Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Saturday, April 19th, 2025.
We are kicking off the weekend with a roundup of what is happening in and around Spokane today. In the news, there is a developing story out of Spokane Valley as a man is suing the city after a recent incident where he was pulled from his car and hogtied in what authorities are calling a mix-up. The case is already sparking conversations about policing in the Valley and community oversight, so expect updates in the coming days as the legal process gets underway. Meanwhile, on the public safety front, the City of Spokane and Catholic Charities have partnered to dedicate more shelter beds specifically for transports by first responders. This move aims to get people in crisis off the streets and into safe spaces faster, particularly as the city contends with ongoing concerns about homelessness and public health.
The opioid crisis remains top of mind, with both Spokane County and city leaders meeting this week to coordinate a more unified response. Officials continue to describe the situation as a crisis, and today’s discussions focus on how to better help those struggling with addiction while maintaining the safety and well-being of the wider community.
In education and culture, budding jazz musicians are heading south to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho. This festival is a regional highlight each spring, providing young artists from Spokane the chance to showcase their talents and learn from some of the best in the business.
For those looking for something to do today, there are plenty of options to enjoy Spokane’s springtime spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the clear weather by hiking the trails of Riverside State Park or strolling through the blossoming Manito Park gardens. Over at the Garland Theater, families can catch the latest releases, but moviegoers are reminded to keep it civil following reports of rowdy viral challenges disrupting recent screenings.
If you are interested in local sports, keep an eye out for updates from the Spokane Chiefs, as captain Berkly Catton continues to make headlines with his impressive play and leadership. And in nearby Othello, city planners are laying the groundwork for the community’s future by converting former farmland into a new water treatment facility to support the area’s rapid growth.
Finally, a heartfelt happy birthday goes out to local engineer Jim Peterson, who turned 101 this week after a storied career ushering the U.S. Navy into the nuclear age. He says he has so much to be thankful for, and his perspective is a reminder to all of us to appreciate the contributions and wisdom of our older neighbors.
That wraps up our Spokane Local Frequency for today. Whether you are enjoying local jazz, exploring the outdoors, or staying up to date with city news, we hope you make the most of your Saturday. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
