Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Thursday, May twenty-ninth.
We are kicking off today with a lively pulse around Spokane’s higher education scene. Fresh faces are taking the helm at several local universities and colleges, bringing renewed energy to campus programs and signaling a season of new beginnings for students and staff. If you are part of the campus community or thinking about taking a class this summer, it is a good time to check out course offerings and upcoming campus events, which are sure to be buzzing with these changes.
In city news, Spokane continues to make strides on housing and homelessness. The city’s H.O.M.E. Starts Here Initiative is rolling out new strategies aimed at reducing housing instability. Local leaders are working on plans for collaborative support, so residents experiencing hardship can connect to resources more easily. If you or someone you know needs help, keep an eye out for pop-up information sessions coming to various neighborhoods throughout June.
On the legislative front, Spokane recently secured key funding from the state for projects that will benefit our parks, public safety, and community services. The City Council has also been active, passing a new ordinance to bolster protections for the LGBTQIA2S plus community, showing Spokane’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion. In public safety news, a significant rescue operation in northeast Spokane this week ended with two individuals safely rescued and a suspect in custody, a testament to the quick response and coordination of our local emergency teams.
Wildfire season is fast approaching, and neighborhood leaders, in partnership with the city, have just finished a large-scale evacuation drill. These efforts are part of a growing focus on disaster preparedness, so expect to see more community drills and resources to help you and your family stay safe as summer heats up.
Looking for things to do? The Scholastic Fantastic festival is underway, celebrating education, arts, and community all week. Check out local venues hosting talks, performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. Farmers markets are in full swing, from South Perry to Kendall Yards, offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and plenty of Spokane spirit. Tonight, Riverfront Park is the place to be, with live music and food trucks rolling in for the first in a series of summer concerts. Bring a blanket, grab some friends, and soak in the late spring sunset by the river.
Finally, a quick heads-up for drivers: crews are starting street maintenance work in several residential neighborhoods, so watch for detours or slowdowns, especially during morning and evening commutes.
That’s your Thursday snapshot. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.