Good morning, Spokane.

Starbucks permanently closed its three Spokane stores on Hamilton and Indiana, Division and Buckeye, and Heritage Village this week—along with a store in Ritzville—because the chain is restructuring its operations.

The closures are part of a $1 billion plan to cut 1% of its North American locations and have already led to layoffs for 900 corporate employees.

Last weekend at Barrister Winery, cellist Zuill Bailey led the Vega Quartet in a performance that marked the farewell of the current Northwest BachFest—demonstrating consistent tone and unity for the local audience.

A new festival identity will be announced in early November and a concert featuring the Juilliard String Quartet is scheduled for Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.

WSU Spokane campus is set to expand after its board approved the $8.25 million purchase of the Ignite building on Sept 19—funded largely by bond refinancing and real estate funds—and will rename its central hub the Kirk H.

Schulz Academic Center to honor its former leader. Payments will be made over the next six years to cover upcoming repairs and complete the purchase.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office will merge the volunteer S.C.O.P.E. program into its operations effective Jan.

1, 2026—ensuring volunteers continue their work while saving over $1 million a year—following an agreement signed on Sept. 2.

Gonzaga’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment will host the seventh annual Spokane Candidates Climate Change Forum on Oct.

1 at 6 p.m. in the Globe Room of Cataldo Hall—located at 429 East Boone Avenue, where candidates from Spokane and Spokane Valley will answer questions about their plans to address global warming amid rising concerns over wildfires and heat domes.

Spokane County elections officials warn voters to mail ballots several days early for the November election because USPS collects mail only once daily—using official ballot drop boxes, which remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, is advised to avoid late postmarks.

Construction crews began replacing drainage pipes along Greene Street near Spokane Community College on Monday, September 29th and will work through October 6th — drivers must follow detour instructions as part of the North Spokane Corridor project.

The City of Spokane Valley is considering a new $44 million dual-sheet ice rink next to Sullivan Park paid for by an unnamed benefactor in a project led by Innovia Foundation—designed to boost tourism and include a hotel and retail space to help cover costs.

City council will accept public comment on the proposal at its meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Medical students at UW and WSU warn that the new One Big Beautiful Bill will limit loans to $50,000 a year and end the Grad PLUS program for new borrowers—changes that may force many to alter their career paths and reduce the number of doctors in rural areas.

Officials stress that many students depend on these loans to fund their education and serve low-income communities.

Spokane Chiefs started the season strong with a 3-0 win over Tri-City Americans at the newly renamed Numerica Veterans Arena, with goalie Carter Esler earning his first career shutout—he allowed only two goals in two games and posted a 1.00 goals-against average.

Mathis Preston scored in each of his first three games as the team leads the U.S. Division in goals while awaiting news on captain Berkly Catton’s return from his assignment with the Kraken.

Sylvia Quinn has run every Bloomsday since it started in 1977 and helped grow the race from 8,000 to over 60,000 runners by adding more safety measures and school programs (she is set to run her 50th race in May) even after doctors warned her against running due to health issues.

Will Evans Live Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Knitting Factory — Tickets available — Experience a unique fusion of folk and roots music with Will Evans and his eclectic performance style.

Demetri Martin Live

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Bing Crosby Theater — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with acclaimed standup comedian Demetri Martin.

Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Lexington SC Women's Soccer Match

6-9 p.m. — One Spokane Stadium — Tickets starting at $148 — Watch an exciting women's soccer match featuring local talent.

Spokane Symphony: Masterworks 2 - Landscapes

3-4:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Ticket info available — Experience a musical journey through iconic landscapes with timeless works by Debussy, Rautavaara, and Grieg.

Rachel Bradley: Beauty for Ashes

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience heartfelt laughter and storytelling from one of comedy's most original voices.

The Motet Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The District Bar — Tickets available — Experience the infectious grooves of the legendary funk band The Motet.

Matt Maeson Live in Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Knitting Factory — Tickets available — Experience the emotional and relatable music of Matt Maeson, a master of alternative anthems.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — First Interstate Center for the Arts — Price varies — Experience the captivating tribute to Fleetwood Mac performed by one of the world’s most respected tribute acts.

Dual Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Spokane Washington Trust — From $2,134.92 — Elevate your skills and drive change with dual certifications in Lean Six Sigma.

James McCann Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Australian comedian James McCann.