Good morning, Spokane.

Spokane seniors Donna and Ernie Gerken, who have lived in a shelter after their eviction, will move into family-provided housing in January as rising rents forced them from their longtime home + their relocation is set to bring stability amid health and mobility challenges.

In Elk, many residents are spending their third Christmas without permanent homes nearly three years after the Oregon Road Fire; the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group is working to expand services with a $44 million HUD grant + county funding, with a decision due next month.

DJI, a leading drone maker, may see U.S. sales halted because its security audit has not begun ahead of the Dec.

23 deadline. Spokane aerial photographer Andrew Thompson is concerned the delay could impact his business.

The Journal of Business has selected 25 local decision-makers for the 2026 People of Influence awards, honoring influential community leaders who enhance quality of life.

They will be recognized at an in-person event on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Spokane Convention Center.

Netflix announced Thursday it will develop a new series based on Spokane author Jess Walter's novel 'So Far Gone.' The adaptation led by Mark Bomback (noted for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and 'Defending Jacob') will see Walter serve as executive producer with Tomorrow Studios involved.

Students at Adams Elementary—Spokane's oldest school—will move temporarily to Jefferson Elementary in January after voters approved a replacement last November; groundbreaking for the new building is set for March.

This fall, Gonzaga University launched a pilot program in Inclusive Education to equip Catholic school teachers with practical tools for special learners (14-week course) in a partnership with the Diocese and Nazareth Guild.

Heavy water flow over the past week raised the Spokane River to spring runoff levels — draining mountain water reserves, experts said.

Basin snowpack measured 44% of normal, but winter snowfall may restore water levels if temperatures drop soon.

Spokane County crews have cleaned windstorm debris and now invite residents to drop off trimmed material at transfer stations at 22123 N Elk-Chattaroy, 3941 N Sullivan or the Waste to Energy Facility.

Stations are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., charging $66.55 per ton and $3 per car.

Local utilities continued restoring power after Wednesday's windstorm as high winds overnight caused new outages, reducing numbers from over 100,000 at peak to about 12,000 by early Friday.

As e-bikes become popular during the holiday season, local experts warn parents in Spokane to research before purchase because injury data and ordinance warnings highlight serious risks - shops like The Bike Hub stress understanding e-bike limits.

On Thursday, high school basketball games in the GSL featured strong play as Ridgeline's girls, led by Crowley's 22 points, defeated Bartlett at Wasilla HS in Alaska while returning Dylynn Groves helped Gonzaga Prep boys beat Post Falls in his first game back in six months.

The 46-year-old county firefighter, Steve Bailey, surfed a rare winter wave at Corbin Park in Post Falls Tuesday after the Spokane River reached more than 20,000 cubic feet per second.

The high flows, which usually peak in spring, attracted thrill-seekers amid cold, windy, rain-soaked conditions.

Geoffrey Asmus Live Stand-Up Comedy

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Geoffrey Asmus, who is known for his unique storytelling and engaging performances.

Nothing Shameful Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience an unforgettable music event in Spokane, WA.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — $36.22 — Experience the enchanting music of The Beatles in a unique candlelit concert setting.

Pepperdine Waves vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Women's Basketball

6-8 p.m. — McCarthey Athletic Center — Tickets required — West Coast rivals clash as Pepperdine travels to face Gonzaga in an exciting basketball showdown.

Sarah Colonna - Live Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with standup comedian Sarah Colonna as she brings her recent TV and book success to the stage.

Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball

8:30 p.m. — Gonzaga University — Tickets available — A thrilling West Coast rivalry as #8 Gonzaga takes on Santa Clara.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 50th Anniversary Tour

7-9 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate 50 years of mountain films featuring breathtaking expeditions and inspiring stories of adventure.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi's Four Seasons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's Four Seasons illuminated by candlelight.

Wine Wednesday Dinner Series

5-8 p.m. — Nectar Catering and Events — Varies by session — Savor a three-course meal with wine pairings exploring culinary elements at this popular dining series.

Spokane User Experience Meetup

6-9 p.m. — The Onion Bar & Grill Downtown Spokane — Free entry — Connect with fellow UX enthusiasts and share insights in a fun, inclusive environment.