Good morning, Spokane Valley.

John Minor, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of child rape and molestation in Spokane County Court and was sentenced to 120 months to life in prison with community custody periods (following his extradition from the Philippines), with a no-contact order issued for the victim.

A man accused of starting six fires around Spokane this week remains in jail as a judge raised concerns about his mental capacity and public safety—police said the fires targeted an electric vehicle charging station near Washington State University, My Fresh Basket in Kendall Yards and a home near Third Avenue and Spokane Street.

A Spokane driver was arrested on Thursday after deputies saw his black Ford Focus with expired plates at a green light on North Division Street and East Hastings Road and chased him when he refused to stop — he swerved erratically, hit a patrol car and admitted to drinking before driving.

Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a driver on Thursday after a chase began when a black Ford Focus with expired plates did not stop at a green light on North Division Street (causing erratic lane changes and a minor collision) and a strong smell of alcohol was detected as officers took him into custody, leading to DUI and eluding charges.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a black Ford Focus driven by 27-year-old Davidson C.

Baker on July 10 at 12:45 a.m., and when Baker made erratic lane changes instead of stopping for expired plates and distracted driving, deputies pinned the vehicle between their patrol cars—taking him into custody and later charging him with DUI and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement—without further incident.

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council will spend over $40 million in federal funds on 21 transportation projects across Spokane County that begin in 2027.

The projects include $5 million for the Sullivan/Trent interchange in Spokane Valley — $2.1 million for upgrading Division Street and $5 million for improvements along US 2, with $8.6 million set aside for local road preservation.

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.

Spokane Scottish Highland Games

2:00 – 10:30 AM — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Check event website for entry fees — Celebrate Scottish culture with music, athletics, and dance.