested was likely their worst half of the season. Despite the turnover woes, Whittaker had an outstanding performance, achieving her third double-double of the season with twenty-four points and thirteen rebounds. She also drew an impressive ten fouls, a statistic Fortier noted she had never witnessed before. Turner contributed twelve points and four assists, while Smiths critical block, though not reflected in the score sheet, was a game-changer. The Zags will look to clean up their play as they prepare for their next home game this Saturday against UC Davis. Tip-off is scheduled for six PM, and the team hopes to build on this hard-earned victory with a more consistent performance.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasizes the importance of hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, citing its reliability and affordability. He criticizes Washington states gasoline prices and environmental policies, advocating for lower electricity rates and fair competition for renewable energy sources. Wrights visit coincides with debates on the future of the lower Snake River dams, with environmental groups arguing for their removal to aid salmon recovery and modern clean energy alternatives.

Former EPA Attorney Ted Yackulic and over one hundred fifty colleagues were fired or placed on leave after signing a letter critical of the Trump administrations environmental policies. Yackulic, with nearly thirty-six years of service, is now challenging his dismissal, arguing it was illegal retaliation for expressing his political views. He and five other former employees filed legal challenges with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, alleging their firings were disproportionately harsh and inconsistent, and that they were terminated without proper cause.

In Thursdays high school basketball action, Cheneys Juleon Horyst shone with 26 points, while North Centrals Tyson Vogrig and Miles Spencer contributed 19 and 18 points respectively. Rogers Pirates won against Lakeside Eagles, and Lewis and Clark Tigers dominated Walla Walla Blue Devils. Rhiannon Kilgore led Tigers with 22 points. These non-league games set the stage for full league schedules.