Good morning, Spokane.

Spokane drivers received winter driving tips at Les Schwab as Carol Anderson explained that icy, shaded roads call for studded tires while SUVs or smaller cars need nonstudded options for better grip.

The store accepts walk-ins until snow arrives—so drivers should call ahead to secure an appointment.

Spokane's New America Skate Ribbon will reopen this weekend with hours of 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and update to 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays—tickets cost $11 for adults, $8 for kids 3 to 12, and free for those 2 and under. Riverfront Park will host the New America tree lighting event on November 29—marking the start of downtown's holiday season.

Spokane’s arts scene is set for a busy weekend as Lake City Playhouse’s production of Little Women opens Friday and runs through Dec.

7 while Spokane Tribe Casino hosts the Native American Comedy Jam at 8 p.m. and nYne Bar and Bistro stages a fundraiser concert at 7 p.m. Standup comedian Leslie Jones — fresh from her new special — will perform her new show at the Bing Crosby Theater on Saturday.

KXLY+ is streaming a special tonight at 7 p.m. that reviews how Ice Storm '96 knocked out power for weeks and tested Spokane's resilience 29 years ago.

The special shows the damage and recovery efforts from that harsh event.

On October 30, Gonzaga University’s Interim Dean Jennifer Shepherd and electrical engineering student Cooper Krossa attended the inaugural Energy Solutions Summit where Governor Bob Ferguson and Avista’s CEO discussed plans to meet rising power needs.

Krossa said his experience inspired a sharper focus on power systems—calling energy an essential part of modern life.

Spokane public schools finished their first round of lead testing and found 260 sinks and water fountains with levels above five parts per billion — all drinking fountains with high lead readings have been turned off for safety.

Spokane Public Schools saw voter support drop for school funding when a $200 million bond in February fell short of the 60% vote, pushing the district to take a more strategic approach.

The district later partnered with Spokane Parks in the Together Spokane plan (a $240 million proposal) that passed on a November ballot by a narrow margin and will fund over 200 school projects.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will hold community meetings on the North Spokane Corridor project at Frances Scott Elementary at 4:30 p.m. today + more sessions will be scheduled monthly through April to discuss improvements around the Interstate 90 corridor.

The Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees has proposed a 15% increase in the general fund to keep branch hours, staff, and services intact after a 5% funding cut for next year—if City Council does not approve the proposal by year-end, the library will reduce resources and programs by 2027. Library leaders stress that without these funds, many essential services will be scaled back.

A new report from Washington State University shows that plastic bags dropped 50% between 2021 and 2022, but overall plastic use increased by 17% because thicker bags are not reused enough.

The eight-cent fee on reusable bags (which will increase to 12 cents on January 1) does not cover retailers' costs, prompting lawmakers to consider updates to Washington's bag policy.

Idaho, Washington and Oregon reported infant botulism cases linked to a recalled ByHeart baby formula product — Ada County had one case on November 19 while Washington and Oregon reported additional cases.

Health officials urged parents to stop using the formula and seek care if their baby shows signs of illness.

Cancer patients traveling to Spokane for treatment will soon have a dedicated 20-unit housing facility near Kendall Yards thanks to a three-year fundraising effort by Cancer Can't— the project met its $6 million goal with a $750,000 donation from the Genova Foundation but still needs about $1 million to complete. The nonprofit expects to break ground on the Genova House in March and aims to lessen the travel burden for patients.

Childhood friends and teammates Jared Taylor and Malik Dotson ended their season with challenges as Taylor suffered a concussion and switched to a new role while Dotson, who played with a broken foot, plans to appeal for a medical redshirt next season (their Senior Day at Roos Field marked their final play together). Their struggles shaped a bittersweet ending that changed what they had dreamed for in college football.

Gonzaga added German combo guard Jack Kayil to its recruiting class on Wednesday, completing the binding signings of all three committed players.

The six-foot-five talent from Berlin (a four-star prospect now playing for Alba Berlin) has kept his options open for the 2026 NBA Draft.

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.

Thanksgiving Eve Comedy Showcase with Ryan McComb

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with family and friends before Thanksgiving dinner.

Gabriel Rutledge Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with acclaimed comedian Gabriel Rutledge.

Japanese Winter Painting Class

6:30 - 8:30 PM — Pinot's Palette — $34 - $46 — Embrace the Zen moment with a soothing painting experience while enjoying a drink.

The Nutcracker Ballet

7:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Ticket information available — Experience Spokane's beloved holiday tradition with live music and over 90 local dancers.

Comedy Night with Paula Poundstone

7:30-9 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater — Tickets available — Experience the legendary humor of Paula Poundstone live on stage.

The Nutcracker

3:00 – 4:30 PM — The Fox Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's timeless score brought to life by local dancers in a festive holiday tradition.

The Nutcracker

3:00 – 4:30 PM — The Fox Theater — Cost Info — Experience Spokane’s cherished holiday ballet with local dancers and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music.