Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Saturday, April 25.

Kick off your weekend with some vital local action right here in Spokane. Today, the Latah over Hangman neighborhood is hosting a voluntary wildfire evacuation drill this morning, keeping the exact time under wraps to mimic the chaos of a real blaze. Its a smart move as wildfire season looms, helping families practice quick exits and stay safe in our fire-prone hills. Meanwhile, Spokane police nabbed a driver recklessly tearing through streets in a stolen vehicle with a flat tire after a city employee spotted it and dialed 911 yesterday. That arrest underscores how vigilant eyes on our roads keep everyone secure.

Shifting to brighter community wins, the city is eyeing 1.2 million dollars from the West Quadrant Tax Increment Financing district to fund Habitat for Humanity in rehabbing up to seven homes in the West Central neighborhood. This means turning rundown spots into stable, affordable ownership options for families, boosting neighborhood vibes and tackling our housing crunch. Local resident Isaac Harmsen cheers the push for more affordable spots amid rising costs, though hes curious how itll play out on property values. The city council votes on it May 11th, so your voice could shape lasting change.

Politics is heating up too, with Spokane County candidates gearing up to file next week for key seats like sheriff, prosecutor, treasurer, and commissioners in two districts. Incumbent Congressman Michael Baumgartner has his paperwork in for District 5, while Mayor Lisa Brown is already fundraising for reelection. Over in Coeur dAlene, after a tense council deadlock and mayoral drama, they finally picked Greg Jaeger as the new police chief, stabilizing leadership there.

On a somber note, were mourning John D. Black, a Gonzaga grad and Spokane native killed in a car crash during a CIA operation in Mexico last weekend. His story reminds us of the risks our locals take abroad. Federally, five young suspects aged 19 to 21 face charges in a year-long probe into gang weapons trafficking tied to the Indian Pride group, with guns bought legally in Montana fueling four eastern Washington shootings, including a deadly one at the Montgomery Maverick gas station. Sheriff John Knowles says the hunts ongoing, making our streets safer step by step. Also, a California couple nabbed in Liberty Lake faces child murder charges after a 14-year-old girls death, showing no corner of the region is off-limits for justice.

For feel-good vibes, Guardian Angel Academy in Spokane Valley scored 1.6 million in state grants to expand childcare, refurbishing an old Felts Field school to double spots by next summer. Parents juggling work will breathe easier with more quality options amid soaring demand. And its National Arbor Day, so grab your shovel for tree-planting events around town to green up our city.

Whether youre joining the drill, pondering politics, or planting trees, stay connected to what matters here.

This has been Spokane Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Spokane This Week: Fire Drills, Housing Hopes, and Election Season Heats Up