Good morning, Spokane.

The Spokane Fire Department is partnering with the American Red Cross to install free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in high fire risk homes this spring and will visit 500 homes to share fire safety tips.

The initiative is in its seventeenth event and is supported by local volunteers (State Farm, Yokes, Spokane Area Rotaries, Washington State University, and Leadership Spokane).

Spokane Parks and Recreation has released its new Activity Guide—detailing sports leagues, outdoor adventures, art classes and wellness programs—and plans to start pre-season swim lessons on May 10 at Witter Aquatic Center.

Summer day camps at Merkel often fill up fast, so parents are urged to register early.

A new shelter for women is opening this week at Knox Presbyterian Church to help women without homes in Spokane.

The project is a team effort by Knox Presbyterian, Jewels Helping Hands, Empire Health Foundation and the City and will serve 20 to 30 women (by referral only) as one of eight pilot shelters (designed for special needs).

Gonzaga Treks have connected students with top employers and alumni nationwide—one New York trip helped a marketing major land a job offer.

The program gives students a chance to build networks that extend beyond campus career fairs.

A new $675,000 grant from the Washington Department of Ecology will let Gonzaga University’s Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment work with Spokane and the Lands Council to replace 10 diesel parks maintenance machines with zero-emission alternatives and supply 400 portable air cleaners for low-income homes. The grant will also fund community surveys and presentations to help residents learn about local diesel pollution.

In 2024, the Spokane County Therapeutic Court diverted 32 defendants from prison to help those with mental health and substance use issues.

The program offers an alternative to incarceration that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior.

The Spokane National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health announced Tuesday that it will lay off about 50 employees and close its research facility on June 30.

The center—one of the only ones outside of universities that studies miner safety—also conducts research on underground explosions, hearing loss and black lung.

State elected officials will have their pay hikes start on July 1 if a referendum does not delay the increases—voters must submit 154,455 valid signatures by May 13 to trigger a delay.

A citizen commission approved the new salary schedule last month that raises lawmakers’ pay by 16% overall while boosting the governor and attorney general's salaries by 7% each year—if the referendum is not successful.

The Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park will open for skating season on Friday, April 4.

Admission is free and visitors may bring their own skates or rent equipment—rollers cost $5.95 and scooters $7.95—and helmets are required by law.

Spokane Chiefs Playoff Game 3

7:05 p.m. — Spokane Arena — Tickets start at $16 — Cheer on the Spokane Chiefs as they battle for victory in the WHL playoffs.

SoDown Live Performance at Riverside Place

8-11 p.m. — Riverside Place — Tickets available — Experience the unique sound of SoDown, a rising star in the dance music scene.

Spokane Velocity FC vs. Portland Hearts of Pine

6-10 p.m. — One Spokane Stadium — Tickets available — Cheer for Spokane Velocity FC as they take on the Portland Hearts of Pine in an exciting match.

ACTORS Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the darkwave sounds of ACTORS alongside Soft Vein, The NightCry, and Blunt Skulls.

Customer Appreciation Day

In-store only — Northwest Seed & Pet — 10% off regular price items — Celebrate savings with discounts for loyal customers.

Duncan Trussell Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticketed event — Experience a night of laughs with comedian Duncan Trussell, who brings unique tales from his adventures.

Restless Road Concert

8:00 – 11:55 PM — Knitting Factory — All Ages — Enjoy an evening of music with Restless Road and Kelsey Hart.

The Old 97's Concert

9:00 – 10:30 PM — The District Bar — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of live music from the acclaimed band Old 97's at a local favorite venue.

Spokane Velocity FC vs. Texoma FC Match

4-8 p.m. — One Spokane Stadium — Ticket sales support a cause of your choice — Experience a thrilling soccer match while contributing to a good cause.

AESD 2025 Annual Conference

April 16-18 — The Centennial Hotel — Registration details on the event page — A premier gathering for educational service districts to connect and collaborate.