Good morning, Spokane.

A student brought a BB gun to Shaw Middle School on Wednesday, prompting a lockdown at 9 a.m.—police responded quickly and later confirmed that the toy weapon posed no threat.

Spokane Public Schools will continue to serve free breakfast and lunch to students despite the federal shutdown—district officials assured families that child nutrition services remain funded, and OSPI confirmed reimbursements will cover meal programs through the end of the calendar year.

Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti said lawmakers are working to require a financial literacy course for high school graduation to help students learn money management skills.

He expects the bill to be advanced in the 2026 session—adding the course as part of the FutureReady initiative as the state updates graduation standards.

Clean air officials in Spokane County announced the end of a 20-year maintenance period showing air quality now meets federal standards for carbon monoxide and PM10 nearly every day, with the only exceptions during wildfire season.

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency said improvements from better vehicle technology and cleaning practices drove this turnaround—although work remains to reduce PM2.5 levels.

Washington will raise the Paid Family & Medical Leave premium rate from 0.92% to *1.13%* starting *January 1* with employers paying 28.57% and employees covering 71.43% of the cost.

Over 218000 workers have claimed benefits this year totaling more than 1.76 billion dollars.

The federal government will pause SNAP funding from Saturday, affecting 40 million Americans including 83,000 in Spokane County—private businesses are stepping in to help provide food for those in need.

Washington state's Paid Family & Medical Leave program—key to helping workers—will raise its premium rate from 0.92% to 1.13% starting January 1, 2026, and more than 218,000 workers claimed benefits worth over $1.76 billion in 2025 with employers paying 28.57% and workers paying 71.43%.

Lime is continuing the City of Spokane’s shared mobility program WheelShare through winter to support safe short trips and reduce road wear.

The company will remove bikes and scooters before snowy or icy weather and will reintroduce them when conditions are safe (it recorded over 500,000 trips so far).

A Spokane County resident in their 70s with underlying conditions died earlier this week from influenza—marking the county’s first flu death this season as a total of seven people are currently hospitalized.

Ferris High School opened a new CHAS Health center on campus this week to give students easier access to mental health services — the clinic offers checkups, therapy, and support without needing to leave class.

Owen Martin scored a game-winning goal in overtime—his second this season—to help the Spokane Chiefs edge the visiting Saskatoon Blades 2-1 at the Arena.

Linus Vieillard made 29 saves and held off the Blades in a tight defensive contest.

Mead’s new coach Karrie Delp is getting the volleyball team ready for next week’s district tournament — she works closely with returning seniors and promising freshmen following a Tuesday night win.

Delp replaced longtime coach Shawn Wilson and believes strong leadership will keep the team’s winning tradition alive.

WSU's defensive line continues to perform strongly despite key injuries, as season-ending starter Max Baloun + several others have missed games, pushing Jack Janikowski to earn his first sack last weekend and boost morale.

Coach Jimmy Rogers credits the planned rotation system + a strong team culture for keeping the defense effective as the team readies its upcoming game.

Fright Night 4 Comedy Showcase

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Yard Bird Tavern — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of family-friendly laughter with killer jokes and costume contests.

The Oh Hellos - Yours Truly

7-9 p.m. — Knitting Factory — Cost info not specified — Enjoy an evening filled with the enchanting sounds of The Oh Hellos.

Rodney Norman Live Comedy Show

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Experience the hilarious and unconventional humor of Rodney Norman.

Kadabra Live at The Big Dipper

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Ticket details pending — Experience the magic of Kadabra live in Spokane.

GHENGAR: Surrounded Tour - Spokane

8-9:30 p.m. — Riverside Place — Tickets from $30 — Experience an electrifying performance by GHENGAR live in Spokane.

Children Of The Sun Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music with Children Of The Sun as they perform their engaging tunes.

Darko Butorac Conducts Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony

3-4:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Ticket required — Experience a powerful performance featuring Prokofiev's Symphony and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with conductor Darko Butorac and violinist Karisa Chiu.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Creighton Bluejays

7-9 p.m. — Gonzaga University — Watch live college basketball action — Don't miss this thrilling game between two competitive teams.

Stand-Up Comedy with Melissa Villaseñor

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the first Latina 'SNL' cast member showcasing her comedic talents.

World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — First Interstate Center for the Arts — $50.00 - $120.00 — Experience the glitz and tragedy of Gatsby's world brought to life through ballet.