Good morning, Spokane.

The United Way of Spokane County, which has served the community for over 100 years, is shutting down after its board voted to end operations due to funding challenges—six staff members have been told their jobs will end as the board works to honor existing commitments.

Tesla Kawakami opened their first solo show 'What If You Stay' at Chase Gallery on July 4, featuring 19 neon and oil paintings that show nature and flooding.

The exhibit runs until Aug. 29 and uses bright colors to show how life grows even in harsh conditions — a protest through art that blends environmental themes with queerness.

Officials updated the Hope fire near Northport to 5,634 acres (down nearly 1,000 acres) Friday morning and it remained 0% contained as crews worked to protect structures and open Northport Flat Creek Road for emergency use.

Firefighters, 476 responders and multiple air tankers battled the blaze while Level 3 evacuations continued for homes along the road (evacuation orders remain in effect) as warming conditions prompted close monitoring.

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council has received about $40 million in federal funding for traffic projects that will begin in 2027—projects include $5 million for the Sullivan and Trent interchange, $2.1 million for active transportation on Division, and $5 million for Highway 2 improvements in Airway Heights.

The Department of Natural Resources canceled the Thorpe land exchange on Friday, ending plans to develop about 1,000 homes in Latah Valley by stopping the trade of a 200-acre property near Highway 195 for a site near Bellingham.

Commissioner Dave Upthegrove said the move gives the community two years to propose a new use for the land.

Local hospitals face a challenging future as new federal Medicaid rules approved under the Big Beautiful Bill affect patient coverage and reimbursement rates.

Hospital leaders at Quincy Valley Medical Center and Othello Community Hospital said they are evaluating funding cuts and work requirements scheduled to begin in 2026 and extend through 2029 (the full impact remains unclear).

The Mariners announced Friday that Julio Rodríguez will not go to the All-Star Game in Atlanta next week—he said he needs to rest and get ready for the season's second half—and he thanked his peers for the honor.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen—a Mt. Spokane graduate who overcame three arm surgeries—was named to the American League All-Star team on Friday as a replacement for Los Angeles Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi.

He is the first Spokane-area player to earn the honor since Andrew Kittredge—who earned an All-Star nod in 2021—and holds a 7-5 record with a 2.82 ERA in his sixth MLB season.

Marlon Wayans Live

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — $52/$67 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Marlon Wayans, known for his hit films and standup performances.

10 Essential Career-Boosting Skills Workshop

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Regus - Spokane- Washington Trust — Includes refreshments — Enhance your professional capabilities with this comprehensive soft skills workshop.

Cherry Pickers Trot & Pit Spit 2025

7-9 p.m. — Green Bluff Grange #300 — Check event page for entry fee — Celebrate sweet cherries with a 4-mile run in Green Bluff.

Grant Writing Essentials Workshop

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Regus - Spokane- Washington Trust — Paid event — Boost your funding success with practical grant writing skills in a single day workshop.

Muddy Dash Spokane

8 AM – 11 PM — Qlispé Raceway Park — $74.95 — Get down and dirty navigating fun and challenging mud obstacles with friends.

Public Speaking Mastery Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Spokane- Washington Trust — Refreshments included — Level up your public speaking skills and conquer your fear of public speaking.

Shayne Smith Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Tickets from $25 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with rising comedian Shayne Smith who captivates with his storytelling.

EXIN Blockchain Essentials Training

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Regus - Spokane- Washington Trust — Contact for pricing — Build foundational knowledge in blockchain technology and its applications across industries.

Shayne Smith in Spokane

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — $25/$35 — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Shayne Smith and his unique storytelling style.

Alison Krauss & Union Station with Jerry Douglas and Willie Watson

7:30-9 p.m. — Northern Quest Resort & Casino — Check website for price — Experience the enchanting sounds of Alison Krauss and her band in a scenic venue.