Good morning, Spokane Valley.

On June 24th, 2025, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a burglary in progress near 5th Avenue and S.

McKinnon Road where 31-year-old Guillermo Gutierres-Ortiz climbed onto the roof, resisted arrest by biting one deputy and kicking another, and caused over $6,500 in damages before being booked on multiple charges.

The West Valley School Board voted on Wednesday morning to not renew Spanish teacher Matthew Mastronardi's contract for next school year after he used the n-word while reading from a literary passage.

The board said he did not allow students to opt out and noted concerns with curriculum and software issues as reasons for the decision.

At Wednesday morning’s hearing, the West Valley School Board voted not to renew Spanish teacher Matthew Mastronardi’s contract after he read a passage from To Kill a Mockingbird that included the n-word — board members said his teaching method, which did not let students skip the passage, along with other issues, led to the decision.

The Washington State Patrol warns drivers to expect road closures and longer travel times for Hoopfest this weekend on I-90, U.S. Highway 2, Highway 195, and U.S. Highway 395—officials are increasing patrols with local law enforcement to spot speeding and impaired drivers.

Travelers are advised to allow extra time when entering and leaving the downtown area.

Washington state labor officials warned that proposed NIOSH cuts may reduce key worker safety research and training programs—while a new forecast projects hundreds of millions in revenue shortfall that could strain the state budget.

Outdoor advocates criticized efforts to sell public lands and Spokane Housing Authority announced that a new affordable housing project with 240 units and a planned childcare facility has begun in the Valley.

On Tuesday, Medical Examiner Dr. Veena Singh reported that overdose deaths in Spokane County have risen to record highs in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing rates in Seattle per capita.

Community Health Program Manager Josh Pierce stressed that households must keep Narcan on hand (most overdoses happen at home) as community groups join forces to curb the crisis.

EJ Andrews Jr. hit a two-run homer and added key RBIs as the Spokane Indians beat the Hillsboro Hops 8-1 at Ron Tonkin Field on Wednesday—helping the team outscore Hillsboro 18-4 over the past two games.

The six-game series will continue Thursday at 6:35 p.m. with another contest scheduled.

Eugene Emeralds vs. Spokane Indians

1-4 p.m. — Avista Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting baseball matchup between the Eugene Emeralds and Spokane Indians live.

Spokane Indians vs. Eugene Emeralds

1:05-2:35 p.m. — Avista Stadium — Tickets from $36 — Catch the action in this local baseball showdown between the Spokane Indians and Eugene Emeralds.

CRAVE! Northwest Food Festival

6-9 p.m. — CenterPlace Regional Event Center — Admission varies — Celebrate the culinary creativity of regional chefs at this three-day food extravaganza.