Good morning, Spokane.

A fire drove seven people from their home in Airway Heights Wednesday night and crews saw flames from the highway before reaching the burning house on West 21st near Hayford Road — investigators will check the cause while the Red Cross helps the displaced.

A downtown Spokane restaurant announced it will close on April 17 after 25 years in business.

The owners said they will leave before summer because the lease ending in November will not be extended.

Steve Ferse finished his five-year project just in time for the Final Four—he built a giant wooden basketball weighing 65 pounds and spanning 3½ feet across using alder wood—and he hopes Gonzaga University or a former Zag or NBA player will buy it.

Spokane Community College partnered with Jubilant HollisterStier and HollisterStier Allergy to launch a pilot pharmaceutical manufacturing program—Introduction to Biomanufacturing—that will begin on April 21.

The 10-week program will offer hands-on training with new equipment, regulatory compliance lessons and internships at a local facility.

Spokane’s Head Start Regional Office serving Washington and Idaho closed after HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr directed its shutdown, leaving staff locked out and local programs unsure of future federal funding. Community leaders and college officials are calling on Congress to investigate the decision—concern grows for up to 15,000 children served in the region.

The Inland Northwest snowpack was near its historical normal on April 2, with the Spokane River basin at 93% and an average water content of 22.9 inches—six inches more than last year but about four inches less than in 2023.

The Blue Mountains showed 20% above normal snowpack while the Kettle Range and North Cascades had less than 80% of normal levels.

A group of volunteers cleaned up trash on the south side of the Spokane River Thursday morning near the Monroe Street Bridge — wearing high-visibility vests and climbing a steep incline to remove debris — as part of a local cleanup effort.

Native athletes from across the country have gathered at Spokane Tribe Casino for the sixth annual Battle of the Nations Basketball Tournament.

The men's event has 64 teams while the new women's event has 32 teams—teams will play double-elimination games with a champion to be crowned on Sunday.

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.

Justyn Priest Live Performance

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Steam Plant Restaurant & Brew Pub — Cost info not specified — Enjoy an evening of music from one of the region's premier singer-songwriters.

Tower of Power Concert in Spokane

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Fox Theater — VIP packages available — Experience an unforgettable night of funk and soul with Tower of Power, a band with over 50 years of musical legacy.