Good morning, Spokane.

Vintage Print and Neon—a popular Spokane retailer—will open its new, larger location in the Emerson-Garfield neighborhood on May 3; the grand opening will feature live music, free ice cream and giveaways.

Martin Diaz, a Spokane man who has lived in the U.S. since childhood and runs his own construction company, was arrested in his front yard by Border Patrol agents last week while driving home from work — he is now on hold at Kootenai County Jail, leaving his wife very upset about his arrest.

Cirque du Soleil brings the acrobatic ice show—Crystal—to Spokane Arena this week, with performances running through Sunday, May 4.

The show marks one of its final stops and features over 100 crew members and 45 artists from 23 countries.

At Gonzaga University’s Military Veteran Returning Adults Center, the community gathered to honor Shane Barnes, a fallen alumnus, decorated Army aviator and ROTC cadet who died in a tragic helicopter crash while deployed with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

The ceremony, attended by Gonzaga President Dr. Thayne McCulloh and Barnes’ family (including his wife Samantha and two young daughters), featured prayers, speeches and the unveiling of a wooden American flag along with the announcement of an annual ROTC tribute known as the Barnes Challenge.

At a Madison Elementary assembly, special education teacher Stacey Higgins was surprised with the first annual "Lou Lou" Award amid cheers from family and former students.

Higgins, who will retire on June 17 after 43 years with Spokane Public Schools, is honored by a legacy fund that will gift $500 annually to a future award recipient through 2036.

Mayor Lisa Brown and the City Council announced a new homelessness strategy called H.O.M.E.

Starts Here on May 1, which establishes a unified plan to improve shelter siting, enforce rules on unauthorized camping, and expand services to prevent housing instability. The ordinance sets goals—such as lowering the number of cost-burdened residents and boosting homeownership—and updates procedures for inclement weather centers and community engagement.

Thousands of runners and walkers are getting ready for the 12-km Bloomsday race on Sunday as a pre-race run was held yesterday at Fleet Feet to ease nerves—participants will pick up their race packets Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center.

March to the Match with The 509 Syndicate

5:00 PM — Riverfront Park — Free entry — Join the excitement as supporters march with drums and chants to the home match.

Spokane Velocity FC vs. Westchester SC

4-8 p.m. — One Spokane Stadium — Watch the live soccer action as Spokane Velocity takes on Westchester SC in a thrilling match.

Trey Kennedy Concert in Spokane

6:30 PM — Spokane Comedy Club — $30/$40 — Enjoy a night of laughter with renowned comedian Trey Kennedy as he brings his unique humor to the stage.

Spokane Garden Expo

2-10 AM — Spokane Community College — Entry fees apply — Dive into a vibrant world of gardening with over 300 exhibitors and expert presentations.

Mermaid Run Spokane 2025

7:30 a.m. — Riverfront Park — Registration required — Participate in a vibrant women's half marathon in the heart of Spokane.

Josh Blue Live in Spokane

7 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Witness the sharp wit and humor of comedian Josh Blue, ex-seven-a-side-soccer paralympian on his tour.

Rocky Mountain Rodeo Challenge

May 16-17 — Spokane Arena — Attendance Fee Required — Experience the thrill of world champion cowboys and cowgirls at the premier rodeo event.

Spokane Symphony Presents The Music of Tina Turner

2-3:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Ticket information available — Celebrate the legendary music of Tina Turner with outstanding vocal performances and symphony accompaniment.

Windermere 10km Race

5 AM – 1 PM — Riverfront Park — Registration fees apply — Experience a scenic point-to-point race with aid stations and refreshments.

Washington FOP Wellness Training

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection — Free entry — Learn from wellness experts on the importance of officer wellness with networking opportunities included.