Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Let’s start with the headlines making waves across Spokane this morning. Nine local activists, including a former Spokane City Council president and the co-executive director of SCAR, were arrested by U.S. Marshals yesterday. The charges stem from a protest that took place on June 11 outside Spokane’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, where demonstrators tried to block agents transporting asylum seekers. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances at the federal courthouse at 3 p.m. today. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called the arrests a politically motivated action and reaffirmed that Spokane remains committed to being a welcoming city for immigrants. The charges include conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, and allegations range from deflating bus tires to physically blocking exits, with the demonstration resulting in the facility being locked down for several hours until police intervened. The indictments have stirred a citywide discussion about protest rights and the role of law enforcement in Spokane’s civic life.

Elsewhere in Spokane, firefighters had their hands full yesterday with not one but two fires in the city. The second fire was sparked by embers carried from the initial hillside blaze, according to officials. The total response required multiple agencies, and while the main fire is under control, the cause of both incidents remains under investigation. Police have identified a person of interest thanks to security footage and are continuing their inquiries. Thankfully, no major injuries have been reported, but it’s a useful reminder to be careful and follow all fire safety guidelines, especially as the dry conditions persist.

Your ballot for the August primary should be in the mail today. Voters in Spokane Valley will soon decide if they want to increase funding for additional law enforcement by raising the local sales tax. It’s a key issue that could shape public safety funding and strategies for years to come, and local officials encourage everyone to be informed and make their voices heard.

There’s a new face at the helm of Gonzaga this week, as President Katia Passerini steps into her role, bringing fresh ideas for higher education at the legendary university. Meanwhile, Cheney’s new public pool is the place to be for summertime fun, with locals hitting the water, climbing walls, and swinging on new amenities just in time for the hottest days of July.

If food is your passion, Crave NW, the three-day food festival, returns this weekend. Expect tastings, chef demonstrations, and a parade of bold flavors from across the region. It’s one of Spokane’s biggest summer events and sure to satisfy any palate.

Sports fans, keep an eye on former Gonzaga stars as Drew Timme and Anton Watson go head-to-head in the NBA Summer League, giving Bulldogs fans plenty to cheer about this week.

That wraps up your morning update. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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