Good morning, Spokane.

Spokane's annual Christmas light display at Manito Park is canceled this year due to limited resources, environmental concerns, and staffing challenges—Friends of Manito are now focusing on park improvements and a sustainable event format for next year.

Other holiday events will continue at Riverfront and Corbin Park.

Mark Peterson and the 4 News Now Extreme team unveiled the results of a week-long renovation at Parasport Spokane on Thursday—transforming the former library at the old Mountain View Middle School into a rec room for athletes and their families at the nonprofit.

The upgrade is expected to boost training and recreation opportunities for youth and adults with physical disabilities in Spokane.

Hidden Bagel & The Scoop on the South Hill is offering 200 free dinners every Thursday in November from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., or until sold out.

The first dinner, a spaghetti meal available for walk-ins and by reservation on November 6, was provided to support Spokane community members.

One week after the Safe and Accessible Spaces Ordinance took effect, First Avenue Coffee owner Doyle Wheeler said he saw fewer people on the street + more customers inside his shop.

Spokane Business Association CEO Gavin Cooley and local police reported that efforts are moving individuals into services + helping downtown become cleaner and more vibrant.

At the 2026 Economic Forecast, three economists warned that potential Medicaid and SNAP cuts could hurt Spokane hiring — high home prices and few affordable housing options are keeping many families from moving up.

They added that modest national income and spending growth did not prompt local businesses to hire more workers.

Spokane voters have shown 61% approval for the school bond with 25,938 votes in favor and 16,755 opposed while about 24,000 ballots remain to be counted—if the measure passes, it will fund $200 million in renovations for 66 schools and support a new trades program, with repayment spread over 21 years. The bond is part of the Together Spokane initiative to improve aging facilities and bolster student opportunities.

Spokane travelers may face flight delays today as major hubs like Seattle and Portland plan a 10% reduction in flights due to government shutdown concerns; Spokane International officials say local flights are not directly affected and advise passengers with connections to check their airline updates.

Spokane International Airport remains unaffected by a federal order that will cut about 10% of flights at 40 other airports starting tomorrow — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said staffing shortages from the shutdown have led to many cancellations and delays — and travelers should use airline apps for updates.

Mary Ann Wilson, the Spokane fitness TV host who started the program Sit and Be Fit, died Wednesday at age 87.

Her show, which helped seniors and others exercise using a chair—made a lasting impact on viewers and promoted health for all.

Eastern Washington defensive end Tariq May will play his first game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula on Saturday—he has not played there before.

Coach Aaron Best said the team must be tough to reverse a long losing streak in Montana.

Today, the CougsFirst show begins at Spokane Convention Center at 3 p.m. when new WSU president Betsy Cantwell gives a keynote speech in an interview with KXLY’s Derek Deis; the event—featuring networking opportunities, a kids carnival, Santa Butch photos and a happy hour—will draw Cougar alumni as the university prepares for the new Pac-12 conference next fall.

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.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — First Interstate Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting story of the Nutcracker in this festive ballet perfect for all ages.

Stanford Cardinal vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Women's Basketball

1-4 p.m. — McCarthey Athletic Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting women's basketball showdown between two top teams.

JoJo Concert

8-11:30 p.m. — Knitting Factory — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of soulful music from JoJo as she performs her hits live.

D.L. Hughley Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with one of the most recognized stand-up comedians in America.

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Bing Crosby Theater — Tickets available — Enjoy a heartwarming holiday concert featuring festive classics and Jim Brickman's biggest hits.