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Spokane will host the 2025 Guns N Hoses Game and Family Fest from April 24 to May 10, featuring local firefighters and police officers. The event aims to promote community spirit and family fun through ice hockey and various activities.
Pope Francis will visit Spokane, Washington, on April 24, 2025, for a significant event honoring local first responders. The event, which includes sports and cultural activities, will take place from 3 PM to midnight local time. This visit marks a notable occasion for the community, emphasizing the contributions of police officers and firefighters.
Spokane's John A. Finch Arboretum will host a free Arbor Day celebration from April 23 to April 26, 2025. The event features activities focused on environmental awareness and waste reduction, supported by local organizations such as Bartlett Tree Experts and the Disc Golf Association. Attendees can expect a range of fun activities and educational opportunities centered around Arbor Day.
Spokane City Council passed a "Ban the Address" fair chance hiring ordinance, voting 6-1 to enhance job opportunities for applicants without a permanent address. The ordinance aims to reduce discrimination against houseless individuals in employment applications. It will take effect 30 days after the Mayor's approval.
Spokane Parks & Recreation and Spokane Public Schools propose expanding the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex to nearly double its size, adding six new rectangular fields if voters approve upcoming funding measures. Currently, only two all-weather fields serve eight teams daily, limiting community access to recreational activities. The expansion aims to enhance local sports opportunities and retain regional tournaments, creating economic benefits for families.
Spokane students aged 18 and under can submit designs for a wastewater access cover in a citywide contest. The winning design will be cast into a cover, placed near the artist's home, and the artist will receive $100 and public recognition. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2025.
Spokane City Council Members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart criticized the Washington State Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 1, stating it undermines the democratic will of Spokane's voters. They emphasized the importance of community safety and pledged to introduce new legislation to protect public spaces. The council members urged residents to voice their support for safe neighborhoods and clean parks.
The City of Spokane has collaborated with Catholic Charities Eastern Washington to reserve emergency shelter beds specifically for first responders assisting unhoused individuals. This initiative enhances the city's approach to homelessness by providing immediate shelter options, thereby improving public safety and compassionate care. Mayor Lisa Brown and other officials emphasize the importance of this partnership in addressing urgent community needs.
Mayor Lisa Brown issued a statement following the Washington Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 1, affirming the legality of the City of Spokane's camping ordinance. The Mayor emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address homelessness beyond enforcement, including increased housing supply and support services. The City is actively deploying opioid settlement funds to enhance local resources for addressing these issues.
The article announces free Arbor Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. Organized by local environmental groups and city officials, the event aims to celebrate tree planting and environmental stewardship. It underscores Spokane’s recognition as a Tree City USA and highlights the involvement of various organizations, including the Bartlett Tree Experts and the Washington State Department of Ecology.