Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Hoopfest 2025 will take place this weekend in Spokane where 4,730 teams are set to compete on 422 courts and 250,000 visitors are expected downtown as 45 blocks close, event officials said.

Organizers announced more out-of-town teams and extra Friday events aimed at boosting local business — with special parking, transit options, and increased police patrols to enhance safety.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 responded to a house fire on the 12200 block of East 38th Avenue at about 9:30 p.m. June 26th that spread from the deck to the attic—though the house was unoccupied and no one was injured—and caused about $109,000 in damage as the cause remains under investigation.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to an unoccupied house fire at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 12200 block of East 38th Avenue that caused $109,000 in damage—no injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

Ali Abbas, a 21-year-old Spokane father, is fighting for his life after he was hit and dragged several blocks by a 19-year-old impaired driver at the intersection of Washington and Maxwell—he has spent three weeks in the hospital with severe injuries including a broken leg and burns—and police report the driver also struck another vehicle, critically injuring its driver.

Spokane Riverkeeper collected water samples with Waterkeeper Alliance and found PFAS levels 5000% higher near biosolid application sites on the Spokane River, including at Riverfront Park Water Reclamation Facility.

They urged state and federal officials to boost testing and treatment + protect aquatic life and public health.

Spokane Riverkeeper reported that PFAS levels at biosolid land application sites near Riverfront Park Water Reclamation Facility were 5000% higher than upstream levels.

The nonprofit urged state officials to pause biosolid use—citing the link between these forever chemicals and harm to aquatic life and human health.

Latinos en Spokane is hosting a week-long Mexican consulate event near downtown to let Eastern Washington residents get documents like passports, voter registrations and matrículas, key for family planning amid rising deportation concerns.

The consulate, normally in Seattle, is serving walk-ins today until the end of the day — appointments through the agency’s website are encouraged.

Spokane faces a major change in its 911 system as the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications will end services by January 2026, leaving the city to take over dispatch operations.

City officials including Mayor Brown (who calls for a detailed plan and secured funding) say the transition must be carefully planned to avoid lapses in emergency response.

More than 100 elite teams will take part in Hoopfest this weekend, with games on Saturday morning and championship contests on Sunday afternoon held downtown at the Gesa Credit Union Pavilion.

Hub Northwest returns with the same four members from its record six title run and aims for a seventh straight title — a landmark achievement for the streetball tournament.

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.