Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Spokane. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Spokane Valley Mall’s Giving Machine ended its charitable run on Thursday after donors purchased over 7,000 items for local and global charities — including Teen and Kid Closet, Second Harvest, and Vanessa Behan — organizers said. KHQ
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire in a shed — likely from a propane space heater — quickly spread to three mobile homes at Kings Court on East First Avenue and Custer Road just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, displacing ten people while firefighters contained the blaze and rescued two animals. The Spokesman-Review
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Spokane County transfer stations raised fees as of Thursday with garbage disposal costs up 4% and yard waste fees up 10%. Residents discarding appliances face extra $30 fee to safely remove harmful chemicals at the north station on Elk-Chattaroy Road (Colbert) and at the Sullivan Road station in Spokane Valley. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ Spokane Regional Emergency Communications offers new 911 call tips as the New Year begins — it advises residents to know their location and nearby landmarks, remain on the line during emergencies, and use 911 solely for life-threatening situations to help first responders reach them faster. KHQ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new law lets residents add their blood type to driver's licenses for a $2 fee — intended to speed up emergency care and boost donations. Governor Bob Ferguson signed it in May, and it went into effect Jan. 1, with medical documentation required at the DMV. KHQ
- ➤ Effective today, Washington providers must promptly investigate any workplace violence toward healthcare employees and update annual violence prevention plans to address both verbal and physical threats—aiming to boost staff safety amid ongoing workforce shortages, officials said. KHQ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Registration is open for Bloomsday 2026, the 50th annual 7.46-mile race on Sunday, May 3, in Spokane. Entry fees start at $30 (rising to $38 on April 1 and to $50 on May 1) with runners advised to sign up early. KXLY
- ➤ Registration is open for the 50th Bloomsday Run scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at Race Roster. The event aims for 50,000 participants, offers an early giveaway from ASICS (available until Feb. 15), and partners with Riverside State Park Foundation to support local trails. KHQ
- ➤ Tyon Grant-Foster will face Seattle U today at McCarthey Athletic Center at 6 p.m. as the seasoned wing returns to a familiar rivalry (he has led teams to wins against the Redhawks before) while guard Maleek Arington prepares to defend him. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ 79-year-old coach Mike Fleming, who teaches at Mead High and coaches at Whitworth, has run 49 Bloomsdays despite challenges like osteoarthritis and cardiac arrhythmia. He trains six days a week and looks forward to celebrating his 50th Bloomsday soon. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ Gonzaga begins its final league season today by facing Seattle at the old Spokane Coliseum, a rematch 46 years later + as the Bulldogs prepare to join the rebuilt Pac-12 next season. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ Eastern Washington’s men’s basketball team will test its defense against Idaho on Saturday at ICCU Arena in Moscow — a game that marks Don Monson Legacy Night and a chance to build renewed energy after an 11-day break. Coach Ryan Lundgren said the contest is critical for setting the tone for January. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ Junseok Yeo, a Gonzaga transfer now key for Seattle U, is set to face his former team today at McCarthey Athletic Center in a WCC matchup. He averages 11.7 points and 4.1 rebounds and is known for his dynamic play and hard work. The Spokesman-Review
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Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball
8:30 p.m. — Gonzaga University — Tickets available — A thrilling West Coast rivalry as #8 Gonzaga takes on Santa Clara.
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Banff Mountain Film Festival 50th Anniversary Tour
7-9 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate 50 years of mountain films featuring breathtaking expeditions and inspiring stories of adventure.
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Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's Four Seasons illuminated by candlelight.
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Wine Wednesday Dinner Series
5-8 p.m. — Nectar Catering and Events — Varies by session — Savor a three-course meal with wine pairings exploring culinary elements at this popular dining series.
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Spokane User Experience Meetup
6-9 p.m. — The Onion Bar & Grill Downtown Spokane — Free entry — Connect with fellow UX enthusiasts and share insights in a fun, inclusive environment.
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Josh Wolf Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:00 – 11:15 PM — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Josh Wolf, known for his engaging storytelling and charming humor.
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Deceiving The Masses Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Tickets from $70 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Deceiving The Masses in Spokane.
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Stand-Up Comedy with Anthony Robustiano
7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Enjoy an evening of high-energy comedy from social media star Anthony Robustiano.
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Charlotte's Web at Spokane Children's Theater
7 p.m. — Spokane Children's Theater — Tickets available — Experience a heartwarming tale of friendship through this enchanting musical adaptation.
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Louie Foxx's One-Man Side Show
4-7 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Experience an incredible variety show full of unique magic and humor for all ages.
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