Good morning, Spokane.

Catholic Charities plans to expand its Catalyst Project (adding 118 rooms) in West Hills, a conceptual plan that has raised local opposition over possible changes in homeless services.

The project remains tentative after discussions with West Hills Neighborhood Council earlier this spring, and residents learned of it through social media.

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced over $680K in Child Care Partnership Grants to 13 organizations, with Spokane’s Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation receiving $70K to expand local child care services.

Toyland in the General Store stocked holiday toys early in spring to dodge tariff hikes and saw sales jump 75 percent this season; the store will raise prices moderately for 2026 + local products held steady.

First Friday returns to downtown Spokane today — a local celebration with art, music, and retail events across participating venues.

Restaurants and stores will host exclusive activities and product launches for the community.

Gonzaga Magazine's Winter 2025 issue revisits the 75th anniversary of the 1950 collegiate boxing title won by Coach Joey August with boxers Carl Maxey, Eli Thomas and Jim Reilly — the feature details their athletic triumph and lasting community impact.

Irma Almond, a lifelong Spokane resident and former mall Santa photographer, sat on Santa's lap on Thursday at Northtown Mall, marking a new annual tradition.

The 101½-year-old stays active and cherishes time with her large family.

Thayne McCulloh and Ana Mari Cauce received the Spokane University District 2025 Impact Award on Dec.

4 for their leadership in creating the UW-GU Health Partnership, which boosts medical education + expands local health sciences opportunities.

Jenny Slagle was unanimously appointed as the new president of Spokane Public Schools Board on Wednesday, Dec.

3 and is the first Indigenous woman to lead the board. She plans to build stronger ties with local tribes to support native students and families.

A briefing on Thursday revealed that Washington schools are partnering with Microsoft to integrate AI, as OSPI introduced three guidelines for safe use + Microsoft will offer its Co-Pilot tool to every student and train 2,000 teachers, with consulting grants available for select districts and colleges.

Spokane Public Schools board approved plans to replace Adams Elementary (Camp Adams) with a new school in a year and a half after students finish the semester, and they also voted to purchase a state-funded bus fleet to take over transportation from Zum School Services after 2028.

Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti announced on Thursday that he will introduce a bill requiring financial education for high school graduation to close gaps in personal finance classes.

Spokane public schools, where Lewis and Clark High School offers a dedicated course, say changes may require adjusting schedules (according to officials).

Medical Lake High School hosted a tribute basketball game last Thursday to honor terminally ill senior Owen Pitts, who started in the varsity lineup and received an honorary diploma (fulfilling his final high school milestones); he will attend a Chiefs game Sunday with his family.

Spokane County Superior Court’s Guardianship Monitoring Program celebrated 25 years of overseeing over 2,200 guardianship cases for vulnerable residents.

The initiative, which offers training to nonprofessional guardians (and operates with five volunteers), now faces staffing challenges.

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.

Accounting Assistance

5-6 p.m. — Latinos En Spokane — Free service — First-come, first-served accounting help for individuals, families, or businesses.

Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Tickets available — Experience the humor of Emmy-winning journalist and comedian Charlie Berens, creator of The Manitowoc Minute.

Adam Ray Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Tickets vary at the door — Enjoy a night of laughter with seasoned comedian Adam Ray's dynamic performance.

Youth Self-Care Summit 2025

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — The Hive, Spokane Public Library — Free — Engage in self-care workshops and enjoy a keynote while making connections with peers.

Michael Longfellow Live

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — General Admission $123-$1,756 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Michael Longfellow at one of Spokane's top comedy venues.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Gonzaga Bulldogs Women's Basketball

6-8 p.m. — McCarthey Athletic Center — Tickets start at $4.73 — Catch the action as the top teams battle on the court in Spokane's vibrant hoops culture.

Tom Arnold Live Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Tom Arnold.

Cactus Tate Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of bold humor and insight with rising star Cactus Tate.