Daily
Spokane
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Spokane. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Following community outcry, Spokane County commissioners reversed plans to close Patricia Simonet Laughing Dog Park, which was set to save $32,000 annually amid a $20 million budget shortfall. The park will stay open for one year while officials work with the state transportation department for a permanent funding solution. KXLY
- ➤ Bites and Books food drive helps Spokane families as food stamp benefits fall short. Volunteers report more residents are relying on food banks and urge local support for this ongoing effort — a vital community resource. KHQ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pascal Rogé returns to Spokane with his wife Elena Font — for three concerts. They will perform four-hand pieces at Myrtle Woldson Center’s Recital Hall Saturday at noon, join cellist Kevin Hekmatpanah at 2 p.m. Sunday, and conclude with a two-piano concerto on April 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Spokesman-Review
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Davenport Senior High and McDonald Elementary were named Distinguished Schools by OSPI for exceptional student performance and academic growth; they will receive a plaque + $5,000 to support professional development. KXLY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ SpoCanopy, a partnership between the Lands Council and the city, will plant 1,500 trees by boosting volunteer efforts to cool neighborhoods and lower energy bills, and will host a planting event on May 5 in high-need areas such as Hillyard & Chief Garry Park while creating new green jobs. Inlander
- ➤ Spokane Riverkeeper warned Wednesday that although winter precipitation stayed near normal, rain fell instead of the needed snow—leaving the snowpack at about 54% of typical levels—and setting up a dry summer that could reduce Spokane River flows. KHQ
- ➤ Amid ongoing drought and recent weed burner fires in Spokane Valley, fire officials advise residents to clear 10 feet around homes and remove flammable mulch and debris so that landscapes become more firewise. Homeowners should trim overgrown evergreens and roofs to help prevent further fire spread. The Spokesman-Review
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County commissioners voted to place an August ballot measure on aquifer protection for West Plains, which could result in a $15 fee for residents accessing groundwater (or using septic systems). The proposal excludes areas near Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport. KHQ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Spokane’s semi-pro pickleball team, the Badgers, will compete in its first tournament Saturday at the Press Pickleball Club against the Bellevue Ballers as part of the nation’s first team-based league & they plan free clinics and youth programs to boost the sport locally. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ Steele Venters, a Gonzaga transfer and former Eastern Washington standout, announced his commitment to play his final season at Washington yesterday + he will be an eighth-year senior needing a medical waiver for next season after recovering from ACL and Achilles injuries. The Spokesman-Review
- ➤ The Vancouver Canadians won 14-6 over the Spokane Indians at Avista Stadium on Wednesday with grand slams from Chirinos and Cunningham. The game lasted over three hours — a long contest that dropped Spokane to a 5-6 record. The Spokesman-Review
-
Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy sharp, high-energy comedy from rising star Kam Patterson.
-
Stand-Up Comedy with Kam Patterson
7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy high-energy comedy from a rising star who's making waves in the stand-up scene.
-
Walla Walla Wine On Tour - Spokane
4-6:30 p.m. — Spokane Convention Center — Admission varies — Explore over 40 wineries from the Walla Walla Valley and taste exquisite wines while meeting winemakers.
-
Movie Night: Erin Brockovich
5:30-8 p.m. — Magic Lantern Theatre — Suggested donation of $10 — Enjoy a compelling film night supporting local women and children in need.
-
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — Ticketed event — Experience enchanting melodies from the Bridgerton series in a candlelit atmosphere.
-
Shawn Wayans Stand-Up Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Shawn Wayans, known for his iconic roles and comedic talents.
-
Josh Sneed Live Comedy
7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with nationally touring comedian Josh Sneed, known for his appearances on Comedy Central.
-
A Taste of Ireland
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a heart-pounding celebration of Irish history through dance, music, and storytelling.
-
Della Mae Live Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater — $Varies — Experience the electrifying bluegrass energy of the all-women band Della Mae as they perform new music from their album Magic Accident.
-
The Carole King & James Taylor Story - Tribute Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater — Cost not specified — Experience a breathtaking tribute to the legendary careers of Carole King and James Taylor with exceptional live performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Spokane
Welcome to the Daily Spokane, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Spokane, Washington community. If you like the Daily Spokane, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Spokane.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Spokane and across Washington. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Spokane
A free Spokane community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyspokanenews.com/sitemap