Spokane Daily Local Headlines: ICE-free zones vote, kratom ban, jail fire, freeway funding, Hoopfest
Spokane, WA – March 3, 2026 – Council passed ICE-free zones and a kratom ban; a jail cell fire was contained; Hoopfest registration opened Monday.
Top local headlines
City Council approves ‘ICE-free zones’ on most public property, and passes kratom ban
Spokane City Council voted Monday night to restrict immigration enforcement actions on most city-owned or city-controlled property unless agents have a judicial warrant. In a separate vote the same night, councilmembers approved a ban on the sale and advertising of kratom in the city. Both measures passed with one dissenting vote, after a meeting that drew emotional public comment from residents and business owners.
Supporters argued the immigration measure sets clearer boundaries on city property and adds protections against unlawful detention. Opponents said it could complicate cooperation with federal authorities. On kratom, families described addiction and overdose concerns, while some retailers urged regulation instead of a full ban.
Fire contained in Spokane County Jail cell; one treated for smoke inhalation
Firefighters were called to the Spokane County Jail after a fire was reported inside a cell. Jail staff had already put the flames out before crews arrived, and one person was treated for minor smoke inhalation. Crews then ventilated the building and worked to make sure the area was safe.
North/South Freeway funding remains a centerpiece in Olympia transportation talks
In Olympia, lawmakers advanced supplemental transportation budget proposals that continue funding for Spokane’s North/South Freeway (the North Spokane Corridor). The plan highlighted long-term spending to keep the multi-year corridor build moving, alongside other regional projects tied to I-90 and nearby interchanges.
Hoopfest 2026 registration opens for late-June tournament
Registration is now open for Hoopfest 2026, with the tournament set for June 27–28 across downtown streets. Organizers said divisions range from youth and high school to adult, elite, and adaptive categories, with several divisions offered at no cost. Sign-up deadlines fall in mid-May, and volunteer slots are also opening up.
Sources
- https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-city-council-votes-on-ice-free-zones-and-kratom-ban/article_8cd777a6-6624-4b00-8f88-c58800ee0cd3.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/spokane-council-limits-ice-actions-045900091.html
- https://www.fox28spokane.com/fire-contained-in-spokane-county-jail-cell-one-person-treated-for-smoke-inhalation/
- https://www.khq.com/legislature/proposed-transportation-budgets-keep-spokanes-north-south-freeway-on-track/article_c4ee8157-c2d6-4444-bb46-dc80b5440818.html
- https://www.khq.com/news/registration-officially-opens-for-hoopfest-2026/article_050772be-6771-4cf4-a9d6-1d35fc9f64d8.html